Cabinet pulls and handle depths?

13 years ago

My DH and I were talking about how our old cabinets were really worn out around the cabinets pulls from use over the years. Is there such a thing as a pull that sticks out more than normal so that skin contact won't wear as much on the cabinets. My husband is a mechanic and also would like plenty of grab room when opening the doors/drawers. Are we being too nit picky?

Featured Answer

marthasdream

13 years ago

I ordered one of each from 6 styles. We figured out that my husband and I like the feel of a round smooth pull, that we did not want to touch or rap our fingers or knuckles on handle or drawer and that in order to do this on a curved pull it has to be at least 7 inches long and 1 1/4 inches minimum from the drawer front.

We ordered samples and because we are demoing the kitchen will screw those on the existing drawers to see what we like for the next few weeks. Why not? It either works or it doesn't.

Come to think of it, I should test drive the paint color ;)

Comments (10)

houseful
13 years ago
Well, I appreciate you mentioning this because I am getting ready to find pulls. I don't think you are being too picky, and I will keep this in mind as I shop.
Related Professionals
Citrus Park Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Auburn Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Broadlands Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Elk Grove Village Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Eureka Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Fort Pierce Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Bon Air Cabinets & Cabinetry · Burr Ridge Cabinets & Cabinetry · Citrus Heights Cabinets & Cabinetry · Land O Lakes Cabinets & Cabinetry · North Bay Shore Cabinets & Cabinetry · Brookline Tile and Stone Contractors · Farragut Tile and Stone Contractors · Wyomissing Tile and Stone Contractors · Boise Design-Build Firms
desertsteph
13 years ago
yes! check the PROJECTION listed for the handles. 1.25 is a good amount. I'd settle for 1 1/8 if I had to. nothing less.

my sister's handles have a great projection and are 5" long (128mm). they are great handles! I love them. Her dh is the cook these days and he has big hands that needed the space.

I would not have known there was a difference (option) if it wasn't for her handles. Did I mention I love them? lol!

She thinks I'm nuts tho...

I've ruled out many handles that I did love the looks of because of the projection.

looks, projection and price. those are what I check out!
I've only found maybe 2 that meet all 3 of those!
robinson622
13 years ago
So glad to see others in the same boat with me. This is one of the hardest choices I've had to make for this house. I don't want the pulls to overpower my cabinets. In some of the model kitchens, I find some of the pulls stand out too much & I focus less on the cabinets & more on the hardware. I don't know if it's just me, or if others feel the same way.

I've been trying to decide between a cup pull or a regular pull for days/hours. DH said he didn't care either way. Whatever I wanted was fine. Last night, DH made a decision for me. He said we're doing a regular pull (he cooks much more than I do). Wow! That made things much easier. Even though I was leaning toward them anyway! ;p

I'm going with Amerock Revitalize in Satin Nickel. I was thinking the projection was a bit too much (8"=2 1/8"), but I think that will keep the cabinets from getting scratched up & my little one's dirty fingers from getting all over the white cabinets.
doraville
13 years ago
I had the same concerns when buying pulls. I can't stand my hands either nicking, dirtying, or adding skin oil to my cabs when I use a knob or pull so I looked for a deep pull. If you go to this album (by clicking on the picture) you can see my choice called dog bone pulls. They are kinda retro looking and have lots of depth. I'm not sure whether I got the 96mm or the 128mm, but I originally saw them at home depot and then bought them off the internet.
Kitchen
byronroad
13 years ago
I did a lot of searching for my knobs and pulls as well. I have erosive osteoarthritis in my hands (since early 40's) and it was really important that the knobs have a long stem and the handles have a deep projection so that I wouldn't bang my hands. I went to I don't know how many places to try out the samples. I wound up at Lee Valley which has just the greatest showroom for knobs and pulls and wound up buying the same ones as robinson622 - the knobs for the uppers and the matching handles for the lowers. We've had them for a couple of months and not only are they really quite gorgeous but the are very easy on the hands and no banging the cabinets.
desertsteph
13 years ago
it makes a BIG difference. who knew - all those prev years...

I love going to my sister's and opening her drawers and cab doors. I think I mentioned she thinks I'm nuts...
paulabrady
Original Author
13 years ago
Well desertsteph I'm dying to know..can you share the details of the handles you love so much?
paulabrady
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you all for your input. I am continuing to do research and am leaning towards Amerock Oval knob with a projection of 1 3/4" and a revitalize handle with projection of 1 3/8" or 1 5/8" depending on the length. I guess length is something to consider for allowing finger room as well. Thank you all.
maryl1
13 years ago
I totally agree about the length of the handle and the extension from the cabinet face. I suggest you try to see them in person and test them out before ordering. You need to get a feel for them when opening your cabinets. I loved the look of several different styles when I was working on a my kitchen a few years ago, but it was the actual test of putting my fingers around the handle that gave me the final answer! Hope this helps. Good luck with your final choice!