For a replacement cabinet handle, match the distance between the screw-hole centres first. Overall length tells you how much space the handle occupies on the front; it does not tell you whether the existing holes will line up. Measure both, then check projection, grip space and the supplied fixings before ordering a full set.
The three measurements that matter
Hole centres are measured from the centre of one fixing hole to the centre of the other. A pull can extend beyond these fixing points, so two handles with the same hole centres may have different overall lengths. Conversely, two handles that look similar in a photograph may require different drilling.
Projection is the distance the fitted handle stands away from the door or drawer. It affects finger clearance and whether the handle could meet a neighbouring front, wall or appliance when opened. A handle that fits its holes can still be awkward in a tight corner.
Write each measurement with its name, rather than keeping a single number on your phone. A note reading “128mm hole centres” is much more useful than “128mm handle”. If measuring an installed handle is difficult, photograph the fixing positions and ask your installer to confirm them.
Check more than one door
A kitchen may have several handle sizes, especially where wide drawers and narrow doors sit together. Create a short schedule with the cabinet location, quantity, hole centres and preferred finish. Check older additions separately; matching appearances do not prove matching holes.
Look at the surface around each old handle. Discolouration, impressions or previous repairs may remain visible after a smaller replacement is fitted. Changing to a different fixing pattern can require front repairs, so have a cabinetmaker assess that option before committing to hardware.
Compare a drawing, not just a product name
Explore the handles, knobs and pulls collection by style, then narrow your shortlist using the dimensions for the exact option. Do not assume that a measurement in a title describes hole centres. It could describe the handle section, overall length or another feature.
The D Bar Handle 12mm listing describes a 12mm-thick handle with screws included and several lengths. That 12mm figure is not a replacement-hole specification. Confirm the centre spacing and overall length for the chosen option, along with the screw length required for your front thickness.
Try the grip and opening path
Think about who uses the cabinet and how it is opened. A deep drawer holding cookware may call for a comfortable full-hand grip; a small overhead front has different handling requirements. There is no universal handle size that works best everywhere.
Where possible, review a sample against the actual front before ordering every handle. Check hand clearance, visible proportions and nearby obstacles. On a corner cabinet, assess the whole opening path rather than only the closed position. Include neighbouring appliance handles in that check.
Your replacement-handle checklist
- Count each distinct handle size and location.
- Record hole centres, overall length and projection separately.
- Measure the door or drawer-front thickness.
- Check the existing surface for marks that a new handle might expose.
- Confirm the exact option, finish and fixing details in writing.
- Review a sample or dimensioned drawing before a whole-room order.
When the listing leaves a question open
Never turn a plausible measurement into a drilling assumption. Send a clear front photograph, a photograph of the existing fixing holes and your measurements when you contact Imperial Glass & Timber. Ask for the selected handle's dimensioned drawing and confirmation of the finish if the title, imagery and description differ.
Keeping a simple handle schedule also makes future replacements easier. Save the confirmed product, selected size and room location with your renovation records, so the next purchase begins with a verified specification rather than another round of guesswork.