How to Install New Knobs and Pulls on Bathroom Vanity Drawers

Swapping out bathroom vanity hardware is one of those small moves that shifts the whole look of the room without requiring a contractor or a weekend commitment. New knobs and pulls catch the light differently, feel better in your hand, and telegraph whether your space feels vintage, industrial, modern, or lived-in. The work itself is straightforward—you're essentially replacing bolts and escutcheons—but the details matter. Holes drilled wrong are holes you'll see every morning. Pulls hung crooked announce themselves. This guide walks you through measuring, drilling (if necessary), and fastening hardware so it lands true the first time.

1. Clear the Work Zone. Remove everything from the drawers you're working on. This gives you clear access to the drawer fronts and prevents anything from falling out when you're tilting or rotating the drawer.
2. Know Your Spacing. Pull out the drawer fully and look at how the current knob or pull is mounted. You'll see a bolt, nut, or screw assembly from the rear side of the drawer front. Note the distance between mounting holes if there are two. Most pulls are spaced 3 inches (center to center), but kitchen and bath vanities often use 2.5 inches, 4 inches, or 5 inches—verify your exact measurement.
3. Strip the Old Hardware. Working from inside the drawer, unscrew or unbolt the fastener holding the old knob or pull. You may need a wrench to hold the nut while you turn the bolt, or a screwdriver if it's a machine screw. Remove the knob, pull, and any mounting plate or escutcheon from the front. Clean away any old finish, dust, or adhesive residue from the drawer front.
4. Match Your Hardware Fit. Lay out your new knobs or pulls and verify the mounting hole spacing matches your existing holes. If they're the same, you can reuse the holes. If they're different, you'll need to drill new holes and fill the old ones. Most modern hardware comes with a template or mounting instructions—lay it on the drawer front and check alignment before drilling anything.
5. Mark Before You Drill. If the new hardware requires different hole placement, use a pencil to mark the center points on the drawer front. Measure from the top and side edges of the drawer to ensure the hardware lands centered and symmetrical. For two-hole pulls, mark both points. Use a center punch or awl to make a small divot at each mark—this prevents the drill bit from wandering.
6. Drill Straight and True. If you need new holes, place a scrap block of wood behind the drawer front (inside the drawer) to act as a backer. This prevents wood splinters and blowout on the underside. Using a drill bit slightly smaller than the mounting bolt, drill straight through at each marked point. Apply steady pressure and let the bit do the work—don't force it. Stop as soon as the bit breaks through the back.
7. Erase the Old Holes. If old holes won't be covered by new hardware, fill them with wood filler or paintable caulk. Use a putty knife to force the filler into the hole, overfill slightly, and let it cure per the product instructions. Sand flush once dry. Touch up with a matching paint or stain if necessary.
8. Thread the New Hardware. From the front of the drawer, push the mounting bolt through the hole you've drilled or reused. The bolt should slide through cleanly. If there's a decorative escutcheon or mounting plate, slide it onto the bolt first so it sits flush against the drawer front. Align the knob or pull so it's level and centered.
9. Snug and Secure. Working inside the drawer, thread the nut onto the bolt by hand first. Once hand-tight, use a wrench to snug it down. The knob or pull should sit flush against the drawer front with no rocking or movement. Don't over-tighten—this can crack the drawer front or strip the bolt. Snug is enough.
10. Verify Clear Operation. Close the drawer slowly and check that the knob or pull clears the cabinet frame and aligns visually with the drawer above or below it. Open and close the drawer several times to ensure smooth operation. The hardware shouldn't catch or interfere with the cabinet body.
11. Align Every Single Drawer. If your vanity has multiple drawers, repeat the process for each one. Use the first drawer as a reference for hole spacing and height—measure from the top of each drawer to ensure all hardware aligns at the same distance from the edge. This creates a clean, intentional look.
12. Step Back and Admire. Reload the drawers with the contents you removed earlier. Step back and look at the vanity from arm's length, then close. All knobs and pulls should feel good in your hand, operate smoothly, and look intentional in their placement. Make any final adjustments to tightness if needed.