A Simplified Guide to Understanding Standard Handle Sizes
Jan 17, 2022
At Handle House, we often receive questions about handle sizes, and we understand that finding the right fit can be confusing. To make things easier, we adhere to the Australian Standard handle sizes known as System 32, widely used by Cabinet Makers. Under this system, handles start at 32mm spacing (centre to centre) and increase in increments of 32mm (e.g., 32mm, 64mm, 96mm, and so on). Most handles available in Australia will come in these standard sizes.
Determining Your Handle Size For older kitchens, the most common replacement size we encounter is 96mm, while in more modern kitchens, we see a lot of handles with a 160mm centre-to-centre spacing. As a general rule, longer handles tend to be more expensive as they require more material for production. You can easily determine the size of your existing handles by following these steps:
- Remove the handle using a Phillips head screwdriver.
- Measure the distance between the centres of the holes on the handle (marked as C/C in the diagram below). This measurement represents your centre-to-centre spacing and indicates your handle size.
Non-Standard Size Handles Occasionally, we come across handle suppliers who deviate from the System 32 standard and provide handles with non-standard spacing. This might have been done to limit the availability of replacements from other suppliers. However, we offer solutions for such cases. One option is to cover the existing screw holes on the cabinet board by using a longer or larger handle. Another, though more expensive, option is to replace your drawer fronts. We also have handles available in odd spacing, including 40mm spacing (C57 in 4 different colours), as well as 4 odd-sized handles commonly used for older cabinetry/furniture: 76mm, C164, C28, C156, C171, C197, and C57.
For odd sizes, we have handles with a bar that can cover the hole, allowing you to drill two new holes. Examples of such handles include C178, C82, and C168. This technique can be applied to conceal existing holes for standard horizontal handles, or for vertical handles (on doors), one existing hole can be used while the other is concealed.
Solving Unique Handle Replacement Challenges We also offer another versatile handle option: C79. Available in brushed or polished steel, it comes in all sizes (16 in total) ranging from 64mm up to 544mm centre-to-centre. This handle is an excellent choice for "problem-solving" situations, as it can often be used to replace existing handles seamlessly.
All our handles come with pre-supplied screws suitable for 16mm board thickness. We recommend bringing your existing handles when ordering replacements, or double-checking your measurements. Additionally, it's helpful to measure the thickness of your cabinet drawer fronts (16mm being the most common thickness). We offer different screw sizes for various drawer front thicknesses, including break-off screws that can be used with any thickness.
At Handle House, we strive to make handle replacement as hassle-free as possible. Trust us to guide you in finding the perfect fit for your needs, ensuring a seamless and stylish upgrade for your home.