Min hole spacing for deep drawer handles?

Ignored spacing leads to weak handles, broken panels, and daily discomfort. Choosing the right minimum hole spacing for deep drawers means protecting strength and feeling good every time you open.

The minimum hole spacing for deep drawer handles must be at least 96mm. For everyday strength and comfort, 128mm spacing is better, fitting most adults and heavy use. Anything less risks cracking or awkward grip.

Deep drawers (over 40cm) hold heavy stuff—knobs are not enough. Double-hole bar handles are preferred, and getting hole spacing right means your furniture lasts longer. I always check how wide the user's hand is and how thick the drawer front is before making a decision.

What is standard handle hole spacing?

Standard drawer handle spacing follows industry norms for comfort and fit with most furniture. Most household drawers use either 96mm or 128mm spacing between the screw holes.

For deep drawers, a hole spacing of 128mm is the most widely used. It spreads force evenly, matches adult hands, and supports heavy or thick drawers without breaking or loosening.

I mostly recommend these two options across homes and offices. The standard keeps replacement easy, makes every drawer feel similar, and prevents mistakes like cramped grips or broken fronts. Handle makers usually offer pulls in 96mm, 128mm, and sometimes 160mm options, covering nearly all normal drawers.

Stick to the standard for easy fit and safe use.

What is the 1/3 rule for drawer pulls?

This rule keeps handles from being too long or short for the drawer face, making furniture look balanced and work smoothly.

The 1/3 rule means the handle length—and hole spacing—should always be less than one-third the width of the drawer front. Handles that outgrow this ratio stick out, look off, and feel hard to use.

For example, deep drawers often run 40–60cm wide. That means a pull length and hole spacing of 128–160mm fits best, staying within a third of the panel’s width. I apply this rule so even long or thick drawers remain easy for kids, adults, or elderly hands. This keeps handles comfortable, avoids catching clothes, and lines up visually with the rest of the furniture.

This ratio protects ergonomics and looks, guiding every hardware choice.

How far apart should drawer handles be?

The space between handle holes—“hole spacing”—decides how well the drawer opens and how long the handle lasts. Too close, and force builds up; too far, and the pull feels loose or wobbles.

Safe and comfortable spacing for deep drawers is always at least 96mm apart, but 128mm is better for adults or heavy loads. Only go below 96mm for small, light drawers with narrow fronts.

When fitting handles, I check panel width, load, and user grip. A 50cm+ deep drawer should use spacing between 128mm and 160mm. This lets you grab with the whole hand, making opening easy and keeping the screws tight. Handles spaced too close (64mm, for example) twist sideways, concentrate stress, and damage finer materials. For small deep drawers (less than 30cm wide), spacing can be 80–96mm, as long as the handle does not stick out past the panel edge.

Correct spacing means handles sit safely and feel good for every user.

How to measure drawer handle holes?

Measuring drawer handle holes is simple. It ensures the new handle fits well and works right without needing extra drilling or changes.

To measure, use a tape: start at the center of one screw hole and measure straight to the center of the other. This “center-to-center” distance is your hole spacing.

In my work, I always double-check these distances. Mark lightly in pencil before drilling, confirm both ends are straight, and keep spacing even with panel width. Double-check width so holes never run too close to edges—ideally leave at least 15mm from any side to avoid cracking. If replacing handles, take the old hardware off and measure the empty holes to confirm before buying new ones.

Accurate measuring stops mistakes and keeps hardware strong.

Conclusion

Deep drawer handle spacing must be at least 96mm, but 128mm is safer. Measure center-to-center, using the 1/3 rule for balanced, ergonomic furniture.