Shop-Made Wooden Drawer Pulls: Easy DIY Cabinet Hardware
When it's time to choose drawer pulls or cabinet handles for a woodworking project, it's easy to head straight for the hardware catalog. But there's another option that's often overlooked: make your own wooden drawer pulls.
Shop-made pulls offer several advantages. You can match the wood, size, and style to your project instead of settling for whatever is available commercially. They're also a great way to put leftover hardwood scraps to good use.
And if you're making a set of shop cabinets with several drawers, building your own pulls can save a little money, too.
The simple cutout-style pull shown here is one of my favorites. It has a clean, understated appearance that works well on everything from workshop cabinets to furniture projects.
Best of all, you can make several matching pulls from a single blank. The trick is performing the operations in the right order.
Step 1: Lay Out and Drill the Pull Blanks
Start with an extra-wide hardwood blank that's long enough to make several pulls.
Working with a larger blank makes the machining operations easier and helps keep all the finished pulls consistent.
Lay out the locations of the pulls along the blank. Then mark and drill pairs of holes that will form the rounded ends of the finger openings.
The layout is arranged so that each section of the blank produces two pulls.
Take your time with the hole locations. Keeping them evenly spaced is important for creating a matching set.
Step 2: Cut the Finger Openings on the Band Saw
Once the holes are drilled, rip the blank down the center to create two narrower blanks.
The drilled holes now form the rounded ends of the cutouts.
Head to the band saw and remove the waste between the holes to complete each finger opening.
The result is a smooth, open cutout that provides a comfortable place to grip the pull.
Clean up the sawn edges with sandpaper or a file to remove any rough spots.
Step 3: Bevel the Sides on the Table Saw
Before cutting the individual pulls to length, there's one more machining step to complete.
I like to bevel the sides of the blanks on the table saw.
The bevels give the pulls a more refined appearance and soften the overall shape.
The important thing is to make these cuts while the stock is still in long blanks, rather than trying to bevel each small pull individually.
Longer stock is easier to control and provides a safer, more consistent setup at the table saw. Use appropriate push blocks and keep your hands clear of the blade.
Once the bevels are complete, crosscut the individual pulls from the blanks.
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Step 4: Sand and Finish the Wooden Pulls
With the pulls cut to size, all that's left is a little cleanup.
Sand the cutouts, bevels, and ends to remove saw marks and ease any sharp edges.
Pay particular attention to the finger openings. These are the surfaces you'll touch every time you open a drawer or cabinet door.
You can finish the pulls to match the project or use a contrasting stain or finish to make them stand out.
For a coordinated look, I like using the same wood and finish as the cabinet or drawer fronts.
Custom Drawer Pulls Without the Hardware Store
Making your own drawer pulls is a simple way to give a project a custom look without spending much money.
By drilling, ripping, and beveling the stock before cutting the individual pulls apart, you can produce a matching set efficiently and accurately.
It's also a great way to use those small hardwood scraps that are too nice to throw away.
The next time you're building a cabinet, shop storage project, or piece of furniture, consider making the pulls yourself. It's a small detail that can make the finished project look even better.
More Woodworking Tips & Tricks
Making your own drawer pulls is just one way to get more from your tools and materials. Discover more practical woodworking tips, shop-made accessories, and time-saving techniques that help you work smarter and make the most of your scrap wood.
From simple jigs to useful finishing tricks, these ideas can make a big difference in your next project.
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