How to Install elio Handles on Your Cabinets

Quick answer

Installing elio Handles on your cabinets is a straightforward DIY project that requires measuring, marking, drilling, and securing the handles with the provided hardware.

Step-by-step installation guide

1. Step 1: Gather your tools and supplies: You'll need a drill with a 1/4-inch drill bit, a measuring tape, a pencil, a screwdriver, and the elio Handle with its mounting hardware. The handle comes with a small screw and a wall anchor (if needed for drywall), but for cabinet doors, you'll typically only need the screw and a washer. Check that your cabinet door thickness is at least 1/2 inch to provide enough material for the screw to bite securely.
2. Step 2: Measure and mark the handle placement: Decide where you want the handle on the door. A common position is centered vertically on the door and about 2 inches from the edge opposite the hinge. Use a level to ensure the mark is straight. For a pair of doors, measure the same distance from the edge on both doors. Double-check your measurements before drilling. A common mistake is placing the handle too close to the hinge, making it awkward to pull.
3. Step 3: Drill the pilot hole: Place a piece of scrap wood behind the door to prevent tear-out. Drill a 1/4-inch hole at your marked spot. Go straight in, not at an angle. The hole should be just large enough for the screw to pass through but not so large that the screw won't grip. If the hole is too large, the screw won't hold. If it's too small, you risk splitting the wood. 1/4 inch is a good size for most cabinet doors.
4. Step 4: Insert the screw from the back of the door: From inside the cabinet, push the screw through the hole so the threaded end protrudes from the front of the door. Place a washer over the threaded end if one is included. This step is easier with a partner or by using a magnetic screwdriver to hold the screw. Make sure the screw is straight and not cross-threaded. If it feels tight, back it out and try again.
5. Step 5: Attach the elio Handle: Slide the loop of the elio Handle over the protruding screw. The handle should sit flat against the door. Then, screw the provided nut onto the screw from the front side of the door. Tighten it by hand until the handle is snug but not compressed. Over-tightening can distort the silicone loop. Stop tightening as soon as the handle feels secure. The silicone should still have a slight give; it should not be flattened against the door.
6. Step 6: Test the handle: Gently pull the handle to open the cabinet door. It should move freely without wobbling. If the handle feels loose, tighten the nut a quarter turn. If it feels too stiff, loosen the nut slightly. Repeat for all doors. If the handle slips off the screw, the nut may not be fully engaged. Check that the screw is long enough to reach through the handle and the nut.

Product fact

• elio Handles: Crafted from durable platinum silicone, it features a clever, flexible design for comfortable carrying and easily loops onto your bag or belt. The same flexible loop design that works for carrying a bottle also allows the handle to be installed on a cabinet door, giving you a soft, non-slip grip.