Cabinet hardware -- Experiences with edge pulls aka finger pulls?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

I'm exploring hardware and this question relates to the functionality of the edge pull.

Can anyone who lives with these tell me what they like and don't like?

I currently have some on a china cabinet, so I know I like how they look and feel. As I consider putting them in the kitchen, however, I'm wondering how they would do with the larger, heavier lower drawers. In the china cabinet, the drawers are just for silverware, linens and so on. When I go to open a drawer full of pots and pans, would I find the edge pulls a pain?

There are a few options that have a larger return that you hook your fingers under, but that would seem to slightly defeat the purpose for me. :)

Not my kitchen! just an example:

Featured Answer

kudzu9

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Heather- The only reason there is a problem with the pulls in your link is that they were improperly installed. To do a proper and workmanlike install simply requires routing out the top edge of the drawer front to accommodate the thickness of the part of the pull that sits on top of the drawer front. A correct install is shown in the OP's first picture where the top side of the pull sits flush with the top edge of the drawer front. A competent cabinetmaker would do this; a DIY-er may not know this or not have the skills.

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Comments (11)

Heather
3 years ago
I don't have experience but am looking into these as well. I don't ever use the knobs on my current cabinets (just grab the actual door edge) so I am thinking it would make more sense to have the finger pulls. My thoughts are that they not only will protect the wood where I grab, but also make the kitchen look less busy than having regular hardware on the face of each cabinet. My new kitchen is looking similar to your second photo and I was thinking of going with black hardware, but most photos I see are nickel or chrome. Also, if I hate them after a few years, they will be easy to replace since all the screw holes will be on the back of the doors!
megs1030
3 years ago
I would think for a larger drawer that holds heavier items (pots and pans) you may need 2? I really have no idea, not a pro, just guessing.
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Ig222
3 years ago
Following up. I am considering them for my future kitchen.
rebasheba
Original Author
3 years ago
@megs1030 that's a great point, it would be similar to having 2 cup pulls, which I've seen but don't really like. Will have to see what lengths are available in this style.

@Heather I like the idea of using them to modernize a shaker style. I am planning to use black hardware.

I'm unsure about using them on the uppers.
Heather
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I don't know if this is true, but I heard with the larger drawers if you have two pulls, you have to open with two hands or else the drawer won't glide properly and eventually become misaligned. I just figured I would put on a longer pull for these drawers.

This old discussion might help?
rebasheba thanked Heather
Heather
3 years ago
Something else to think about. . .do you have enough room for these pulls? Will they rub against an adjacent cabinet or drawer?

Look at this kitchen
rebasheba
Original Author
3 years ago
@heather that makes sense! This is for cabinetry that does not exist yet, so we should be able to account for it if need be :)
Sarah Do
2 years ago
I have edge/finger pulls. We had some that were damaged at first and needed to be replaced which is proving a challenge to get them flush now as we didn’t route them (however the installer did a great job without routing and it wasn’t rubbing when he did it).

However, to answer the 2 pull issue and the user friendliness issue:
we only have 1 even for the large drawers that hold pots, pans, kitchen aid stand mixer, blender, etc. Installer told me if you put two, you will most likely only use one and after prolonged use like that the drawers will become off balance. Using the edge pulls hasn’t been annoying or difficult in any way. Even my very young child and my older parents, who were concerned about joint pain, have been totally fine using these. Other people pointed out to me that maybe exposed edges would catch on my clothes but it doesn’t extend past the counter so my clothes don’t actually ever get close enough.

On another note, I opted out of routing in case I ever wanted to change the style and not have that edge ruined….my husband later pointed out to me that changing the type of handles on our drawers would probably be unlikely for us….which I imagine is the case for most people. Once those handles are out of style, my whole kitchen will probably be out of style lol

Good luck
rebasheba thanked Sarah Do
Sharon Fullen
2 years ago
Some cons just in case: broken finger nails, dirty finger prints, hard for older folks and little ones to use, may need 2 for heavy drawers so you must use 2 hands.
Jerry Morrow
last year
My wife wants edge pulls on everything. I went an bought 1 edge pull today to check it for fit on all the different doors and drawers. I see this exact same issue with not having enough space between the drawers! I'm going to go with edge pulls on the upper doors (no issue there), and typical pulls on the lowers. I also found that the smaller edge pulls don't have much surface to grab, so its difficult to pull out drawers with Blum closers.