ᐅ How do I properly install handles on Pax wardrobe doors?

Hello everyone,

I’m currently working on a project to install handles on my new PAX wardrobe doors from IKEA and want to make sure I do it correctly and neatly. My main question is: How do I properly attach handles to PAX wardrobe doors so that they are securely fixed, the drill holes are precisely positioned, and the result looks good?

I’ve already seen that pre-drilling holes is recommended, but what is the best way to measure the position accurately, especially if the doors will have multiple handles? Are there any tips for making the holes straight and precise without damaging the doors or causing the wood to split?

I’m also interested in whether there are different methods depending on the handle type (e.g., bar handles vs. knobs) or the door material (I don’t have glass fronts, just the simple wooden doors).

Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!

Luximo schrieb:
How do I properly attach the handles to PAX wardrobe doors so that they are securely fixed, the drill holes are precisely positioned, and the result looks neat?

I completely understand your concerns—especially when you’re new to a project like this, it’s easy to feel uncertain because you’re worried about making mistakes or damaging the doors. I once drilled the holes slightly off, and I regretted it afterward.

My advice: use a good protractor or a small ruler to determine the exact center or position, and mark the drill points lightly with a pencil. Always start by pre-drilling with a small drill bit to prevent the wood from splitting, then follow up with the larger bit. I also find it important to work with a drilling guide or a cross square to ensure everything is properly aligned.

When I installed handles on my PAX doors, I managed it without much stress by taking my time and measuring twice rather than drilling once.

Luximo schrieb:
Are there any tips for drilling holes straight and precisely without damaging the doors or causing the wood to splinter?

I recommend a systematic approach:

- First, carefully measure all handle positions with a tape measure and mark them with a pencil.
- To improve accuracy, you can use a template or create a pattern guide from cardboard. This is placed on the door to mark the drilling points.
- Pre-drilling is essential; use a drill bit thinner than the screw diameter to avoid damaging the material.
- To protect against splintering at the exit hole, apply a thin piece of tape over the drilling spot.
- Drill slowly and avoid applying too much pressure.

Since PAX doors are typically made of coated wood or MDF, they are sensitive to heavy drilling or oversized drill bits. A steady hand is important.

In my installations, I always tested the handles first on a scrap piece of wood to determine the right drill bit and depth.

piflo schrieb:
I have always managed to install handle mounts on my PAX doors without much trouble, as long as I took my time and measured twice rather than drilling once.

This is a very important tip. Additionally, I would like to mention that using a drilling jig specifically for PAX doors is helpful to ensure precise placement of the holes. IKEA sometimes provides special installation aids that specify the distances and positions.

Furthermore, the drilling depth should be limited to avoid drilling through or damaging the back side of the door. A drill stop or painter’s tape to mark the drilling depth is highly recommended here.

Regarding handle types: bar handles often require two holes, centered and equally spaced, while knobs usually only need one hole. Therefore, the handle type determines the positioning, which must always be taken into account when measuring.

Lis53 schrieb:
To prevent splinters at the drill exit point, apply a thin piece of tape on the drilling spot.

This is very important.
A small tip: drill slowly and use a sharp drill bit.

Giagau schrieb:
A drill depth stop or painter’s tape to mark the drilling depth is highly recommended here.

Right, this helps avoid problems with drilling too deep.

In summary:
- Measure accurately
- Apply tape on the drilling spot
- Pre-drill with a small drill bit
- Mark the drilling depth
- Drill slowly
Then nothing should really go wrong.