ᐅ How do you attach door handles to a Pax wardrobe?

Hello everyone,

I recently received a Pax wardrobe from Ikea and now want to install door handles. However, I’m unsure about the best way to do this, especially since the material of the wardrobe doors is often quite thin or constructed differently compared to regular wooden furniture.

My specific question is: How do you attach door handles to a Pax wardrobe so that they hold securely, don’t damage the door, and are as straight and stable as possible?

I have different models here; some with pre-drilled holes, some without, and the screws and fastening parts are not consistent.

Could you share tips on the best approach, what to watch out for, and whether special tools are needed?

Thanks in advance!

kufopo schrieb:
How do you attach door handles to a Pax wardrobe so that they hold securely, don’t damage the door, and the handles are as straight and stable as possible?

Hey, great question! 😎

Pax wardrobes may not be the most complex furniture, but handling the handles can be tricky – especially since the doors are often made of particleboard or MDF with a laminate finish. Here are a few tips from me:

- Always place the door on a flat surface first to drill the holes straight.
- If there are no pre-drilled holes, it’s best to use a template or the handle measurements from the manual to position the holes accurately.
- Use thin drill bits (2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches)) and drill slowly to avoid chipping.
- Don’t tighten the screws too much, or the material might crack.
- To protect the material, you can use small washers or felt pads before screwing in.

Another tip: if the supplied screws don’t fit well, M4 screws (length 15-25 mm (0.6-1 inch)) usually work well to keep everything stable.

With a bit of patience, it will definitely work out! And hey, if you want a little anecdote: the first time I installed my handle, it was a bit crooked – looked like modern abstract art, but after fixing it, it held perfectly. 😉

Make sure to lay the door flat.
Measure the drill holes precisely.
Pre-drill slowly with a small drill bit.
Do not screw in too tightly, or the surface may crack.
If pre-drilled holes are available, simply use the screws and you're done.

kufopo schrieb:
How do you attach door handles to a Pax wardrobe so that they hold securely, don’t damage the door, and sit as straight and stable as possible?

I understand that with a Pax wardrobe, correct installation of the door handles is important to ensure both stability and a clean appearance.

Here is a step-by-step guide I often recommend:

- First: Place the door face down on a stable work surface.
- If there are no pre-drilled holes, mark the exact positions using a template. This helps the handles sit straight later on.
- Drill the holes slowly and gently with a small drill bit (2-3 mm / 0.08-0.12 inches) to avoid splintering.
- Use mounting screws that exactly fit the handle type. Many Ikea handles are attached from the back, providing a secure connection.
- Tighten the screws firmly (but not overly tight) to avoid damaging the surface.
- If the material is too thin or delicate, you can use washers to better distribute the pressure of the screws.

It is also helpful to double-check that the handles are straight before fully tightening them. A small square or spirit level can work wonders.

Hope this helps! If you have specific handle types, I can provide more detailed advice.