ᐅ Is it possible to find replacements for broken KALLAX drawer handles at a hardware store?

Hello everyone,

I have noticed that some of the original plastic drawer handles on my IKEA KALLAX shelf have become brittle over time, and several handles have now broken. I am wondering if there is a way to buy replacement handles at a hardware store that would be compatible in size and attachment with the KALLAX drawers?

My main goal is to find an affordable and well-fitting alternative without having to buy new drawers or entire shelves. Has anyone had experience with this or can offer advice on what type of handles from a hardware store could be used as replacements?

Since the original handles have a somewhat special shape and attachment method, I am doubtful that simple off-the-shelf furniture handles would fit without modifications. Thanks in advance for any helpful tips or suggestions for alternative sources!

Saralbion schrieb:
Now I wonder if there is a way to buy replacement handles at a hardware store that are compatible in size and mounting with the KALLAX drawers?

That’s an interesting question, especially since IKEA products are often very specifically designed. Hardware stores naturally stock a wide variety of furniture handles, but the question is whether their mounting hole spacing and shape are compatible.

I recommend measuring the hole distance (the space between the two screw holes) on the hardware store handles in person and comparing it to the IKEA handle. If there is a standard measurement, for example 128 mm (5 inches), you might be in luck. If not, it will be difficult; without drilling or modifications, no handle will fit exactly the same.

Besides that, you should also check how the handles are mounted. Some IKEA handles are recessed or have particular mounting features. If these don’t match exactly, it may be noticeable visually or affect functionality.

In short: replacement handles from a hardware store are not guaranteed, but with some patience and precise measurements, you can likely find an alternative if you’re willing to make minor adjustments.

dinano schrieb:
I recommend measuring the exact hole spacing (the distance between the two screw holes) on-site at hardware store handles and comparing it with the IKEA handle.

I agree with that. The mounting distance is the crucial factor. For KALLAX drawer handles, the spacing is 96 mm (3.78 inches), which is not as common as the standard 128 mm (5.04 inches). That’s why you usually won’t find handles at hardware stores that fit without drilling.

What can help: you could opt for furniture handles with longer screws or small adapter plates, but these are more common in the DIY sector. Sometimes hardware or furniture stores offer special handles that can be adjusted to fit various hole spacings.

If appearance is not important to you and you are handy, you can also use other handle models and redrill or slightly adjust the holes in the drawers accordingly.

dota57 schrieb:
If appearance doesn’t matter to you and you’re handy, you can also use different handle models and just drill new holes in the drawers or slightly reposition them.

Thanks for the tip, that’s definitely an option if you can change the holes without damaging the drawers.

However, I wonder if drilling new holes in the plastic drawers from KALLAX might compromise their stability too much. Especially with the thinner plastic walls, I’m concerned that this could damage them or cause the handles to become loose.

Are there any experiences regarding how sturdy the drawers are around the handle areas when working with a drill?

I’m open to alternative handle models but naturally don’t want to risk making the drawers unstable or unattractive. Therefore, it would be interesting to hear if other IKEA customers have successfully used replacement handles from hardware stores.

Saralbion schrieb:
I do wonder, though, whether drilling new holes in the plastic drawers of KALLAX might weaken their stability too much.

I can share some relaxed feedback based on my own experience: I also had broken handles on my KALLAX drawers, so I used different handles from a hardware store, but the holes needed slight adjustment. It’s important to start with a thinner drill bit and proceed carefully to avoid cracking the material.

The material of the KALLAX drawers is fairly sturdy, but not infinitely strong. I would recommend not drilling holes that are too large and, if needed, deburring the edges so the plastic doesn’t crack.

Regarding stability, the new handles have been holding up fine for me for almost two years now.

It’s important not to tighten the screws too much, as this can crush the plastic material around the handle. It’s better to tighten gently and test.

Also, for those interested: Sometimes IKEA offers replacement handles separately, but this is not always possible and can sometimes be more expensive than buying a new handle set.