Replacement Handles for Nobilia & Alno Kitchens: Furniture Handles with 96 mm and 128 mm Hole Centres

September 23, 2025

The hole centre distance is the decisive measurement when replacing kitchen handles and refers to the exact distance between the centres of the two fixing holes.

Anyone looking to modernise existing kitchen fronts from manufacturers such as Nobilia or Alno, or needing to replace damaged components, often faces questions regarding compatibility. Kitchen furniture consists of modular systems whose fitting technology relies on standardised hole spacings. Replacing handles does not require brand-specific original components, but simply adherence to the correct technical specifications.

This guide is aimed at fitters, joiners, and skilled DIYers carrying out maintenance on kitchen frontals. Alongside replacing wear-and-tear parts like a concealed cup hinge or damaged runner systems, changing furniture handles is the most common way to overhaul the appearance and feel of a kitchen layout.

Key Buying Criteria for Replacement Handles

When replacing handles on kitchen cupboards and drawers, hard facts matter. The fixing mechanism is simple, but it allows zero tolerance for measurement discrepancies.

The Hole Centre Spacing

The most critical criterion is the distance between the drill holes in the MDF or chipboard. On Nobilia and Alno kitchens from past decades, 96 mm and 128 mm spacings are by far the most widespread. The hole spacing is the DNA of the furniture handle; if it does not match exactly, the new fitting cannot be installed without leaving visible damage on the front. It is always measured from hole centre to hole centre.

The System 32 Grid

The 96 mm and 128 mm dimensions are not arbitrary values. They are based on System 32, the international standard in furniture manufacturing. In this system, the distance between the drill hole rows is precisely 32 mm.

3 x 32 mm = 96 mm
4 x 32 mm = 128 mm
5 x 32 mm = 160 mm

Any handle that complies with this grid is fundamentally suitable as a replacement fitting for standardised kitchen carcasses.

Thread and Screw Length

Furniture handles are screwed in from the rear through the cabinet front. The industry standard internal thread within the handle is M4. The required length of the machine screws depends on the thickness of the frontal. For a standard kitchen front of 16 mm or 19 mm thickness, screws measuring 22 mm to 25 mm in length are typically used.

Material and Ergonomics

Particularly on heavy pull-out units (such as pan drawers), high tensile forces act upon the handle. A full-extension runner with a load capacity of 30 kg or more requires a rigid, torsion-resistant handle. Metal alloys provide the necessary strength to prevent the threads from stripping under continuous heavy loads.

Overview of Types and Options

Depending on the design of the existing kitchen, various finishes and materials are available that offer technically identical fixing points.

Classic Metals: For timeless kitchen fronts, stainless steel furniture handles or aluminium furniture handles are ideal. They are corrosion-resistant and unaffected by moisture, which is essential in a kitchen working environment.
Size-Specific Standards: Those searching specifically for the existing grid will find options under 96 mm furniture handles and 128 mm furniture handles. These replace old fittings without requiring additional drilling.
Modern Contrasts: To upgrade older wood decors, fitters frequently select matt black furniture handles. The powder coating also provides a reliable grip even with damp hands.
Polished Finishes: For high-gloss fronts, chrome furniture handles or brushed steel furniture handles are a popular choice to complement the reflective surfaces of the doors.

Which Handle for Which Application? (Decision Guide)

The choice of the right replacement part depends on the type of cabinet and the mechanical strain involved.

If existing 96 mm drill holes are present: You must strictly choose new handles with exactly 96 mm hole centres. Filling and re-laminating old holes on melamine-faced fronts is labour-intensive and rarely produces a neat finish.

If you are replacing handles on heavy pan drawers: Look for solid metal bow handles. On drawers bearing substantial weight (e.g. a 40 kg load rating on a ball-bearing slide), the pulling force must be distributed evenly across both fixing points. Delicate bridge handles can bend over time when used with heavy-running drawer slides.

If you are outfitting narrow larder units or wall cupboards: Slimmer profiles are perfectly adequate. On wall cabinets with an inset door or full overlay mounting, significantly lower forces apply compared to base drawers. In this case, gripping ergonomics take priority.

If you are refitting the entire kitchen and have existing handles of varying lengths: Check whether the new handle range includes all necessary lengths (e.g. 96 mm for small doors, 128 mm for standard drawers, and 160 mm for wide pull-outs) to maintain a cohesive look.

Installation Notes: Replacing Kitchen Handles Correctly

Removing and fitting furniture handles is a straightforward procedure, but it requires precision to avoid damaging the front.

Required Tools

Pozi/cross-head screwdriver (typically size PZ2 or PH2)
Folding rule or calliper
Furniture surface cleaner if required

Step-by-Step Instructions

Removal: Loosen the old screws on the inside of the front. Hold the handle firmly on the outside so that it does not drop and scratch the surface finish when the final screw is removed.
Cleaning: Grease and dust tend to accumulate beneath old handles over the years. Clean these areas thoroughly before fitting the new handle.
Checking Dimensions: Re-measure the hole spacing on the front (centre to centre) to ensure the new hardware fits without mechanical tension.
Fitting: Position the new handle on the outside. Insert the M4 screws through the holes from the rear and catch the internal thread of the handle.
Tightening: Tighten the screws by hand until snug. Do not use a high-torque cordless screwdriver, as this can easily strip or rip out the threads inside the handle.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Replacements

How do I correctly measure the hole centres on Nobilia or Alno handles? Measure the distance between the centres of the two drill holes on the rear of the removed front. Use a rule or calliper for precision. The values should be divisible by 32 (e.g. 96 mm, 128 mm, 160 mm).

Will all handles fit my existing kitchen? Yes, provided that the hole centres match and the front thickness suits the supplied screws. Kitchen manufacturers use standardised hole spacings. There are no proprietary fixing systems for standard bow handles.

What should I do if a drawer is sticking – is a new handle enough? No. If a drawer is stiff to open, the problem lies in the runner mechanism, not the handle. In this situation, the drawer runners (typically a worn roller runner or a faulty undermount slide) must be checked and replaced. Installing a new handle would only cause it to tear out quickly due to the excessive force needed to pull a stuck runner.

Can I replace a 96 mm handle with a 128 mm handle? This is only possible if you are prepared to drill a new hole into the front. However, the old exposed hole will remain visible, which is usually undesirable visually. It is strongly recommended to stick to the original measurement.

Why are the screws spinning loosely? Either the internal thread in the handle is stripped, or the screw is too short for the thickness of the front. A 19 mm thick front requires longer screws than a 16 mm front. Standard practice requires the screw to engage roughly 5 mm to 8 mm deep into the internal thread of the handle.

Are damaged hinges related to handle issues? Indirectly. If a concealed cup hinge is worn out or missing its soft-close buffer, the door will slam shut. This generates vibrations that can loosen the handle screws over time. During a refurbishment, hinges should always be checked for secure mounting and smooth operation.