Drawer pulls are getting expensive. Like, “do you provide financial aid?” expensive. So I decided to make my own. 5 different styles, all wooden, all handmade, and all surprisingly nice to grab onto.
Here’s a rundown of each one, so you can decide which to try on your next project.
1. The DIY Drawer Knob
You don’t need a lathe to make a round wooden knob. Just a little PVC pipe and a router.
- Cut a 1¼" PVC pipe about an inch thick.
- Glue it to your wood blank using CA glue (which of course stands for California glue. Kidding. Don't hate me).
- Use a pattern bit to round the wood using the PVC as your template.
- Sand and drill for a dowel in the back.
It takes some steady hands and a little patience, but the end result looks pretty slick. I used mahogany against an ash nightstand.
2. The Leather Accent Pull
This one mixes materials: wood and leather.
- The main handle is a ½" dowel with ⅜" dowel sides.
- Add a ¾" gap from drawer to handle for finger space.
- Wrap a strip of leather around the main dowel for some texture and style.
I used a piece of vintage glove leather for mine, but new leather gives a more modern look. Want to skip the leather entirely? Go for it. It still looks clean and simple. A fantastic look for the Fun Size Base Cabinet (plans available).
3. The Shop Pull (Version 1)
If you want something purely functional, this is it.
- Cut your blank at 45°, then 90°.
- Keep dimensions around 4½" wide, 1¼" tall, and 1" deep.
These pulls are perfect for shop furniture. Easy to grab, simple to build, and strong. No frills, just function. I used these for my 2-For-1 Tool Cart (plans available).
4. The Shop Pull (Version 2: The “Nicer” One)
This one’s the same idea, just fancier.
- Use a round nose bit to scoop out the grip.
- Learn from my mistake: get a bit with a ¾" radius, not diameter. Your fingers will thank you.
- If your router only takes ¼" shanks, you’ll need to adapt or add a small backer piece for more finger room.
The result is smoother, comfier, and a little classier. Basically the luxury sedan of shop pulls. I used this on on my Simple Mobile Workbench (plans available).
5. The Finger Groove Pull
Okay, this one might be my favorite. It’s ridiculously comfortable.
- Three pieces of walnut (½" x ½" each), glued together to form a layered pull.
- I added thin Padauk accents for a pop of red color.
- Use a spindle sander to carve out finger grooves on the front face.
I slightly misaligned my grooves, but honestly, it doesn’t matter. It still feels great. This is a good reminder that most mistakes in woodworking (and life) just aren’t that big of a deal. This one would look great on the King Size Miter Saw Station (plans available).
You can click here to watch the full YouTube video if you want to see all six in action. But even if you don’t, now you’ve got plenty of ideas to start making your own drawer pulls and save some money while you’re at it.
Happy Building
- Thomas Gojkovich
Thomas Custom Woodworks