Bin Pulls vs Handles - convenience?

17 years ago

Hi,

I love the look of bin pulls for drawers but I am wondering how convenient they are because you have to turn your hand up and grab from underneath the pull rather than just dipping down from the top, if you see what I mean. I am wondering if they feel inconvenient.

Any advice on the functional pros and cons of bin pulls would be most welcome.

Featured Answer

buffalotina
Original Author

17 years ago

Thanks everyone! It's what I thought - they do feel funny at first but surely you get used to them. willowdecor - thanks for that overview - I will be consulting it when I come to choose hardware.

lesmis: just wondering which brand/pull did you settle on as feeling comfortable?

I am actually thinking that it will save the cabinet finish somewhat as there is less chance for nails and fingers to be constantly rubbing on the finish like when you grab a knob or an open drawer pull. Of course the cabinets cannot have bin pulls - I will probably do knobs if I do bin pulls as I do not like the look of open pulls on cabs mixed with bin pulls on drawers.

There is SO much to worry/think about with this kitchen remodel thing. One KD at the place I am getting cabinets from told me today that I was unusual because I was INTERESTED in my renovation - like how could you not be?! He was amazed that I was able to name the supplier of a copper sink he had just sourced...wanted to know how I knew that.... I am wondering for my sanity at this point and I am months away from demo still!!

Thanks again.

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Comments (7)

erikanh
17 years ago
Tina, I heard people express that concern on the forum before I put mine in, but now that they're in I can say for me they're completely comfortable. I really don't notice that I'm pulling on the handle with my hand facing up instead of down.

I did use handles instead of bin pulls on my trash pullout, dishwasher drawers and u/c fridge, just because I wanted to use longer hardware on those and didn't really care for the look of the long bin pulls. Plus I like the mixture. =)
Buehl
17 years ago
I'm not sure it makes a difference on most drawers. However, bottom drawers may be an issue.
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katiee511
17 years ago
I loved the look, also. Always had pulls before, but wanted knobs on cabinets and bin pulls on drawers. So, I got what I wanted and would say it only took a day or two to get used to them. I haven't had any problems with them and they make me smile!
lesmis
17 years ago
The bin pulls are no big deal for us anyway, like everyone has said you adjust to them quickly. I would however make sure they are wide enough. Some of them have the screw mounts inside them and very close together so if you can try them out before you buy a whole kitchens worth it might be helpful. We bought one and it wasn't comfortable so we tried another brand and those have been great.

Kat :)
willowdecor
17 years ago
I have ice box latches and I love them. I really don't find them much more cumbersome than knobs.

I also have bin pulls. I tried several and mounted them to a board to do pull tests (yes crazy I know) and I found the RH bin pull the best quality and feel. I also do not find them cumbersome.

If you are interested I did an overview of several different type latches and bin pulls with links to manufacturers, etc, which you may find helpful.

Here is a link that might be useful: bin pulls and Latch overview
vasue VA
17 years ago
Having lived with old kitchens before this modern one, I'm so used to curling my fingers under bin pulls that I use the horizontal handles here the same way! The old plain bin pulls had the screw mounts to the sides & the fancy, heavier ones had a third screw in a design above. Children & those with arthritic hands find them easier. Short drawers had a central pull & long drawers needed two. Doors/cupboards had latches, but the doors weren't overlaid. I've seen bin pulls used sideways on modern doors with magnetic latches & think it often looks nice.

Agree they keep the finish clean & with pale or painted cabinets, that's a huge plus. I'd take the brass fittings off once a year to clean & polish, but I have mariners in my heritage so a preference for shiny metals is genetic...

What's up with with your cabinet KD? Who would put up with the hassle of renovating without wanting a very specific outcome?? Unless he gets those who give him a magazine picture or two & say "do this"? Used to know women who'd hire an interior designer to do the same thing with their rooms. Designers would give them 3 choices in fabric or flooring & that would determine the designer's next round of choices. And that's before CAD when designers sketched & colored their renderings!

When it came to kitchens and baths, the actual work was done before move-in or during extended Summer vacation. Most of us here live in a different world than that!

Your sanity is just fine in my view and your kitchen will turn out much more functional & beautiful for your thoughtfulness. I'm with you on the approach of the more you know & plan, the fewer surprises down the line and the happier the outcome.