C-C first, finish second: how spacing prevents re-drilling

Most headaches come from misplaced holes, not from the finish itself — which is why we size the project around C-C spacing first and only then discuss aesthetics. A quick primer helps set the stage: what C-C actually is and why it decides grip comfort and drilling points. When you’re torn between 96, 128 or 160 mm, painter’s-tape mockups are the cheapest way to see proportions on the actual door.

On tall fronts and long runs, longer spacing often wins because the hand naturally lands in the middle rather than on the corner. In drawers that carry weight, a longer C-C reduces the chance of grabbing just the tip of the handle and twisting the wrist. Before you drill, cross-check the legend on the technical drawing: how to read product dimensions.

If you’re replacing old hardware and want to reuse holes, match new models to the exact C-C — it saves you putty, paint and time. Share photos of your tape tests in the comments; we’ll collect a quick cheat sheet on where 128 mm disappears visually and where 160 mm tidies the composition.