Are you frustrated with your crooked cabinet handles? It can be so disheartening to try to open a cabinet or drawer and have the handle come off in your hand, leaving you frantically searching for ways to secure it back on correctly.
Crooked cabinet handles are a common problem in many households and can be caused by various reasons such as constant use, wear and tear, or improper installation. Fortunately, fixing them is easier than you think.
Having cabinets and drawers with handles that don’t stay put not only looks unappealing but also makes it difficult—or even impossible—to properly use them. Thankfully, fixing these problem-prone hardware pieces doesn’t have to be a hassle! Keep reading for our tips on how to fix crooked cabinet handles quickly and easily.
What Will You Need?
To fix crooked cabinet handles, you will need a few simple tools:
- A screwdriver
- Some toothpicks or wooden matches
- Wood glue
Once you have these items ready, let’s start fixing those pesky crooked cabinet handles!
10 Easy Steps on How to Fix Crooked Cabinet Handles
Step 1: Remove the Handle
Start by unscrewing the handle from the cabinet or drawer using your screwdriver. Keep the screws in a safe place so you don’t lose them. Additionally, remove any remaining wood pieces or glue from the handle and the cabinet or drawer.
Step 2: Check for Loose Screws
Inspect the screws that held the handle in place. Sometimes, they may become loose due to regular use. If this is the case, simply tighten them with your screwdriver and see if it fixes the crookedness of the handle.
Step 3: Clean the Surface
Ensure you thoroughly clean and dry the surface of the cabinet or drawer where you will be reattaching the handle. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any residue or particles. After cleaning, allow the area to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. This will ensure that the handle adheres securely when reinstalled.
Step 4: Fill the Existing Holes
This step is essential if the holes have become too large due to wear and tear or if they needed to be properly drilled in the first place. Take a toothpick or a wooden match and apply a small amount of wood glue.
Carefully insert the toothpick or match into the screw hole. Leave it to dry according to the glue’s instructions. Once the glue is dry, you can cut off the excess toothpick or match it flush with the cabinet or drawer surface. This process will fill the hole and create a new solid base for the screw.
Step 5: Reattach the Handle
Once the glue has completely dried, align your handle and screws with the filled holes. Using your screwdriver, carefully screw the handles back into place. Ensure that you do not overtighten the screws, as this could damage the new base we just created. Upon completion, your cabinet handle should be straight and secure.
Step 6: Test the Handle
After the handle is reattached, it’s important to test its stability. Gently pull and push on the handle as if you were opening and closing the cabinet. If it feels sturdy and secure, congratulations, you’ve successfully fixed your crooked cabinet handle!
If it’s still loose or crooked, you may need to remove the handle and repeat the process, ensuring that you’ve filled and sealed the holes properly.
Step 7: Regular Maintenance
Consider implementing a regular maintenance routine to prevent issues with crooked or loose handles. Check your cabinet handles every few months to ensure they are still secure.
If you notice any signs of loosening, follow the above steps to tighten them before they become a problem. Regular maintenance will help keep your cabinets functional and looking their best.
Step 8: Repeat the Process
If you have multiple crooked handles, repeat steps 1 through 7 for each. Consistency is key in ensuring all your cabinet handles are secure and straight. It may be a bit time-consuming, but the result of having sturdy and straight cabinet handles is worth the effort. Remember, patience and precision go a long way in completing this task.
Step 9: Consider Replacement
If the handle is still crooked or comes loose frequently despite your best efforts, consider a replacement. Selecting a new handle that matches the style and size of your existing ones can refresh the look of your cabinets and ensure sturdiness.
Replacement involves a similar process to the steps outlined above, with the main difference being that you’ll be screwing in a new handle rather than the old one.
Step 10: Celebrate Your Success
After diligently following these steps, take a moment to appreciate your newly straightened cabinet handles. Not only have you resolved a nagging household issue, but you’ve also enhanced your cabinets’ visual appeal and functionality.
Regular maintenance, as outlined in Step 7, will prevent future crooked handle situations, helping you maintain a well-functioning and visually pleasing kitchen.
By following these simple steps, you can easily fix crooked cabinet handles and avoid the frustration of dealing with loose or misaligned handles. Always use the right tools and take your time to ensure a successful outcome. With just a little effort, you can have perfectly aligned cabinet handles that will stand the test of time.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use a Template: Consider using a cabinet hardware template to ensure all handles are at the same height and straight. This tool can provide consistent alignment for all handles.
- Double Check Measurements: Before drilling holes, always double-check your measurements. Remember the old saying, “Measure twice, cut once.”
- Invest in Quality Hardware: When choosing cabinet handles, opt for quality hardware. Not only will it last longer, but quality handles are also less likely to become loose and crooked over time.
- Tighten Regularly: Regular maintenance can prevent loose and crooked handles. Make a habit of checking and tightening your cabinet handles periodically.
- Seek Professional Help if Necessary: If all else fails, feel free to enlist the help of a professional. They have the tools and knowledge to fix any cabinet and handle issues efficiently.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can easily fix crooked cabinet handles and ensure a uniform and functional look for your cabinets.
5 Things You Should Avoid:
- Avoid Rushing the Process: Patience is key when fixing crooked cabinet handles. If you rush through the process, you may end up with misaligned handles.
- Don’t Ignore the Problem: A crooked handle may seem minor, but it can lead to larger problems if not addressed promptly. It might damage the cabinet door over time or result in a handle coming off entirely.
- Avoid Using Mismatched Tools: Ensure you use the right tools. Using a tool not fit for the job can result in damage to your cabinets or handles.
- Don’t Over Tighten Handles: While ensuring secure handles is important, over-tightening can strip the screw threads, making the handle lose and possibly crooked again.
- Avoid Cheap Quality Handles: While they may be less expensive upfront, cheap handles can often lead to recurrent issues and may cost more in the long run.
You’ll be well on your way to perfectly aligned and functional cabinet handles by avoiding these pitfalls.
How Do You Put Cabinet Handles Evenly?
Putting cabinet handles evenly is crucial in ensuring a professional and polished look for your cabinets. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put cabinet handles evenly:
- Measure and Mark: Use a measuring tape to determine the desired placement of your handles. Mark the spot with a pencil or masking tape.
- Create a Template: As mentioned earlier, using a cabinet hardware template can make the process much more manageable. Place the template on your cabinet door, lining up the holes with your measurement marks.
- Drill Pilot Holes: Using a drill and appropriately sized bit, carefully drill pilot holes where you’ve marked or through the template’s holes.
- Install Handles: Once all pilot holes are drilled, remove the template and install your handles using a screwdriver or drill. Make sure to tighten the screws securely but not too tightly.
- Check Alignment: After installing all handles, step back and check for misalignments. You can adjust by slightly loosening the handle’s screws and shifting the handle as needed.
Following these steps, you can easily put cabinet handles evenly and achieve a professional and cohesive look for your cabinets.
Conclusion
In summary, how to fix crooked cabinet handles can be easily fixed in a few simple steps. Start by loosening the screws until you have enough clearance to position the handle correctly. Make sure you measure for exact positioning and use a spirit level to ensure the handle is straight. Next, use a drill bit that fits your new screw size to properly secure it.
Finally, press firmly, tighten the screws snugly with a screwdriver, and check your work with the spirit level. Keep in mind, if any of these steps prove too difficult, don’t hesitate to call in an expert like a handyman or carpenter who can help tackle this issue.
With these tips, you should now have a much better idea of fixing crooked cabinet handles yourself – good luck!
