2 Ways to Fix a Knob Screw that's Too Long | Pretty Handy Girl
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Two Ways to Fix a Screw that’s Too Long

2 Ways to Fix a Knob Screw that's Too Long | Pretty Handy Girl

Have you ever put new knobs on a cabinet only to find out that the screw is too long. It’s a pain for sure. That little project that you thought would take a few minutes is now going to require a trip to the hardware store — or will it. Not today! I have a tutorial to show you Two Ways to Fix a Knob or Pull Screw that’s Too Long.

2 Ways to Fix a Knob Screw that's Too Long | Pretty Handy Girl

1st Way to Shorten a Screw that’s Too Long:

First things first, let’s discuss the quickest way to deal with a screw that is almost the right length. Simply add a washer or two to the inside of the screw.

2 Ways to Fix a Knob Screw that's Too Long | Pretty Handy Girl

Then reattach the knob. Bam, perfectly tight knob.

2nd Way to Shorten a Screw that’s Too Long:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

2 Ways to Fix a Knob Screw that's Too Long | Pretty Handy Girl

But what do you do if you would need more than two washers to make the screw fit? This tip will blow your mind.

First measure the excess screw length.

2 Ways to Fix a Knob Screw that's Too Long | Pretty Handy Girl

Mark that distance + 1/16″ more on the screw.

2 Ways to Fix a Knob Screw that's Too Long | Pretty Handy Girl

Use a pair of wire strippers (affiliate link to the strippers I own and love) and thread the screw into a hole on the pliers (the one that fits best.) The mark should be inside the pliers before you continue.

2 Ways to Fix a Knob Screw that's Too Long | Pretty Handy Girl

Squeeze firmly on the pliers.

2 Ways to Fix a Knob Screw that's Too Long | Pretty Handy Girl

And boom, your screw is cut but still able to be screwed into the knob!

2 Ways to Fix a Knob Screw that's Too Long | Pretty Handy Girl

You’re knobs and pulls can be perfectly installed on cabinets now. Was that mind-blowing? Did you know that trick already?

2 Ways to Fix a Knob Screw that's Too Long | Pretty Handy Girl

I’ll be back soon to show you a new gadget I used for installing the knobs!

Two Ways to Fix a Screw thats Too Long

24 replies
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  1. Annette
    Annette says:

    Oh, thank you so much for this info! None of my cabinets in my condo have knobs. I just bought 4 online, and two are short(!) for a little over 5/8” cabinet doors, and two are too long. Just emailed the vendor, but decided to google and found your timely (for me 🙂 post. Purchased the wire cutters at my local hardware store. Thank you for sharing this tidbit of expertise!

    Reply
  2. Leo
    Leo says:

    An extra tip when using this tool; It takes quite some force and once the bolt is cut, all your energy will be released with a snap. Make sure no skin gets in between the handles; it hurts.

    Reply
  3. Gordon Nicol
    Gordon Nicol says:

    Grrrreat idea with the washers ! Wish I’d read this 2 hours ago. I had a few wood screws t that had very sharp points protruding out of the wood and I spent quite some time trying to grind them down. If only I’d known about your washer trick, could have saved some time and frustration. Funnily enough I have a pair of the wire strippers ordered. By the way, the link you have, these are currently out of stock, but here’s a link to them. They have 22 five star ratings and are only $6.99:
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XXMLFMV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Reply
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