Two Ways to Fix a Screw that’s Too Long
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.
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.
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.)
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.
Mark that distance +Â 1/16″ more on the screw.
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.
Squeeze firmly on the pliers.
And boom, your screw is cut but still able to be screwed into the knob!
You’re knobs and pulls can be perfectly installed on cabinets now. Was that mind-blowing? Did you know that trick already?
I’ll be back soon to show you a new gadget I used for installing the knobs!
WOW!!!!!!!! Back from THIRD trip to hardware store to find right length screw!!!!! THANKS!!!!!!!
I have used the washer tip many times, but sometimes the screws are extra long! I had no idea that pliers would work for this! Heading to Home Depot now!
not sure how strong you have to be but I could not cut them that way with the wire strippers
You definitely need to use some extra strength. Try turning the screw slightly and apply pressure again.
What do I do with the jagged edges of the screw after I cut it? My wire cutter doesn’t have holes to fit the screws into.
If you had wire cutters with the screw cutters, it leaves a clean cut. Otherwise, you have to use a metal file to file off the rough edges. And it might damage your threads.
Wow, thanks ! I didn’t know this and do run into this problem often when working on cabinets and furniture.
Wow, I saw that tool in my hubby toolbox, but I too had no idea what it was used for. As always, you rock! Thanks for teaching us something wonderful again.
I did NOT know this! great tip!
Plier stripper – I will buy today. Thank you for the great info!
Ok, that was indeed mind-blowing! Thanks for sharing!
LOL, glad to help!
I certainly didn’t know this and will keep in mind! Thanks
Great! I do this a lot with 6-32 and 8-32.. great site!
I need that plier. Thanks for the info is really of great value.
Great ideas here! Thanks for this!
Wow I had no idea those strippers would cut down the screws. How ingenius and easy
Wow! I didn’t know that about the pliers, I love learning new things! Thanks, Brittany!