How to Fix a Stripped Metal Cabinet Knob

A stripped metal cabinet knob can be incredibly frustrating. When you go to open a cabinet door and the knob just spins uselessly in your hand, it makes a frequently used item suddenly unusable. Replacing the knob is often the best solution, but it can also be fixed by repairing the stripped screw hole. With a few simple tools and techniques, you can have your cabinets working again in no time.

Assessing the Damage

The first step is to take a close look at the damage and determine why the knob no longer grips the screw. This will help you decide between replacing or repairing it.

Here are some of the most common causes of a spinning metal cabinet knob:

Stripped Screw Hole

Over time, the screw holding the knob in place can slowly strip out the hole in the cabinet door. This leads to a loose fit that no longer keeps the knob stationary. The screw essentially spins freely inside the enlarged hole.

Broken Internal Threaded Insert

Some knobs use a threaded insert inside the door rather than drilling and tapping the door itself. If this insert cracks or breaks off, it will no longer hold the screw in place.

Worn or Damaged Screw Head

The head of the screw itself may be so worn down that it no longer grips the interior threads well. A build up of paint or grime could also prevent the screw from tightening properly.

Loose Set Screw

Knobs with a set screw on the side can become loose over time. If the set screw no longer puts pressure on the screw shaft, the knob will spin freely.

Once you determine the cause, you can move on to the repair. A stripped screw hole will require a different fix than a damaged screw or loose set screw.

Repairing a Stripped Screw Hole

If the screw hole inside the cabinet door has become enlarged or stripped, there are a few ways to potentially fix it rather than replacing the knob entirely. Here are some methods for repairing a stripped screw hole in a metal cabinet knob.

Wooden Toothpicks or Golf Tees

For stripped holes in softer woods like pine or poplar, you can pack the hole with toothpicks or cut up golf tees. Apply wood glue and pack the hole completely with thin slivers of wood. Trim off any excess once the glue has dried. The hole will now be filled in and you can re-drill a pilot hole for the screw.

Toothpicks and Wood Glue

Much like using just toothpicks or golf tees, you can mix wood glue and toothpicks to create a putty. Pack this into the stripped hole, let it fully dry, then redrill the pilot hole. The glue hardens like wood filler to give the screw more grip.

Wood Dowel and Glue

For a sturdier and more permanent fix, you can glue a precisely fitted hardwood dowel into the stripped hole. Trim the dowel to press-fit tightly into the hole before gluing. Allow the glue to fully cure before drilling. Maple or oak dowels are a good choice.

Wood Plug

Gluing in a plug slightly larger than the hole can work if the area around the hole still has enough grip. Cut a plug from a piece of natural hardwood. Coat the plug with wood glue and tap it into the hole with a hammer. Let the glue dry completely before re-drilling.

Move to a New Location

If possible, you may be able to simply move the knob to a new undamaged location on the door. Drill new pilot holes precisely for the knob baseplate. Make sure the holes go into solid wood for a tight grip.

Cabinet Epoxy Repair Kit

Hardware stores sell specialty epoxy kits designed to repair stripped cabinet screw holes. These are syringes of epoxy that you squirt into the hole and let cure. Once hardened, you can drill into the epoxy just like wood.

For severe stripping damage, the epoxy method is likely the strongest and longest-lasting repair option. The kits are inexpensive and easy to use.

Fixing a Damaged Screw

If the screw shaft or head is too worn to grip properly, replacing the screw can allow the knob to be salvaged.

Use pliers or locking grips to unscrew and remove what remains of the old screw. Carefully examine the internal threads in the door or insert. If they seem intact, simply inserting a new matching screw of the same size can fix the issue. Tighten the fresh screw firmly in place.

When screwing it back in place, rub wax or soap on the screw threads to help it drive cleanly into undamaged threads. Avoid too much force or you could strip the screw hole all over again.

Replacing a Broken Threaded Insert

Some knobs use a threaded brass or nylon insert fitted into a hole drilled in the door. If this insert becomes damaged, the entire knob spins freely.

Most home centers and hardware stores sell replacement inserts that you simply glue into the existing hole before installing the knob. Just be sure to get the exact right size.

Here is the basic process for replacing a stripped or damaged threaded knob insert:

1. Remove the existing knob and any remnants of the old insert from the hole. Scrape and sand the hole smooth.
2. Test fit the new insert in the hole. It should fit snugly when tapped into place. If too loose, use a drop of super glue to secure it.
3. Clean out any old screw holes and drill new pilot holes for the knob hardware.
4. Install the knob as normal, tightening screws into the fresh insert. Be careful not to strip the new threads.

With the threaded insert replaced, the knob should once again be able to grip the cabinet door securely.

Tightening a Loose Set Screw

Some knobs secure to the underlying screw with a small set screw threaded through the side or back of the knob. If this becomes loose, the entire knob will spin freely around the screw shaft.

Tightening down the set screw will typically fix this problem quickly:

• Use a small Allen wrench to loosen the set screw completely and remove the knob from the door.
• Remove any grime or paint buildup from the set screw and screw shaft. Apply threadlocker to the set screw threads.
• Replace the knob on the screw shaft and hand tighten until snug.
• Insert the Allen wrench and turn the set screw to tighten down onto the screw shaft. Apply firm pressure when tightening.
• Try moving the knob to test for a tight hold on the screw before closing the cabinet door.

With the set screw properly compressed onto the screw shaft, the knob will once again stay stationary when opening and closing the cabinet.

Replacing a Damaged Metal Cabinet Knob

If attempts to repair the existing knob are not successful, replacing the entire knob is the solution. Take the old knob to the hardware store to find an exact match if it is part of a set.

Here are some tips for smoothly replacing metal cabinet knobs:

• Carefully note the positioning of the old knob before removing it completely. You want the new one in the identical spot.
• Use pliers and patience to remove the old screw if it won’t turn out normally. Be careful not to damage the door.
• Take measurements of the screw positions so the new knob holes can be drilled precisely in the same location.
• Drill very slowly with sharp drill bits to avoid damage when drilling the new knob holes.
• Attach any adapter plates, inserts, etc and test fit the new knob before final attachment.
• Drive screws for the new knob snugly into the door but do not over-tighten. Hand tightening is usually sufficient if the holes are properly piloted.
• Consider using mini drop(s) of threadlocker or wood glue when attaching a new knob to keep it secure permanently.

With some care taken during installation, the fresh knob should restore normal operation to your stubborn cabinet door.

Preventing Metal Knob Damage

You can take some simple steps when installing new or existing knobs to prevent stripping and loosening issues over time:

• Drill knob holes to precise diameters recommended by the manufacturer. A tight fit is ideal.
• Use sharp drill bits to minimize edge tearing that can lead to stripping.
• Consider using threaded inserts for extra grip, especially on softer woods.
• Pre-drill very small pilot holes for the screws to reduce splitting of wood.
• When driving screws, stop periodically to test for a snug fit. Avoid over-tightening.
• Apply a drop of wood glue or threadlocker to knob screw holes during installation for added holding power.
• Periodically check knobs for tightness and tighten any set screws or screw joints that feel loose.

With proper installation and occasional tightening, your new or repaired metal cabinet knobs should provide years of service. Be patient during repairs and take time to do it right. In most cases you can salvage damaged knobs rather than replacing them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fixing Stripped Metal Cabinet Knobs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about repairing a spinning metal cabinet knob:

What’s the easiest way to fix a stripped cabinet knob screw hole?

Using a dedicated epoxy hole repair kit is likely the quickest and easiest permanent fix for a stripped screw hole. Just clean the hole, squirt in epoxy, let it harden, then drill a fresh pilot hole.

How do you tighten a loose cabinet knob screw?

Try tightening the existing screw further first, using care not to strip it. If still loose, replace the screw with a fresh one of the same size and type, tightening it just until snug. Lubricating the screw threads can help.

Should I reposition a cabinet knob or drill new holes?

It’s generally best to drill entirely new holes for a replacement knob in undamaged wood if feasible. Relocating the knob rather than filling and redrilling stripped holes often gives better results.

What type of glue works best for regluing loose knobs?

Cyanoacrylate super glue is easiest for gluing small metal hardware like knobs. Epoxy also works very well and provides maximum strength but dries slower. Wood glue such as Titebond can be used for gluing in wood plugs or inserts.

How do I stop my metal cabinet knobs from loosening over time?

Proper installation is key. Drill precise pilot holes for screws and avoid over-tightening. Consider using threadlocker or wood glue during installation for the strongest hold. Periodically check knobs for any loosening.

Can I just replace a metal cabinet knob insert instead of the whole knob?

If the insert nut inside the door is damaged but the knob itself is fine, yes you can often just swap out that insert portion rather than replacing the entire knob fixture.

Will just tightening the set screw fix a spinning metal knob?

If the knob has a set screw, definitely try tightening it fully onto the screw shaft before attempting any other repair. Often, tightening the set screw is all that is needed to stop a loose knob from spinning.

What tools do I need to remove old metal cabinet knobs?

Usually just a Philips or flat head screwdriver. Tapping the screwdriver firmly before turning can help break loose stubborn screws. For stuck screws, a power drill or pliers may be needed to get them off.

Conclusion

Repairing a spinning, loose metal cabinet knob is a relatively straightforward process that can save the hassle and expense of full replacement. In many cases, it may only take 10-15 minutes to complete using basic tools and supplies.

The key is taking time to diagnose the specific problem, whether it’s a stripped screw, damaged threads, loose set screw, etc. Applying the right fix for the particular issue at hand can bring new life back to a worn out knob.

With care and patience, you can likely salvage most beat up cabinet knobs rather than replacing them. Just be sure to take precautions during installation to prevent premature loosening. Properly piloted holes, glue, threadlocker, and tight set screws will all contribute to a long-lasting repair that keeps your cabinets functioning smoothly.