How to Fix Stripped Metal Cabinet Knobs

Having a metal cabinet knob that has become loose or stripped can be very frustrating. It affects the functionality of opening and closing your cabinets and drawers and just looks bad. But don’t worry – with some effort, you can often fix a stripped metal cabinet knob yourself. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to fix stripped metal cabinet knobs.

Assessing the Damage

The first step is to assess the extent of the damage. There are a few things that could have gone wrong:

The Internal Threaded Post is Stripped

This is the threaded post inside the knob that screws onto the cabinet or drawer. Over time, the threads can become worn down or crossed from over tightening. Check to see if you can tighten the knob at all by hand or with pliers. If it just spins freely, the internal post is likely stripped.

The External Threaded Stud is Stripped

On the outside of the cabinet or drawer, a threaded stud sticks out for the knob to screw onto. If this is stripped, the knob will spin freely and not tighten down. Try tightening the knob firmly by hand or with pliers to test the threads.

The Knob is Just Loose

It’s also possible the internal threads are not stripped, but the knob has just become loose over time. Wiggle the knob to see if it feels loose but still catches the threads when tightened down.

The Knob is Damaged

Inspect your knob closely. If the metal is cracked or a piece of the knob itself is broken off, that will need to be addressed as well.

Once you’ve identified the specific issue, you can move onto the best fixing method.

Tightening a Loose Knob

If your knob is just loose, the fix may be as simple as tightening it back up. Here are some ways to try tightening it:

By Hand

First, try grasping the knob firmly and tightening it by hand in a clockwise direction. Put your weight into it and tighten as hard as you can without breaking the knob.

With Pliers or a Wrench

If you cannot get the knob tight enough by hand, use a set of pliers or a wrench to grip the knob and tighten it further. Place the jaws of the tool around the knob and tighten clockwise firmly but not so much that you damage the knob.

With Adhesives

For metal knobs, you can use a liquid adhesive like Loctite or another brand of thread locker. Simply put a drop or two into the space between the knob and cabinet, let it wick into the threads, and tighten. This will help secure the knob in place.

Once you have tightened a loose knob as much as possible, test it for a few days. If the knob becomes loose again, it likely means the threads are still damaged and you’ll need to try a more heavy-duty solution.

Fixing a Stripped Internal Threaded Post

If the internal threaded post inside your metal knob is stripped, you have a few options to repair it.

Filling with Epoxy Putty

Epoxy putties like JB Weld are great for filling damaged threads. Here is how to use epoxy putty to fix a stripped knob post:

1. Remove the knob from the cabinet or drawer. Clean any debris from the knob’s threads.
2. Mix a small amount of epoxy putty or another strong adhesive putty. Knead it thoroughly until mixed.
3. Firmly pack the putty into the damaged threaded hole in the knob post. Really work it into the grooves of the threads.
4. Let the epoxy fully cure as per the package directions, usually 24 hours.
5. The hole is now filled in with strong putty. You can re-tap new threads using a tap and die kit (explained below).
6. Reinstall the knob and the epoxy will help it grab tightly to the cabinet/drawer threads.

Re-Tapping Threads with a Tap and Die Kit

You can cut brand new threads into the epoxy-filled hole using a tap and die kit. The tap will cut female threads into the knob post, and the die will cut male threads into the stud on the furniture. Here is how to use a tap and die kit:

1. After filling the stripped knob hole with epoxy, let it fully harden overnight.
2. Select a tap slightly smaller than your original knob threads. Insert it into the chuck of a power drill.
3. Keeping the drill perpendicular, slowly twist the tap into the epoxy to cut new female threads. Apply firm pressure but don’t push too hard.
4. Test the depth by inserting the original knob stud into the newly tapped hole.
5. Select a die that matches the stud on your cabinet/drawer. Put it into the chuck and carefully cut new male threads around the stud.
6. Once you have matching female and male threads, install the original knob or a new one.

Retapping stripped threads takes patience but is often effective for long term repair. Consider asking a knowledgeable hardware store employee to help select the right sized tap and die.

Filling Hole and Using Larger Knob

If the stripped threads are too damaged to re-tap, another option is filling the hole with epoxy putty, then drilling out a larger hole to fit a bigger replacement knob.

1. Fill the stripped threads thoroughly with epoxy and let harden fully.
2. Using a drill bit slightly larger than the original hole, carefully drill out the epoxy. Drill slowly to avoid cracking the knob.
3. Test the new larger hole size by fitting a new knob with the same sized shank. It should fit snugly.
4. On the furniture side, enlarge the stud hole with a drill bit so the larger knob can fit.
5. Install the new oversized knob which will grab tightly.

This creates fresh gripping surfaces for the knob and stud to hold onto. Take measurements carefully so the knob lines up correctly.

Filling Hole and Using Thread Inserts

For a more heavy duty and adjustable fix, use threaded inserts instead of tapping threads. Once the stripped hole is filled with epoxy:

1. Drill out the hardened epoxy using a bit matched to the outside size of a threaded insert.
2. Screw the inserts into the newly drilled hole, locking them firmly in place in the epoxy.
3. Reinstall the original or new knob stud into the inserts. The metal threads will securely grip the knob long term.

Threaded inserts are strong and reusable. This technique also avoids having to enlarge the knob. Auto parts stores carry various threaded insert sizes.

With any of these methods, be sure to thoroughly clean out the old stripped threads before repairing and use plenty of epoxy. Allow full curing time before reinstalling the knob.

Fixing a Stripped External Threaded Stud

If the threaded post is fine but the external stud on your cabinet/drawer is stripped, fixing it follows the same concepts:

Filling with Epoxy, Re-Tapping Threads

Pack epoxy putty into the damaged stud threads and allow to harden fully. Then use the proper sized die from a tap and die kit to recut fresh male threads into the epoxy. Take care to keep the die perpendicular as you cut the new threads.

Filling Hole, Drilling Larger Diameter

An oversized knob can also be installed if the stripped stud hole is filled with epoxy putty, then drilled out to a slightly larger diameter. Be sure to enlarge the inner knob post threads as well.

Using Threaded Inserts

For the strongest fix, drill out the epoxy-filled stud hole to fit an appropriate threaded insert. Screw the insert into the epoxy to lock it in place, then install the original or new knob into the insert’s threads.

The process is the same as repairing the internal post, just performed on the external furniture stud. Be very careful enlarging any holes on the front of the cabinet/drawer face.

Repairing a Damaged Knob

If your knob itself is cracked or otherwise broken, you may need to replace it completely. But first, consider these fixes:

Epoxying Cracks

For small cracks or broken chunks in a metal knob, high strength epoxy can often repair it. Thoroughly clean and rough up the damaged area, mix the epoxy, fill the cracks, and clamp until the epoxy has fully hardened. Sand and paint as needed.

Welding Broken Areas

Knobs made of steel, iron or other weldable metals can sometimes be welded back together. If the broken area is clean and fits tightly, use a low heat setting and appropriate filler rod to “spot weld” it. Be careful not to melt surrounding areas.

Using Decorative Elements to Cover Damage

Small bits of trim, appliques, or other decorative elements can often be glued over damaged spots on a knob to hide them. Measure carefully before attaching anything permanently.

Replacing the Knob

If damage is too severe, you will likely need to replace the knob altogether. Take the old knob to the hardware store to find the closest match. Look for the same screw type, size, design, and material as your original.

Be sure to thoroughly fix any underlying issues with the threaded posts/studs before installing a new knob too.

Preventing Stripped Knobs in the Future

To help avoid stripped knob issues down the road:

• Tighten knobs by hand only until snug. Avoid overtightening with tools which can damage threads.
• Periodically tighten any loose knobs to combat inertia loosening over time.
• When tightening, turn knob and not furniture stud to avoid cross-threading.
• Lubricate knob threads periodically with silicone spray, wax or graphite powder.
• Install knobs carefully aligned straight into the threads to prevent stripping.
• Choose high quality solid metal knobs over cheap plastic ones prone to breaking.

With some determination and the right techniques, you can give your metal cabinet knobs new life and avoid the hassles of loose or spinning knobs. Just take your time, assess the specific issue, and methodically employ the right solution. Your cabinets will function smoothly again.

FAQ About Fixing Stripped Metal Cabinet Knobs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about repairing damaged metal cabinet knobs:

Can I just glue a stripped knob in place?

Gluing alone is not recommended. The adhesive will not hold well long-term. It’s better to thoroughly fix the underlying thread issues first before using any adhesive.

What’s the best epoxy putty brand for filling stripped threads?

JB Weld and PC Products are two excellent epoxy putty brands for metal knob repairs. Just ensure the product you choose can be drilled and tapped afterwards.

My knob stud is so damaged I can’t tighten the knob anymore. What now?

If the stud is too far gone to cut new threads, you can drill it out entirely and install a threaded insert or nut/bolt combo to hold the knob.

I can’t find a tap and die kit. What are some alternatives?

You may be able to purchase individual taps and dies for your specific knob size at a hardware store. Plumbers tape wrapped on stud threads can also help fill small gaps.

How do I get rusted or corroded knobs off?

Apply penetrating oil liberally and let it soak in for a day. Cover knobs with vinegar-soaked rags for an hour. Use pliers and tighten/loosen repeatedly to break corrosion free. Gently tap them loose with a hammer if needed.

How can I make tightening my knobs easier in the future?

Apply a dry lubricant like graphite powder or spray silicone to the threads periodically. Also lightly lubricate the internal stem the knob tightens down on. This reduces friction and corrosion.

My knob holes are slightly off-center. Any tips to realign them?

You can insert plastic wall anchors or sliced wine corks into the off-center hole to take up space. Then drill a new centered pilot hole through the anchor material.

What household items can I use if I don’t have a die for re-threading?

Male threads can be recut using bolts, screws or threaded rods that fit the stud diameter. Wrap with foil for tightness. Or cut notches in wood dowels to form threads.

Is there a quick fix for a knob that fell off and stripped threads?

Try tightening it as is or with metal epoxy first. If that doesn’t work, installing a threaded insert or nut and bolt in its place will resecure quickly.

Repairing damaged metal cabinet knobs usually requires patience and the right tools, but is very doable. With this guide, you should be able to assess your specific issue and get your loose, spinning knobs tightened up again for the long haul.

Conclusion

Loose, spinning metal cabinet knobs are an annoyance and make your cabinets harder to operate. But in most cases, you can successfully repair the stripped threads or other damage yourself. The key steps are identifying exactly what is causing the issue, cleaning and preparing the damaged areas thoroughly, and using the best permanent solution for your situation.

Methods like filling with epoxy putty, recutting threads with a tap and die set, using threaded inserts, or drilling holes larger are all proven ways to permanently re-secure a stripped metal knob. Just be sure to fully fix the underlying problem before reinstalling the knob. With some time and care, you can have your metal knobs tightened back up and functioning properly again for years to come.