A broken drawer handle can be more than a minor annoyance. It disrupts the look of your furniture and makes accessing your belongings a daily struggle.
Whether it’s a loose handle on your favorite dresser or a completely snapped pull on a kitchen cabinet, it’s a problem that needs a solution. The good news is that you don’t need to call a professional or buy new furniture. Fixing a broken drawer handle is a simple, satisfying DIY project that almost anyone can tackle with a few basic tools and a little bit of time.
This guide on how to fix a broken drawer handle will walk you through everything you need to know to restore your drawer to full function and style.
What Will You Need?
Before you begin, gathering the right tools and materials will make the process smooth and efficient. Here’s a list of what you’ll likely need:
- Screwdriver: A Phillips head and a flathead screwdriver will cover most screw types.
- New Handle or Knob: Make sure it matches the style of your furniture and that the screw holes align with the existing ones if you’re replacing like-for-like.
- Screws: Your new handle may come with screws. If not, you’ll need to purchase them. Make sure they are the correct length—not so long that they poke through the front of the drawer face, but long enough to secure the handle.
- Wood Glue: Essential for stripped screw holes or cracked wood.
- Toothpicks or Wood Dowels: For filling stripped screw holes.
- Wood Filler: For filling old holes if your new handle has a different spacing.
- Sandpaper: Fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) for smoothing wood filler.
- Drill (Optional): Needed if you have to create new holes for a different style of handle.
- Measuring Tape or Ruler: To ensure your new handle is centered and level.
- Pencil: For marking new hole locations.
- Clean Cloth: For wiping away dust and excess glue.
10 Easy Steps on How to Fix a Broken Drawer Handle
Follow these detailed steps to get your drawer handle fixed perfectly.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Before you start unscrewing anything, take a close look at the problem. Is the handle just loose? Is the screw stripped? Is the wood around the screw hole damaged or cracked? Or has the handle itself snapped in two? Understanding the exact issue will determine your repair strategy. If the handle is just wobbly, you might only need to tighten the screws. If the wood is stripped, you will need to fill the hole before reattaching the handle. A broken handle will require a full replacement. This initial assessment prevents you from doing unnecessary work and ensures you have the right materials on hand.
Step 2: Remove the Old Handle
Open the drawer and look at the back of the drawer face. You will see one or two screws holding the handle in place. Using the appropriate screwdriver (usually a Phillips head), turn the screws counter-clockwise to loosen them. Hold the handle on the outside with one hand to prevent it from falling and potentially scratching the drawer face as it comes loose. Once the screws are out, the handle should come right off. Place the screws and old handle aside.
Step 3: Clean the Area
With the old handle removed, take a moment to clean the surface of the drawer front and the area around the screw holes. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any dust, grime, or residue that may have accumulated around and under the old handle. If there’s any old glue or wood filler, gently scrape it away. A clean surface is crucial for a secure and neat installation of the new handle, especially if you need to apply wood filler or glue.
Step 4: Prepare the Screw Holes
This is a critical step, especially if the old screws were loose. If the screw holes are stripped (meaning the screw just spins without tightening), you need to fill them. A simple and effective method is to use wood glue and toothpicks. Apply a small amount of wood glue into the hole and insert as many toothpicks as you can fit. Break them off flush with the surface of the wood. The glue and toothpicks create new wood for the screw to bite into. Let the glue dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for at least an hour.
Step 5: Address Old Holes (If Necessary)
If your new handle has a different screw hole spacing than the old one, you’ll need to fill the old holes permanently. Use a wood filler that matches the color of your drawer as closely as possible. Apply the filler with a small putty knife, pressing it firmly into the holes. Overfill slightly, as the filler will shrink a bit as it dries. Allow it to dry completely—this can take several hours. Once dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the filled area until it is perfectly smooth and flush with the drawer face.
Step 6: Measure and Mark for the New Handle
Precision is key to a professional-looking result. If you’re installing a handle with a different hole spacing, you need to mark the new locations. Use a measuring tape to find the center of the drawer front. Mark this point lightly with a pencil. From this center point, measure out equally to the left and right according to the distance between the screw holes on your new handle (this is called the “center-to-center” measurement). Use a level to ensure your marks are straight.
Step 7: Drill New Holes (If Necessary)
If you marked new locations in the previous step, it’s time to drill. Choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller in diameter than the screws you will be using. This ensures the screw will have enough wood to grip securely. To avoid splintering the wood on the front of the drawer, you can place a piece of painter’s tape over the spot where you will drill. Drill slowly and steadily straight through your marked spots from the front of the drawer to the back.
Step 8: Test Fit the New Handle
Before you permanently attach the new handle, do a quick test fit. Hold the handle against the drawer front, aligning it with your new or prepared holes. From the inside of the drawer, insert the screws and hand-tighten them. Check if the handle sits flush against the drawer and is straight. This is your chance to make any minor adjustments before the final installation. It also ensures your screws are the correct length.
Step 9: Secure the New Handle
Now for the final attachment. Place the handle against the front of the drawer. From inside, insert the screws through the holes and into the back of the handle. Use your screwdriver to tighten them. Turn the screws clockwise until they are snug. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this can strip the new holes you just prepared or even crack the wood or the handle itself. The handle should feel solid and secure with no wobbling.
Step 10: Final Touches and Cleanup
Give your newly installed handle a final check. Open and close the drawer a few times to ensure the handle feels sturdy and functions correctly. Wipe away any pencil marks or fingerprints from the drawer face with a clean cloth. If you used wood filler and sanded it, you might need to apply a little touch-up paint or stain to make the repair completely invisible. Step back and admire your handiwork—you’ve successfully fixed your drawer handle!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Using the Wrong Screw Length: A screw that is too long can poke through the front of the drawer, creating a hazard and ruining the look. A screw that is too short won’t securely hold the handle.
- Over-tightening Screws: It’s tempting to make it extra tight, but this can strip the wood, crack the drawer face, or damage the new handle. Tighten until snug, but no more.
- Skipping Hole Preparation: If you try to put a screw into a stripped hole without filling it first, the handle will just come loose again in no time.
- Ignoring Measurements: Don’t just “eyeball” the placement of a new handle. Taking a few minutes to measure and mark ensures the handle is centered and level, which makes a huge difference in the final appearance.
- Rushing the Glue/Filler Drying Time: Wood glue and filler need time to cure properly to create a strong bond. Be patient and follow the recommended drying times on the Product Packaging for a Lasting repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if My New Handle Has Only One Screw, but the Old One Had Two?
You will need to fill both of the old screw holes using wood filler. Once the filler is dry and sanded smooth, find the center point between the old holes. This is where you will drill a single new hole for your new knob or handle. - How Do I Choose a New Handle?
Consider both function and style. Ensure the handle’s “center-to-center” measurement matches your existing holes if you want a simple swap. If not, be prepared to fill old holes and drill new ones. Also, choose a style and finish that complements your furniture and the room’s decor. - The Wood Around the Handle is Cracked. How Can I Fix This?
For minor cracks, you can force wood glue into the crack and clamp it tightly until it dries. For more significant damage, you may need to use a strong epoxy-based wood filler to rebuild the area before sanding it smooth and drilling new holes for the handle.
Conclusion
How to fix a broken drawer handle is an empowering and practical skill that saves you money and keeps your furniture in top condition.
By following these steps, you can confidently handle loose screws, stripped holes, or a complete handle replacement. Remember to gather your tools, assess the damage carefully, and work patiently through each step. A small repair like this not only restores function but also brings a sense of accomplishment.
Now you have the know-how to tackle this common household issue whenever it arises.