Is your dresser drawer handle loose and wiggling around? Not sure how to fix it? Don’t worry; you’re not the only one. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to fix dresser drawer handles that are loose or wobbly. We’ll also give you a few tips on how to prevent this from happening again in the future.
If your dresser drawer handles are loose, there is an easy way to fix them. You will need a screwdriver and a drill. With these tools, you can tighten the screws that hold the handles in place. If the screws are stripped, you can use a drill bit to create new holes. This fix will make your dresser drawer handles more secure and less likely to come loose over time. Read on for more information.
Summary: Fixing dresser drawer handles can be a simple and straightforward task. You’ll need to start by turning off your dresser’s power source, making sure the handle is securely fastened to the drawer before detaching it.
Remove any screws, washers or nuts attached to the handle, if needed, and pull out the handle. Once removed, you can assess whether the handle needs replacement or just cleaning. If replacing is necessary, get an identical handle in design and size and affix it with the same hardware that came with it initially.
7 Reasons That Causes Loose Dresser Drawer Handles
1. Due to Normal Wear and Tear
Over time, the handles on your dresser drawers can become loose from normal wear and tear. This is especially common if you frequently open and close the drawers or if the handles are made from a material that is not as durable as others. If your dresser drawer handles are starting to feel loose, you can try to tighten them yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
2. Holes Have Become Worn Out
Another common reason dresser drawer handles become loose is that the holes they are screwed into have worn out over time. This can happen if you frequently open and close the drawers or if the handles are made of a softer material that wears down more easily. If this is the case, you’ll need to either replace the handles or drill new holes for them.
3. Handles Are Too Big or Too Small
Sometimes, dresser drawer handles can become loose because they are too big or too small for the holes they are screwed into. If the handles are too big, they can move around more freely and eventually become loose. On the other hand, if the handles are too small, they may not be able to grip the sides of the holes tightly and will also become loose over time.
4. Screws Are Loose
Sometimes, the screws used to hold the handles in place can become loose over time. For example, this can happen if you frequently open and close the drawers or if the screws are made of a softer material that wears down more easily. If this is the case, you’ll need to either replace the screws or tighten them.
5. Handles Are Damaged
Sometimes, dresser drawer handles can become loose because they are damaged. This can happen if the handles are made of a softer material that is more prone to damage or if they are located in an area where they are constantly being bumped or knocked. If the handles on your dresser drawers are damaged, you will need to replace them. Make sure you choose handles that are made of a durable material that will withstand constant use.
6. Drawer Slides Are Not Installed Properly
The drawer slides are an important part of the dresser, as they provide support and stability to the drawers. If the drawer slides are not installed properly, the drawers will be tough to open and close. To fix this problem, remove the drawer and re-install the slide. Make sure that the slide is installed in the correct position and that it is level.
7. The Dresser Is Unstable
If the dresser is unstable, it can be dangerous to use. To fix this problem, you will need to check the stabilizing feet or legs of the dresser. If they are not installed properly, you can try to adjust them. If this does not work, you may need to replace the stabilizing feet or legs. Ensure the new ones are properly installed before using the dresser again.
8 Best Ways on How to Fix Dresser Drawer Handles
1. Use a Screwdriver
This is the most common and basic way to fix dresser drawer handles. All you need is a screwdriver that fits the screws on the handles. Just remove the screws and then reattach them back into place. Be sure not to overtighten the screws, as this can strip the holes and worsen the problem. If you want to avoid using a screwdriver altogether, you can try using a toothpick or something similar to remove the screws.
2. Use a Hammer and Nail
If your dresser drawer handle is loose but the screws are still in good condition, you can use a hammer and nail to tighten it. First, remove the screws from the handle using a screwdriver. Next, drive a nail into the holes where the screws were. Finally, use the hammer to tap the nails until they flush with the drawer handle’s surface. If you want to avoid damaging the finish on your dresser drawer, you can wrap the head of the nail with a piece of cloth before hammering it.
3. Replace the Screws
If the screws that hold your dresser drawer handle in place are stripped or broken, you’ll need to replace them. First, remove the old screws with a screwdriver. Then, insert new screws into the holes and tighten them until their snug. Make sure that your handle is properly secured before using it again. If you’re having trouble finding new screws that fit, take the old ones with you to the hardware store to find a match.
4. Repair a Loose Handle
If your dresser drawer handle feels loose, you can try to tighten it up by screwing it in tighter with a screwdriver. If this doesn’t work, or if the handle is already tight and won’t stay in place, you may need to replace the handle entirely. When your handle is loose, it can cause your dresser drawer to feel unstable and even fall off entirely if not fixed.
5. Fix a Stripped Screw Hole
If the screw hole in your dresser drawer handle is stripped, you can try using a toothpick or wire to fill it in so the screw has something to grip. You can also try using a larger screw. If neither of these options works, you may need to replace the handle. Make sure that the handles you purchase have the same distance between the screw holes so that you can use the existing screws.
6. Use Hot Glue to Reattach a Handle
If your handle has come completely off, you can try using hot glue to reattach it. First, clean both the handle and the dresser drawer surface with rubbing alcohol. Next, apply a generous amount of hot glue to the back of the handle. Then, press the handle and hold it there for a few seconds until the glue dries.
7. Apply Epoxy
You can try using epoxy if hot glue doesn’t seem to hold your handle in place. First, mix equal parts epoxy and hardener. Then, apply the mixture to the back of the handle and press it into place. The epoxy will take a few hours to set, so be sure not to use the drawer during that time.
8. Seek Help From a Professional
If your dresser drawer handle is severely damaged or you can’t seem to get it back on, no matter what you try, it’s best to seek help from a professional. A furniture repair specialist will be able to fix your dresser drawer handle quickly and easily, ensuring that it looks and works like new again. However, if you want to avoid damaging your dresser drawer any further, it’s best to leave the repair to a professional.
Some Helpful Tips and Suggestions
- Start by assessing the damage to your dresser drawer handles. If the handles are loose, you can tighten them using a screwdriver. However, if the handles are broken or damaged, you will need to replace them.
- Once you have determined what type of repair is necessary, gather the tools and materials you will need. You will need a screwdriver, a drill, and new handles to replace handles.
- If you are replacing the handles, begin by removing the old ones. Next, use the screwdriver to remove the screws holding the handle in place. Be careful not to damage the surrounding wood when removing the screws.
- Once the old handle is removed, measure the distance between the holes left behind. This will help you determine what size handles you need to purchase.
- Drill new holes for the new handles, using the measurement from the old holes as a guide. Be sure to drill straight down into the wood to avoid splintering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Replace Pulls With Knobs?
Yes, you can replace pulls with knobs. This will save you time and money while providing the same level of security. By replacing your pull hardware with knobs, you will be able to open and close doors more easily in high-security settings or environments. Additionally, using knobs decreases the chances of unauthorized access because they are harder to grab than pulls.
What to Do When Drawer Pull Screws Are Too Short?
If your drawer pulls are too short, you can try to cut some of the screws off. This may work if the screws are only a few inches long and don’t go all the way through the wood. If you can’t get them out without damaging the wood, then you will need to buy longer screw guns or drill bits that fit into standard screwdriver heads.
What Size Are Drawer Pull Screws?
This question is a bit tricky to answer, as drawer pulls come in a variety of sizes. In general, though, drawer pulls are usually about 18mm wide by 38mm high. So, if you’re looking for a drawer pull that is standard size, these dimensions should be close to what you’re looking for.
What Size Are Drawer Pull Screws?
Standard drawer pull screws are either 1/2″ or 3/8″, but you may want to consider using smaller screws if your drawers are shallow. Shallow drawers require less torque to open, so it is better to use a screw that is lighter in weight and has a shorter length. And finally, make sure the head of the screw is flush with the top of the drawer front when installed. This will minimize the potential damage caused by hidden hardware.
Conclusion
Dresser drawer handles are one of those small details in a room that can make a big impact. However, when they’re loose or wobbly, it can be frustrating and detract from the overall look of the space. Luckily, it’s an easy fix to tighten them up yourself.
Replacing dresser drawer handles is a simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. Following our outlined steps, you should have no trouble fixing your drawer handles in short order. We hope this guide on how to fix dresser drawer handles has been helpful. Have any questions? Feel free to reach out to us for help.