How to Fix a Loose Cabinet Handle
A loose handle is almost always one of two things: a screw that has backed out, or a screw hole that has widened so the screw no longer bites.
The Quick Answer
What You'll Need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Wooden toothpicks
- Wood glue
- A slightly longer replacement screw
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Open the door and locate the screw
The screw runs through from the inside of the door into the back of the handle.
Step 2: Hold the handle and tighten by hand
Keep the handle straight with one hand and turn the screwdriver with the other until it is snug.
Watch out
Hand-tighten only. A power driver strips soft cabinet doors in a second.Step 3: If the screw spins, pack the hole
Remove the screw, push two or three wooden toothpicks with a drop of wood glue into the hole, snap them off flush, and let the glue dry.
Step 4: Reinstall and check the others
Refit the screw once dry, then check every other handle in the room — they loosen at a similar rate.
Pro tip
A slightly thicker or longer screw is a more permanent fix than toothpicks alone.
Tips
- Hand-tighten only. A power driver strips soft cabinet doors easily.
- Check the rest of the handles while you are there — they usually loosen at the same rate.
Common Mistakes
- Overtightening, which cracks the door face or strips the hole further.
- Using a screw so long it comes through the front of the door.
- Skipping the glue on a toothpick repair, which fails within weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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