Two Ways to Fix a Screw that’s Too Long
Have you ever put new knobs on a cabinet only to find out that the screw is too long. It’s a pain for sure. That little project that you thought would take a few minutes is now going to require a trip to the hardware store — or will it. Not today! I have a tutorial to show you Two Ways to Fix a Knob or Pull Screw that’s Too Long.
1st Way to Shorten a Screw that’s Too Long:
First things first, let’s discuss the quickest way to deal with a screw that is almost the right length. Simply add a washer or two to the inside of the screw.
Then reattach the knob. Bam, perfectly tight knob.
2nd Way to Shorten a Screw that’s Too Long:
(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)
But what do you do if you would need more than two washers to make the screw fit? This tip will blow your mind.
First measure the excess screw length.
Mark that distance + 1/16″ more on the screw.
Use a pair of wire strippers (affiliate link to the strippers I own and love) and thread the screw into a hole on the pliers (the one that fits best.) The mark should be inside the pliers before you continue.
Squeeze firmly on the pliers.
And boom, your screw is cut but still able to be screwed into the knob!
You’re knobs and pulls can be perfectly installed on cabinets now. Was that mind-blowing? Did you know that trick already?
I’ll be back soon to show you a new gadget I used for installing the knobs!
That’s not a screw, that’s a bolt.
Yes, but this provides the same information regardless of screw or bolt. Thanks but not the point.
Oh, thank you so much for this info! None of my cabinets in my condo have knobs. I just bought 4 online, and two are short(!) for a little over 5/8” cabinet doors, and two are too long. Just emailed the vendor, but decided to google and found your timely (for me 🙂 post. Purchased the wire cutters at my local hardware store. Thank you for sharing this tidbit of expertise!
An extra tip when using this tool; It takes quite some force and once the bolt is cut, all your energy will be released with a snap. Make sure no skin gets in between the handles; it hurts.
Grrrreat idea with the washers ! Wish I’d read this 2 hours ago. I had a few wood screws t that had very sharp points protruding out of the wood and I spent quite some time trying to grind them down. If only I’d known about your washer trick, could have saved some time and frustration. Funnily enough I have a pair of the wire strippers ordered. By the way, the link you have, these are currently out of stock, but here’s a link to them. They have 22 five star ratings and are only $6.99:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XXMLFMV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks Gordon! I updated the link.