Hello… so glad you’re here!
For today’s Q-T-T, I’ll show you how I cut knob/pull machine screws to fit any type of hardware in every type of furniture… quickly and easily!
If you paint and restyle a lot of furniture, you’ve probably run into this problem…
When swapping out and changing the hardware, often the screws won’t fit correctly. You end up with this long screw sticking out of the back side of your drawer or the knob not fitting as tightly as it should.
Here are two examples.
Rather than buy and use up extra storage space for various boxes of different lengths and widths of machine screws; here’s an easy solution:
I buy a box of longer screws and use this screw cutter to cut them down to the EXACT size I need. This way I can customize the screws to whatever length I need and the inside of my drawers always look neat and professional.
Here are the same two drawers after. The top screw on the left drawer has been cut to size and countersunk for a clean flush look. The drawer on the right shows how I slightly shortened the screw to prevent any scratching or snagging.
Screw cutters (technically I believe this tool is called bolt cutter multi tool) are specifically made to cut screws without damaging the threads. To be extra sure there are no sharp ends or thread damage after I cut, I always use a screwdriver to turn the screw in a little further, and then back it out completely. This way I know the threads are in PERFECT working order!
I also really like these Truss Head Break Away Screws. I buy the 2″ in 8-32 and 10-32 which allows me to customize easily. The break away grooves make it really easy to cut with the Klein Screw Cutters.
I’ve found the Klein Tool Cutter (I believe I paid around $30 for it) to be an EXCELLENT time saver and investment. I never worry about what size screw(s) I need for my projects. I just customize them whenever I need to!
Do you have any tips for installing new hardware? Chime in because I always love hearing your ideas!
You can catch the last Q-T-T here. And if YOU have any ideas or tips you would like to share on the SI Quick-Tip-Tuesday-Series, feel free to send me an email.
Have an amazing day!
Denise x
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Denise, I repair furniture in the furniture market here in High Point NC. That is a great find to use on screws. So many tips and tricks in this blog.. Thanks
These are great tips, Denise! I didn’t know about “break away” screws and the Klein Tool sounds like a must have for the tool box. Thanks!
That’s so cool! I wish I had seen this blog a month ago. Just finished a piece for a client and had replaced all 6 of the pulls which she had picked out. All the screws were too long. Luckily her hubby knew how to cut them back but I was clueless until now!! Where can I purchase these items? We have an Ace hardware and a Lowes nearby.
You do such beautiful work by the way! Thank you for great tips and inspiration. I am getting my home business off the ground so it’s greatly appreciated.
Jamie
I purchased mine Klein Tool from Home Depot but I’m sure Lowes would have it too. If you have a choice, try to purchase an imperial+metric version because then you have all your bases covered Jamie! Wishing you great success with your business! 🙂
Thanks!
Well thank you for this info! I can’t tell you how many drawers I have with “screw ends” sticking out into them! I am going to the hardware store to get both items as soon as it gets above zero here!
The weather is wickedly cold here too Jean. -15° but feels like -30°… Crazy! 🙂
This is a great tip! I just received some knobs from Van Dykes and they included those break away screws, but I wasn’t sure how to cut them down. I’m adding the screw cutting tool to my shopping list…And Pinning this article too! Thank you!
Robin
Great tip! I will have to invest in one of these!