🛠 Installing porcelain furniture knobs: the solution for bolts that are too long or too short
Porcelain cabinet knobs are not only stylish but also an easy way to give your furniture a unique look. Whether you're freshening up a dresser or giving a kitchen drawer a vintage look, porcelain knobs are always a hit.
But when installing, you sometimes encounter a practical problem: the bolt is either too long or just too short . In this blog post, you'll discover creative solutions for installing porcelain knobs , so you can get started without frustration.
🔧 Why doesn't the bolt always fit?
Porcelain cabinet knobs usually come with a fixed, relatively long screw (bolt). Because cabinets and drawers vary in thickness, there are two common situations:
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The bolt is too long: It sticks out far from the inside of your cabinet → annoying or unsafe.
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The bolt is too short: Especially with thick, home-made fronts → you cannot tighten the knob properly.
✔️ The solution: galvanizing
Whether you have a screw that's too long or too short, the best solution is to countersink it . By creating an extra recess on the back of your cabinet door or drawer, you can neatly conceal the nut. This way, your knob will sit securely and snugly in place.
🪛 How to install a porcelain knob with a bolt that is too long or too short – step by step
Step 1: Determine the position of the button
Measure accurately and mark where you want to place the porcelain furniture knob .
Step 2: Drill the base hole
Use a wood drill bit appropriate for the thickness of the bolt (often 4 or 5 mm). Drill the hole straight through the front.
Step 3: Make a recessed hole on the inside
Use a larger drill bit (e.g., 10–12 mm) to create a small indentation in the back. This allows the nut to disappear into the wood. This is ideal for both over-long and under-short bolts.
Step 4: Insert the bolt from the outside in
Place the porcelain cabinet knob on the outside of the furniture and insert the bolt through the hole.
Step 5: Tighten the nut firmly
Use a socket wrench or pipe wrench to tighten the nut. The recessed hole prevents it from sticking out.
💡 Creative solutions for mounting porcelain knobs
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Covering the hole from the inside: Use a wooden cap, furniture sticker or finish it neatly with wood filler.
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Knob loosens during use? A little thread sealant (such as Loctite) will prevent the nut from loosening.
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Is the bolt really too short? In some cases, it's possible to unscrew the bolt from the knob and replace it with a longer M4 screw.
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Bolt a bit too long? You can shorten it with a hacksaw, but countersinking is often neater and faster.
🎯 Conclusion
Installing porcelain cabinet knobs doesn't have to be a frustrating task. A simple countersink effortlessly solves the problem of a bolt that's too long or too short. This way, you'll quickly enjoy a sleek finish without protruding screws or loose knobs.