How to fix kitchen drawer handle?

[softkun123]

Hi

My kitchen drawer handle came off and it's screw keeps rotating but won't tighten.

Below is pic. How can I fix this? 

[Noyade]

Evening @softkun123 

Possibly stripped thread on the 'bolt' (M3 I suspect) - or the handle - or worse - both.

Have you tried a new bolt - say the other one from the opposite end?

Does it grip?

[softkun123]

Yes I think it's stripped thread on handle. It doesn't grip and keeps rotating 

[AlanM52]

Hi there,

I would tap the hole next size up and use a matching screw.

You are unlikely to have a Tap & Die set.

So...

Fill the hole with 5 Minute epoxy and also spread over bottom of handle.

Attach the other side of the handle.

Push the screw through and clamp with forefinger and thumb.

Wipe off any excess epoxy with other hand.

Try and clamp for a few mins swap hands if needed.

Play safe and let it cure overnight.

Remember to be gentle with the drawer.

Down the track if it comes loose you will need to do the tap & die thing.

Good luck.

[JacobZ]

Hi @softkun123,

It's great to see that @Noyade and @AlanM52 have already jumped in with some advice.

I am fairly confident looking at the photo that the thread inside your handle has been stripped. You could use a tap and die set to recut the thread in the handle, although it is a fairly large expense for this kind of issue.

@AlanM52's idea of using Epoxy Adhesive to glue it back in place is likely the easiest option, but once it is in place, it will be stuck there until the epoxy fails.

Alternatively, you could simply replace the handle with a new one. You might be able to find one that closely matches, or you might take the opportunity to update handles for something fresh and new.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[softkun123]

Hi

What size screw would it be? If I want to purchase new ones? 

I just saw handle its just initial bit of thread that is stripped. Probably longer size screw would do the trick.?

[JacobZ]

Hi @softkun123,

It would be impossible to say from the photos.

My suggestion would be to take the handle in store with you and head to the screw aisle and grab a team member to help you find a screw that fits.

There will be a thread tester that you can use to find the diameter of the thread, and from there, trial and error will be the best approach.

Let me know how you go.

Jacob