
Repair of cabinet handles
Repair of Cabinet Handles
Loose, wobbly, or broken cabinet handles are more than a nuisance. They can scratch doors, stress hinges, and make everyday use frustrating. Our cabinet handle repair service restores smooth, secure operation for kitchen units, bathroom vanities, wardrobes, and storage cabinets, with careful attention to finish and alignment.
Whether the handle has pulled out of soft chipboard, the screws no longer grip, or the fitting has snapped, we aim for a tidy, lasting fix that looks right and feels solid in your hand.
Common Cabinet Handle Problems We Fix
Handle issues often start small but quickly get worse as the door is opened and closed dozens of times a day. We diagnose the cause, not just the symptom, so the repair holds up.
- Loose handles caused by worn screw holes, compressed wood, or missing washers.
- Spinning screws in MDF, chipboard, or laminate where the hole has enlarged.
- Broken handles and knobs including snapped posts, cracked bases, or damaged threaded inserts.
- Misaligned fittings that sit crooked, rub against the door, or catch on nearby drawers.
- Stripped threads on machine screws, bolts, or handle hardware.
- Handles pulling through the door especially on thinner panels or heavy use areas.
If the cabinet door itself is sagging or the hinge is loose, we can address that at the same visit so the handle sits correctly and the door closes cleanly.
Our Repair Process and What to Expect
1. Inspection and options
We check the handle, the door material, and the condition of the fixing points. Then we explain the best repair approach, from reinforcing the existing holes to replacing the hardware entirely. If you need broader help, we also provide furniture repair services for doors, hinges, drawers, and other common cabinet issues.
2. Secure refitting and reinforcement
For loose handles, the goal is to restore strong grip without damaging the finish. Depending on the cabinet type, we may tighten and reseat the handle, add backing support, or reinforce weakened holes so the screws bite properly again. We work cleanly and carefully to avoid chipping laminate or marking painted surfaces.
3. Replacement when repair is not worth it
When a handle is cracked, corroded, or beyond reliable repair, replacement is usually the best solution. If you already have new handles, we can fit them and align them consistently across the run. If you are changing styles, we can advise on sizing, hole spacing, and whether the existing holes can be reused or need neat repositioning.
4. Alignment and final checks
We test the door or drawer after the fix to confirm the handle feels solid and the panel opens smoothly. We also check for door rub, uneven gaps, and any movement that could loosen the handle again. Where needed, we can provide furniture maintenance services like hinge tightening, door alignment, and small cabinet adjustments.
Handles, Materials, and Cabinet Types We Work With
Cabinet handles come in many forms, and the right method depends on the hardware and the door construction. We work with common household and commercial fittings, including:
- Bar pulls and cup handles on kitchen and utility units.
- Knobs on wardrobes, bedside cabinets, and bathroom storage.
- Integrated style replacements where matching the look is important.
- Through bolt and machine screw fittings with threaded inserts.
We service cabinets made from solid wood, veneer, MDF, chipboard, and laminated panels. If the door has swelling, delamination, or water damage around the handle area, we can recommend the most stable way to re mount the hardware so it does not fail again.
Why Timely Handle Repair Matters
A handle that shifts under load transfers stress to the door face and the hinge side. Over time this can lead to cracked paint, split veneer, or a door that sits out of square. Fixing the handle early is usually quick and cost effective, and it helps protect the cabinet and surrounding hardware.
For households, it keeps kitchens and bathrooms safe and easy to use. For rentals and workplaces, it prevents small defects turning into bigger repairs and complaints. If you are also assembling new units or refurbishing a space, our professional furniture assembly support can help ensure doors, drawers, and fittings are set up correctly from day one.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
- Note which doors or drawers have issues and whether the handle is loose, broken, or missing.
- If you have spare handles or screws, place them aside so they are easy to access.
- Clear the cabinet area so the door can open fully and we can work safely.
- Tell us if the cabinet material is laminate, MDF, or solid wood, if you know.
We aim to complete handle repairs efficiently, leave the area clean, and make sure every handle feels secure and looks properly aligned when we are finished.
FAQ
Can you repair a handle that keeps coming loose in chipboard doors?
Yes. We usually reinforce the fixing points so the screws grip firmly again, rather than only tightening them. The best method depends on how worn the holes are and the door thickness.
Do I need to buy new handles before you visit?
Not always. If the handle is intact, we can often repair and refit it securely. If replacement is the better option, you can supply the new handles or ask for guidance on size and hole spacing first.
Can you match the alignment of handles across all cabinet doors?
Yes. We measure and align handles so they sit level and consistent from door to door. This is especially useful after a partial replacement or when previous fittings were drilled unevenly.