 Installation Troubleshooting
 Making Repairs
 Decorating with Knobs
 Creating Thematic Rooms
Installation Troubleshooting
Need to drill a hole for your new knob?
Use a 3/16" drill bit.
Drill from the front so any splintering of the wood is not visible
For more help
How do I get the design aligned upright when installing the knob?
Place the knob over the hole with the design correctly aligned.
Insert the screw and thread it onto the knob back.
Tighten the screw while holding the knob in the correct position.
The screw is too short.
All knobs are installed with machine screws size 8/32. Longer screws can be purchased in the fastener section of your hardware or home store.
The screw is too long, the knob isn't tightly mounted.
If the screw is only slightly longer than needed you can tighten the mounting by placing a metal washer or washers on the screw before securing the knob in place
Purchase a shorter machine screw size 8/32, found in the fastener section of your hardware or home store
It is possible to shorten the screw. Some wire cutting/stripping tool enable you to cut off screws.
The tool would have openings labeled by screw size in the section closest to the pivot point of the tool. Determine how much needs to be removed by threading the screw onto the knob.
Place the knob against the drawer or cabinet to determine the thickness the screw must penetrate - mark the screw.
Measure the distance from your mark to the head of the screw, transfer that measurement to the end of the screw.
Thread the screw into the opening and cut.
You may want to do a trial cut with an extra screw.
It takes quite a bit of hand strength to make the cut and the end may require some filing.
My existing cabinet and/or drawer has a pull that leaves 2 holes when I remove it.
You have two options:
 I custom make a knob back plate that covers drawer pulls that leave holes 3" on center. Click here to view the designs, which I make in the color or color combination of your choice. This option will require you to drill a new hole in the cabinet or drawer but not fill the existing holes.
If you want to replace the pull with a knob you will have to fill one, possibly both the holes depending on the placement you desire for your new knob. This task requires some time and effort, more so with stained surfaces than painted.
- Determine the placement of the new knob - easiest when you can use one of the existing holes.
- Fill the holes with a wood filler product. If the surface is stained you will want to purchase one that is a match to your stain or as close as possible.
- Do not try and fill the hole completely in one application. Fill the majority of the hole and let it dry. The continue refilling the hole till the filler is just slightly beyond the depth of the hole.
- Carefully sand the dry filler till smooth and even with the existing surface.
- Stain or paint to match the existing surface. A protective finish coat of polyurethane may be needed to complete the match to your surface
- For more help
My switch plate is crooked when installed.
Remove the switch plate.
Loosen, BUT DO NOT REMOVE the screws holding the switch or outlet in the mounting box. These are at the center of the metal tabs, top and bottom of the switch/outlet.
Slide the switch/outlet back and forth until it is correctly aligned, tighten the screws
Reinstall the switch plate.
I want to use a cable, phone or phone-cable combination jack.
Directions are provided with the jack, which can be purchased in the electrical aisle at hardware and home stores.
It is always a good idea to study and/or make a drawing of the existing connections and to compare them to the diagram provided in the directions BEFORE disconnecting any wires.
If in doubt about doing the installation on you own, it is always a good idea to hire a professional.
Making Repairs
The design fell off the knob.
The design can be reattached using a two part clear epoxy and a small disposable artist's paint brush
- Remove the knob
- Clean the knob surface of any remaining glue using acetone and a soft rag
- Mix the epoxy according to the directions - it will require very little glue to adhere the design
- Apply the epoxy with the small brush, covering all entire surface but be careful not to get epoxy on your fingers or the top surface of the design
- Place the design on the knob, allow to dry at least 24 hours before reinstalling.
- Any overflow of glue scraps off easily once dry.
The beads fell off the design.
If you need to purchase replacement beads - I use two sizes of beads in my designs. Some beads are "seed beads" and the larger ones are called "e beads." Both are available at craft store.
The beads leave a small post behind when they fall off (where the center of the bead was hollow). It is best to VERY CAREFULLY break off the post to get the new bead to seat in the existing hollow.
Glue the new bead in place using a "super glue" product. Ones with a brush or narrow tip are the easiest to use.
If the damage to your item is more extensive please return it to me and I'll gladly send a replacement at no charge.
Decorating with Knobs
- Replace your existing kitchen cabinet doors and drawer knobs and pulls to revitalize your kitchen without a total remodel. Click to see what the experts say about the impact of this change.
- Refinishing or looking to revitalize an flea market find? Replace the worn or missing hardware with themed knobs
- Jazz up bi-fold doors with new knobs.
- Install new knobs on window shutters.
- Create a peg rack or use knobs as hooks
- Use a knob as the pull on a wooden lid to a basket or box.
- Knobs are a unique and original way to hang tab top curtain panels (at the end of window treatments that do not open and close), valances or swags
Creating Thematic Rooms
Adding knobs, switch plates or fan pulls are a simple, easy, quick and inexpensive way to start a thematic room. By trying out thematic accents in the colors and designs of the knobs, switch plates or ceiling fan pulls, you can ease into the theme and see how you like it.
Knobs, switch plates or fan pulls can easily be changed as the accent element in a room - an inexpensive way to create seasonal decor.
More tips on creating thematic rooms to be added - so check back periodically. |
