Drawer handle tightening in Tiverton

### That Rattle Every Time You Open a Drawer

You pull a drawer handle and it **rattles before it opens**. Some handles are visibly loose. One's hanging at an angle. Another feels like it's about to come off in your hand.

You've been meaning to tighten them. You did two handles 3 months ago. There are 38 more to go.

> 💡 **Pro tip:** Loose handles damage drawer fronts. The wobbling enlarges screw holes in chipboard until screws won't hold at all. Regular tightening is cheap prevention vs expensive repair or replacement.

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### Drawer vs Cupboard Handles

| Type | Usage | Loosens Faster? | |------|-------|-----------------| | Drawer handles | Pull outward every use | Yes - constant pulling force | | Cupboard handles | Pull + swing door | Moderate - varied forces | | Knobs (twist/pull) | Multiple directions | Varies - depends on use |

Drawers generally loosen fastest - especially heavy pan drawers.

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### What You Get

**🔧 Systematic Service** - Every drawer handle checked - All cupboard handles checked - Loose screws tightened properly - Worn holes repaired if needed - Crooked handles realigned

**📦 Common Fixes** - Standard tightening (obviously) - Matchstick/glue for stripped holes - Longer screws if originals too short - Missing screws replaced - Handles repositioned if crooked

**✅ Solid Handles** - No rattling - Secure and stable - Properly aligned - Smooth operation

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### Pricing

| Job | Time | You'll Pay | |-----|------|------------| | Full kitchen (20-40 handles) | 20-30 mins | **£60** | | Kitchen + bathrooms | 30-40 mins | **£60** | | Whole house | 30-45 mins | **£60** |

*Based on £60 minimum callout. I'll do every handle in your house for one visit - much more cost-effective than per-handle pricing.*

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### Stripped Screw Holes - Repair Methods

When holes are worn and won't hold screws:

**Matchstick method** (works 80% of time): 1. Remove handle and screws 2. Put wood glue on matchsticks 3. Jam matchsticks into holes, snap flush 4. Wait 30 mins for glue to dry 5. Reattach handle - screws bite into new wood

**Longer screw method:** 1. If drawer front thick enough 2. Use screws 5-10mm longer 3. Bite into fresh material deeper in

**Reposition method** (last resort): 1. Move handle up/down 5mm 2. Drill new pilot holes 3. Plug old holes with filler 4. Attach in new position with fresh wood

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### Common Problem Areas

✅ **Kitchen drawers** - especially heavy pan drawers

✅ **Cutlery drawers** - opened most frequently

✅ **Bathroom vanity** - moisture + regular use

✅ **Bedroom drawers** - kids yanking them