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Strong Kitchen Cabinet handles

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2 years back we had a Howden's kitchen fitted. Great stuff but the screw that held a cabinet door handle broke - then another one. And just recently another one. OK the last one was the fridge door and we all know a fast close can create quite a vacuum.

So I went to homebase and bought a different handle. The screw broke as I was fitting it. The screw was of similar design to the Howden's ones but not identical.

So my question to anyone who can help is where do I find kitchen cabinet door handles that use quality screws?

One option would be to fit handles with two fitment points but I'd rather not upset the design.

Any help most welcome. :beer:
I believe past performance is a good guide to future performance :beer:

Comments

  • srcandas
    srcandas Posts: 1,241 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Well I guess either we are unlucky and no one else has this problem :o

    or all kitchen door handles are just as bad :(

    As much as it goes against the grain I guess I'll try buying some overseas.

    Many thanks to those who had a read
    I believe past performance is a good guide to future performance :beer:
  • are you sure the screws are long enough and getting a good grip on the handles.
  • srcandas
    srcandas Posts: 1,241 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Steve they are the screwa supplied with the handles. They are very specific in design - like bars of thread separated by spaces. Although the ones from Homebase are shorter.

    But they all were fully tightened; two lots by kitchen fitter and two lots by me.

    I noted Howdens offered no hestation in replacing the originals which made me thing that this was a common problem.

    Tx for your reply :beer:
    I believe past performance is a good guide to future performance :beer:
  • cyclonebri1
    cyclonebri1 Posts: 12,827 Forumite
    Do you have a "clash" problem??
    The only issue I've ever known is when a draw left slightly open gets hit by the dishwasher drop door or where 2 corner units clash.

    They all use the same dia 5mm screw as far as I've experienced.

    Pic of specific door handle would help and get more detailed views OP.

    Other point is, it's difficult to break a mounting screw without doing at least some damage to the door.
    I like the thanks button, but ,please, an I agree button.

    Will the grammar and spelling police respect I do make grammatical errors, and have carp spelling, no need to remind me.;)

    Always expect the unexpected:eek:and then you won't be dissapointed
  • I know the screws you are talking about. Make sure one whole section of thread is going into the handle, more if possible.

    srcandas wrote: »
    Steve they are the screwa supplied with the handles. They are very specific in design - like bars of thread separated by spaces. Although the ones from Homebase are shorter.

    But they all were fully tightened; two lots by kitchen fitter and two lots by me.

    I noted Howdens offered no hestation in replacing the originals which made me thing that this was a common problem.

    Tx for your reply :beer:
  • cyclonebri1
    cyclonebri1 Posts: 12,827 Forumite
    Do you have a "clash" problem??
    The only issue I've ever known is when a draw left slightly open gets hit by the dishwasher drop door or where 2 corner units clash.

    They all use the same dia 5mm screw as far as I've experienced.

    Pic of specific door handle would help and get more detailed views OP.

    Other point is, it's difficult to break a mounting screw without doing at least some damage to the door.

    You should never need this info, but, you will be able to get titanium screw in the required size, blaady expensive though.:eek:
    I like the thanks button, but ,please, an I agree button.

    Will the grammar and spelling police respect I do make grammatical errors, and have carp spelling, no need to remind me.;)

    Always expect the unexpected:eek:and then you won't be dissapointed
  • keystone
    keystone Posts: 10,916 Forumite
    Screws too short IMO. Don't think they are "breaking" CY. I think they are not threading up properly as Steve has hinted. So they work loose. Unfortunately its a common problem.

    Cheers
    The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits. - Einstein
  • cyclonebri1
    cyclonebri1 Posts: 12,827 Forumite
    keystone wrote: »
    Screws too short IMO. Don't think they are "breaking" CY. I think they are not threading up properly as Steve has hinted. So they work loose. Unfortunately its a common problem.

    Cheers

    I was just assuming the OP was at least aware if the screws were long enough or not.;);)

    OP, min 1 1/2 x the dia of thread is required to hold securely, and that doesn't include any counterbore or relief of thread within the handle.

    I accept we are, or at least the op is, on the wrong tack, but again a solution if he is not would be stainless machine screws, readily available from ebay. Much tougher than the plated m/s supplied with handles
    I like the thanks button, but ,please, an I agree button.

    Will the grammar and spelling police respect I do make grammatical errors, and have carp spelling, no need to remind me.;)

    Always expect the unexpected:eek:and then you won't be dissapointed
  • srcandas
    srcandas Posts: 1,241 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Tx again guys for your time and thoughts.

    In both cases, Howdens and homebase, the handles are metal and come with screws as part of the product. Being metal and threaded obviously I'm somewhat limited on just buying better screws.

    The doors are not badly damaged by the breaks. Clearly a looser handle may have greater potential to break and will create greater strain at the point where the screw enters the handle.

    I don't think cost is an issue. With a handle breaking every 6 months I'm on the most expensive route already.

    I'd really prefer to find a supplier of quality kitchen cabinet handles that are of similar design - if such a thing exists.

    If all else fails I'll go for a two point fixing handle on fridge and freezer. But to be honest a little dissappointed with Howdens due to this, couple of other faults, and the difficulty of doing business with them.
    I believe past performance is a good guide to future performance :beer:
  • cyclonebri1
    cyclonebri1 Posts: 12,827 Forumite
    srcandas wrote: »
    Tx again guys for your time and thoughts.

    In both cases, Howdens and homebase, the handles are metal and come with screws as part of the product. Being metal and threaded obviously I'm somewhat limited on just buying better screws.

    The doors are not badly damaged by the breaks. Clearly a looser handle may have greater potential to break and will create greater strain at the point where the screw enters the handle.

    I don't think cost is an issue. With a handle breaking every 6 months I'm on the most expensive route already.

    I'd really prefer to find a supplier of quality kitchen cabinet handles that are of similar design - if such a thing exists.

    If all else fails I'll go for a two point fixing handle on fridge and freezer. But to be honest a little dissappointed with Howdens due to this, couple of other faults, and the difficulty of doing business with them.

    You know if you post a picture of the handle it might just be useful;);)

    You keep talking about twim fixings rather than what you have now, yeah?, but we don't know what you have now.
    I like the thanks button, but ,please, an I agree button.

    Will the grammar and spelling police respect I do make grammatical errors, and have carp spelling, no need to remind me.;)

    Always expect the unexpected:eek:and then you won't be dissapointed
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