Hi all,
I’m Having a nightmare trying to decipher what screw I need to fit the handles onto my sideboard. The ones it came with are slightly too short (20mm) so I think I need 25mm.
I went to B&Q but the staff were not very helpful apart from letting me try a few. I’ve found one that fits but again is only 20mm so I was going to order some, the issue is (and I’ll gladly give up some man points by admitting this) I don’t understand the code on the packet!
The numbers on the packet are machine screw pan head 4x20mm-3/16 “X 3/4”
the only bit that makes any sense is the 20mm bit.
Help!
Sounds like you want m4 x 25mm
As above but a machine screw is different from a screw.
M4x25mm pan head machine screw should be exactly what you're after.
In pink
With tassels on
You should have asked a man to go in for you.
These will dowhat you’re asking for.
However most furniture doors are 18mm and the handles may not have 7mm of thread inside them especially if they’re curved. Bar handles should be ok. I’d measure the door thickness, using the same size wood drill bit as the screw to countersink the hole a couple of mm might be an easier option, or washers on the 25mm screws.
I’d glue them on
Just go to your local bolt stockists. They’ll have what you need for a few pence. I use Danlett in Huddersfield.
Thanks everyone, no idea who my local bolt stockist is as I’ve moved to the other end of the country and been here for a day!
You should have asked a man to go in for you.
Fair point, I did needlework in school instead of woodwork, I was the only boy in the class and was a great decision as I certainly reaped the rewards 😉. My new curtains also look amazing haha.
Get a drill bit that is slightly larger than the head of the bolt, put some tape 5mm down the drill bit. Drill out the back of each hole 5mm then fit the handles using the screws you already have.
Not a professional job admittedly, but unless you tell anyone, it’s not they are going to spot a mini bodge like that 👍
Although I could (my man skills do extend to being handy with a drill) I think I’ll just buy the new screws.
It’s worth finding your local bolt place just to marvel at it...our local one in Taunton is called Western Bolts & Engineering Supplies, and I’ve yet to have them fail to find me exactly what I need - it’s an amazing treasure trove of all things small and metal. Or maybe I’m just a bit weird.
Thanks everyone, no idea who my local bolt stockist is as I’ve moved to the other end of the country and been here for a day!
You could try googling it.
“You could try googling it”
Perhaps the OP didn’t know there was such a thing as a ‘bolt specialist’ to google? I didn’t and now, I have benefitted from learning this and other interesting things through the OP posting this question. Perhaps a great deal of other people will also now know this.
Make sure you get the right pitch...
I should have some at work but not back there until Monday. If you don't get sorted or want me to look and send you some if I have drop me a message
Thank you Leigh, very kind. I’ll let you know.
Make sure you get the right pitch…
How do I know what pitch I need, is that what the numbers in my op are?
Screw size in metric 4x20mm
Screw size in imperial 3/16 “X 3/4”
Screw size in metric 4x20mm
Screw size in imperial 3/16 “X 3/4”
Haha how obvious is that when someone else says it!
About this pitch malarkey then?
You can get special handle screws that have narrow sections every 5mm so you can snap them off to the length you need. Poke the whole screw through the door and decide where to snap.
