It can become quite irritating when the knobs loosen and spin around. Cabinet knobs will stop spinning when they’re tightened down against the surface. Most times, knobs on cabinets begin to turn because they’re loose or loosen over time from constant usage.
To keep cabinet knobs from spinning, try these steps:
- Tighten the knob by fastening the screw again.
- Try different materials.
- Add glue to the knob and screw.
- Add a washer under the head of the screw.
- Use a handle or knob that requires more than one screw.
- Replace the screw.
In this article, I’ll discuss and provide step-by-step tips on keeping cabinet knobs from spinning.
1. Tighten the knob by fastening the screw again
Cabinet knobs begin to spin when they’re loose.
Knobs tend to loosen after being in use for a long while, so don’t be surprised if a simple twist and push back into place is all you need to keep your knob from spinning.
If this is the case, all you need to do is push the knob down and twist the screw itself back into place.
2. Try different materials
Newer knobs tend to be more sturdy than older ones, so if your knobs keep loosening, consider replacing them with something new.
Try a different kind of metal, or try a knob with screws that have a different thread.
Changing up the hardware is sometimes all you need for the knob to get a better grip and stop spinning.

If you’re seeking to install cabinet knobs that are long-lasting, feel free to try the following:
- Install cabinets that don’t need handles.
- Check your cabinets every once in a while and tighten them.
- Choose sturdy cabinet handles that require more than one screw.
- Keep your knobs tight, but don’t over-tighten them with a screwdriver.
- Install new screws for the knobs, extending and shortening them.
- When installing the handles, add washers and wood glue, preparing for wear and tear.
3. Add glue to the knob and screw.
Adding glue to the knob and screw is a good idea if you want to be sure that the knob stays in place, but keep in mind that this will make it harder to switch out the knob later if you want to change out your knobs later for a newer design.
Still, glue is a sure way to keep your knob from spinning, especially if the wood is worn and the screw can’t grip it anymore.
4. Add a washer under the head of the screw.
If the wood is older or worn because of the friction with the knob, it may be less stable no matter what knob you put in place.
Thankfully, you can stabilize a knob in this case by using a washer.
Place the washer under the head of the screw between the knob and the wood, and you’ll both keep the knob from spinning and prevent further friction.
5. Use a handle or knob that requires more than one screw.
Knobs that only have one screw can be harder to fix than a knob that has two screws mounting it down.
Try using cabinet knobs like these Ceramic Rose Flower Knobs from Amazon. These use two screws for each knob, so they’re more likely to stay in place and less likely to spin when you try to open a cabinet.
6. Replace the screw.
Over time, screws can also grow loose and lose their grip.
Take a look at the screw holding the knob in place and notice whether it’s lost its threading or needs to be replaced.
If it does, fixing your knob spinning may be as simple as putting a new screw in place. Just be sure to find the right size so that you don’t hurt the knob.
Keeping Cabinet Knobs Tight

Although cabinet knobs can always be fixed, having longevity is what most people desire.
There are many different ways that drawer knobs can remain tight for a long while after installation.
The first step is choosing to install suitable material for your knobs and cabinets. It’ll make a world of difference.
Some cabinet materials will break down after small amounts of time, and the same idea goes for knobs.
Installing wood cabinets with wood handles or metal cabinets with metal knobs that have machine screws can be helpful with keeping the longevity of your cabinets.
One of the worst things is having the knobs strip out.
Repairing a Stripped Wooden Cabinet Knob
Repairing cabinet knobs can be easy with the right tools and knowledge.
It seems that one of the most prevalent problems with cabinet knobs and drawer pulls is that they tend to strip out from the wood, especially if they’re made from a material that’s not very sturdy.
Repairing a stripped cabinet knob is an easy process that involves taking apart the knob and putting it back together on the cabinet:
- Separate the knob from the screw to see what has been damaged.
- Fill the hole of the handle with wood or even wood glue.
- Re-thread the knob back into the screw and attach it.
- Test it out to make sure it is working correctly.
Final Thoughts
Cabinet knobs are a great addition to any home that has cabinets. They’re helpful and aesthetically pleasing.
Helping those cabinet knobs stop spinning, so they work appropriately is what everyone wants at the end of the day.
With a bit of tightening and a bit of knowledge, anything can be accomplished.