Tighten A Loose Bifold Doorknob

Fix wobbly threaded knobs with a washer and screw tightening glue

By the experts at The Family Handyman

From The Family Handyman

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Tired of opening a bifold door and having the knob come off in your hand? Once loose, knobs always fall off again unless you fix them right. What’s worse, overtightening the knob screws on hollow-core doors causes the screw head to pull through the door’s veneer.

Try these fixes. Add a finish washer behind the screw head (Photo 1). Inexpensive, about 10¢ each, they’re available at hardware stores and home centers in zinc or brass finishes.

Keep the doorknob in place with a glue like Loctite’s Screw Tightener (about $4.50; Photo 2). The beauty of this type of glue is that it doesn’t form a permanent bond. If you want to change knobs or refinish the door, you can still remove the knob (with some effort) using locking pliers and a screwdriver. Be sure you protect the knob’s finish by padding it with a rag before gripping it with the pliers.

1. Place a finish washer behind the screw head to prevent it from digging into the door and to add a more finished look.

2. Squeeze three or four drops of glue into the doorknob and turn the knob on the screw. Wipe any glue from the knob face to prevent it from sticking to the door. Allow the glue to dry for an hour. (If you don’t have glue, you can substitute fingernail polish.)