Home Garden

How to Make Cabinet Handles Out of Silverware

Swapping out boring cabinet handles for quirky alternatives adds personality to your kitchen -- but when you purchase them premade, unique pulls and knobs quickly become a costly investment. Make your own with antique or unused silverware that you already have at home. Polish the silver first for a slightly more refined look, or leave the natural patina alone for a rustic touch.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Washable marker
  • White distilled vinegar
  • Lint-free cloth
  • Clear multipurpose epoxy
  • Cabinet handle post bases
  • Drill
  • Screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure from the center of the spoon or the base of the fork to the end of the handle, and divide this in half. Mark the middle point with a washable marker and repeat this step with each fork or spoon. Measure each one separately for the best results.

    • 2

      Place the silverware right side up on a flat work surface. With one hand, hold down the end of the handle and the tip of the spoon or fork, pressing downward. Hook one or two fingers directly under the middle mark on the handle, and pull upward while holding the ends down, creating a slight curve. As you curve the silverware, the top and bottom will flatten slightly under the pressure.

    • 3

      Repeat this process with each piece. Try to create the same curve with each spoon or fork, but don’t be too meticulous. This style of handle looks best when each is slightly different.

    • 4

      Clean the silverware with white distilled vinegar and water and wipe them dry with a lint-free cloth. Flip the silverware over so it's back side up.

    • 5

      Mark the installation points for two post bases on each piece of silverware. Use the same spacing on each piece of silverware for a cohesive look and easier installation.

    • 6

      Apply a dab of clear multipurpose epoxy to the flat end of a post base. Press this onto the first installation mark, and hold it there for the time recommended by the epoxy manufacturer, generally about 10 seconds. Secure a second base to second installation point. Scrape away excess epoxy immediately.

    • 7

      Repeat this process with each additional pull. Let the epoxy cure completely for about 24 hours.

    • 8

      Install the hardware on your cabinet doors and drawers. Measure from the center of the screw hole of one base to the center of the other. If you can't use the existing holes, drill holes into the cabinet based on these measurements. Then secure each silverware handle with two screws. Even if you spaced each post exactly the same when adhering the posts, double-check the measurements of each one for the best results.