Reusing old hardware

[flippinout]

Some of the prettiest hinges and handles for cabinets and drawers I have seen have been ones that I have recovered from older cabinets etc that were to be discarded.

Cleaning these older pieces of hardware may look like a pretty daunting task to you depending on the shape they are in, but I am about to tell you how to make that job a lot easier.

To get rid of paint and varnish from old door knobs and hinges and handles, use your crockpot and some soapy water to make the job much easier. Just put the hardware in the crockpot, fill with water and add several tablespoons of dishwashing detergent and set the crockpot on low. Put the lid on it and and let the hardware soak overnight.

The next morning, carefully remove the hardware one piece at a time as the paint will reharden rather quickly once removed from the water. Use tongs to hold the hardware as it will be very hot, then use a nylon brush to remove any remaining paint from the piece. Polish with beeswax to protect each piece.

If rust is a problem with the hardware, you can remove it by using machine oil and and very fine steel wool or even having the piece sandblasted depending entirely on how delicate the piece is.

If you dont have access to discarded cabinetry etc. these pieces can be found at second hand stores, or salvage houses. Sometimes even at flea markets, so look around, theres a treasure out there waiting for you.

[homealone]

These are some great tips. I had some night stands which the handles had broken off of. They were really hard to open this way, but when I moved into this house someone had left an old junky dresser here. I took the handles off and cleaned them up. Now my night stand drawers open perfectly.
You never know when you are going to need something like drawer handles or handles for your cabinets, I have found its best to keep a few extras around.