How to Fit Your Square Hardware Perfectly

If you’re anything like us, you’ll agree that there’s nothing more annoying than square fittings that aren’t quite straight. A right angle will ruthlessly expose any shonky fitting in a way that not much else can, and as such they really do need to be straight. The last thing you’ll want to do is have to fix it after installation too. The good news – we’re relieved to say that getting it right is easy, with a little preparation. Just keep a few things in mind and you’ll be getting your kitchen hardware looking beautiful at the first attempt.

Tighten the screw, not the knob!

This sounds self-explanatory, but can be fabulously hard to achieve when the whole fitting moves under your hands. Equally, your furniture may be in a tight space or awkward position, making it ever harder to get this crucial piece of the puzzle right. Quite simply, always turn from the screw side, rather than attempting to spin the knob itself.

Hold the fitting in position

Ensure that the knob is in place as you tighten, or else you’re likely to spin around and around without end. Keep the backplate or knob firmly held in the correct position with one hand whilst tightening with the other. You might even want to make small pencil marks for good measure – any work done now will save tenfold down the line if something goes wrong.

Don't rush, and check as you go

Take your time and regularly step back to check alignment before fully tightening. It’s much easier to make small adjustments early on, and worth the few extra seconds to ensure that you’re doing the right thing before committing to it. The only thing making it into a race is your own impatience, so take your time.

Avoid over-tightening

Gently does it! Over-tightening can cause the fitting to twist or even damage the furniture, cracking finishes and creating faults that will only widen over time. Clearly the fitting has to be attached firmly and stay where you put it, but this is not a brute force game. Tighten to the point where it stays, but don;t go beyond that. If you hear any creaking or cracking, stop immediately! A good bet is to go finger-tight first, then use tools for the final assembly.

Once carefully positioned and gently tightened, your geometric fittings will look exactly as they should – clean, precise, modern, and beautiful in their final context.