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How to Use Drawer Knobs as Wall Hooks

Bathroom, Bedroom, Budget: $$, Entryway, Home Decor, One Day Project, Organization
By Mandi Johnson

How to install drawer knobs as wall hooksWhen you live in a small space, nothing beats the joy of vertical storage! I’m always finding wall space to hang things on, but typically am not fan of hooks mounted on a backboard. So I thought I would make some hooks that mount directly to the wall—no backboard required!

This project is very simple. It’s easy to transform drawer knobs to useful wall hooks by changing out the screws and utilizing drywall anchors. They’re cute, streamlined, and totally practical.

How to use drawer knobs as wall hooks, without using a back board. So cute and practical!Tools:
-power drill
-hammer (not pictured)
-pliers

Materials:
-drawer knobs (I used these big and these smaller wooden ones.)
–#10 2″ hanger bolts—this size worked for my knobs, but you will want to verify by comparing the screws that come with your knobs to the hanger bolt diameter.
–12-14-16 ribbed plastic anchors (The one shown above is the incorrect size. I used the ones I linked to.)
-primer and paint (optional)
-masking tape (optional)

How to use drawer knobs as wall hooks, without using a back board. So cute and practical!Step One: Use pliers or locking vice grips to screw hanger bolts into the holes of your drawer knobs, making sure you have the right size hanger bolts for a very tight fit. These hanger bolts worked for my drawer knobs, but if they’re too loose for yours, you can find larger ones at the hardware store. Also, if you’re using wooden knobs, you can use a drill to make the hole a bit bigger to accommodate larger hanger bolts. Just be sure you have drywall anchors that will fit the larger hanger bolts.

Note: Be sure to only grip the non-threaded part of your hanger bolt with the pliers or you will strip the screw. If you don’t have a non-threaded part on your hanger bolts, then you can twist two nuts together onto the threaded part and grip the nuts to twist the hanger bolts into place.

Step Two: If you aren’t using pre-finished knobs, stain or prime and paint your knobs the color of your choice. I had considered staining these beautiful wooden knobs, but in the end I decided on a sleeker, more streamlined look that matched the trim and wall color of my room.

How to use drawer knobs as wall hooks, without using a back board. So cute and practical!Step Three: Arrange your knobs according to your liking on the wall. I attached the front of mine to the wall using masking tape, just to get a feel for how they would look before committing to their placement. Then, drill a hole ever so slightly smaller than the diameter of your drywall anchors. My drywall anchors suggested using a 5/16 drill bit.

Step Four: Use a hammer to tap the drywall anchors into the holes. If an anchor begins to crush rather than sink into place, your hole is too small. Drill it one step larger and try again.

How to use drawer knobs as wall hooks, without using a back board. So cute and practical!Step Five: Screw the knobs into the wall anchors. Because of the drywall anchors, your knobs will be very secure and will hold up to the weight of the items you’ll most likely be hanging on them without pulling away from the drywall.

Just don’t get crazy and start hanging 50 pound weights from these little guys.

Cute wall storage ideasThe wooden knobs I chose have a wide enough front that they nicely accommodate thicker items like jackets, multiple scarves, and purse straps. 

How to use drawer knobs as wall hooks, without using a back board. So cute and practical!It would be fun to do this project with multi-colored knobs or decorative antique knobs too! It’s so easy to customize to your personal style and home. –Mandi

Credits // Author and Photography: Mandi Johnson. Photos edited with Spring, Valentine, and Stella from the Signature Collection.

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