Calling all woodworkers (furniture) (craft, paint, buy, frame)

[tilli]

I have an old oak bedroom set. I want to replace the drawer pulls with something a little more contemporary. I thought I could just buy new pulls, but apparently the ones I have now are a really odd size - the distance between the mounting screws is 4.5" center to center. The home store didn't have a single pull in this size - the guy said their pulls are for cabinets and I should try to find some for furniture. I have had no luck. Does anyone know of a hardware catalog or online shop that has pulls in this size?

I do not want to have to fill the existing holes and drill new ones. If worse comes to worse I suppose I could just put 2 knobs on each drawer instead of a pull, but I think it might look weird since the spacing will be odd.

[harry chickpea]

That is an odd size. Have you considered using a plate to cover the existing holes, and attaching the pull with a single screw? If the drawers are heavy, you might need to have a metalshop make something up for you. If you want something of wood, a lot of woodworkers could knock out custom pulls for you.

[Cecilia_Rose]

VanDykes has some.

Bail Pulls, Cabinet Hardware, Hardware at Van Dykes Restorers


http://www.vandykes.com/category/bai...&setPerPage=12

[tilli]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I especially appreciate the link to some 4.5" hardware, but as you can see the options are really limited and pretty similar to what I have now, so if anyone knows of some other sites I would be grateful.

The current hardware consists of brass bail pulls, but each pull also has a nice turned bead of matching oak on the handle portion. They have a country look to them that doesn't really do it for me, but maybe if the brass was antiqued I would like them better. I assume that there are products available to hasten the darkening of the brass, can anyone recommend a good one? I think I need something that can be painted or rubbed on as opposed to something that requires submersion, since the wood beads are really tight on most of the handles and I am scared they will break if I try to remove them.

[Cecilia_Rose]

Just a thought. You could paint them or use some Rub n Buff to make them whatever color you want. BTW fingernail polish is good for doing small jobs when you just need a smidge of enamel. It comes with its own brush.

There are kits for antiquing brass at the craft store. Or you can use a little stain or varnish. It will wear off over time but it only takes a sec to touch up.

[Grainraiser]

Send me a PM and I will give you a website that will answer your question pronto.

[tilli]

Rub n Buff, that's a great idea! I think... I have never used it. Does it stay put after it is applied? Just want to make sure it won't wind up all over my hands/clothes when using the chest of drawers. Certainly more economical than what new hardware would cost - I had no idea it was so expensive. They carry it at Jo-Ann's, right?

[Cecilia_Rose]

I usually use it on low touch stuff like jewelry,frames,ornies, birdhouses,etc. Never had any come off on me from the jewelry. Touching just buffs it more.

[sarahkate_m]

Originally Posted by tilli

Rub n Buff, that's a great idea! I think... I have never used it. Does it stay put after it is applied? Just want to make sure it won't wind up all over my hands/clothes when using the chest of drawers. Certainly more economical than what new hardware would cost - I had no idea it was so expensive. They carry it at Jo-Ann's, right?

If not Joanne's then likely at Michaels or Home Depot...

Kate