Asked on Mar 19, 2019

How do I remove glued on hardware from kitchen cabinets?

(Drawer pulls)

  9 answers
  • You can try WD40, it is also a solvent which most people have at home. My first go to would be to try and loosen the glue with a knife. If that does not work, you may need a solvent from the hardware store.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Mar 19, 2019

    They should be on with screws look inside the draws for screws if not you have to pry them off maybe with a putty knife get under the handle

  • Zard Pocleeb Zard Pocleeb on Mar 19, 2019

    What type of glue is it (wood glue, Gorilla glue, cyanoacrylate, etc,)?

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Mar 24, 2019

    Every glue has a solvent. If they are glued, the solvent will work. Goo Gone works on many.

  • Amir Hyman Amir Hyman on Jan 03, 2023

    Here are a few steps you can try to remove glued-on hardware from kitchen cabinets:


    1. Gently pry the hardware away from the cabinet using a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife. Be careful not to damage the wood or the finish.
    2. If the hardware is still not coming off, you can try using a heat gun or a hair dryer to soften the glue. Be careful not to hold the heat too close to the wood, as it can cause the wood to scorch or blister.
    3. Once the glue is softened, you can try gently prying the hardware off again.
    4. If the hardware is still not coming off, you can try using a commercial adhesive remover according to the instructions on the product. Be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions.
    5. Once the hardware has been removed, you may need to sand or scrape away any remaining glue from the wood. Use a fine grit sandpaper or a scraper to gently remove the glue, being careful not to damage the wood.


    Remember to use caution when removing glued-on hardware from kitchen cabinets, as the wood can be easily damaged.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 03, 2023

    If they are glued on with super glue finger nail polish remover should work.

  • Lad76278325 Lad76278325 on Jan 05, 2023

    I just dealt with this myself, and I regret trying a putty knife to pry it off first, because I scratched the painted finish. When I used a blow dryer to warm up the glue, I gave the drawer pull one good tap with a hammer and it came right off.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 20, 2024

    I agree, I would warm up the glue with a hairdrier first to see if that worked, then try WD-40 etc. before using a wallpaper scraper to try to lever them off.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Feb 20, 2024

    Get a good heavy duty scraper. Slowly pry away and spray olive oil or other lubricant to help loosen the adhesive. I would stay away from solvents and alcohol as it can damage your cabinet finish.

    It will be a slow process, exercising your patience.