 | | February 22, 2026 |  |
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| Cabinets are among the hardest-working pieces of furniture in any home. Whether they're built-ins or freestanding credenzas, the constant opening and closing often results in loose screws. If you have cabinet hardware that always loosens up, no matter how often you tighten it, you could buy threadlocker to glue the fastener in place — or you could look in your bathroom cabinet. You likely have an alternative that works just as well. |
 | | Credit: brizmaker/ iStock |
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| Whether you're fixing a loose screw or want to prevent hardware from wiggling, add a thin drop of clear nail polish to the screw threads before inserting the screw and tightening it into place. Similar to commercial threadlocker, nail polish acts like a light adhesive that fills the gaps between threads to lock them into place. Clear nail polish dries almost instantly and stands up to the constant vibration of opening and closing cabinets and drawers. |
| If you don't have clear nail polish, you can achieve a similar result using super glue, rubber cement, or even Teflon tape. You can also opt for specialized fasteners, such as nylon insert nuts, lock washers, or safety wire to keep hardware locked in place. |
| Other Household Uses for Clear Nail Polish |
| Clear nail polish doesn't just belong in your manicure kit — it's one of the most useful tools to have around the house. Beyond its use as a threadlocker alternative, clear nail polish is great for stopping runs in stockings or tights before they spread. It also works well for temporarily patching small holes in window screens or preventing cut rope from fraying. And if you're an avid camper or building an emergency kit, you can waterproof matches by dipping the heads in clear nail polish. |
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| *This content is brought to you by our sponsor, which helps keep our content free. |
 | | Yanxia Round Antique Brass Cabinet Knobs, 12-Pack | | Speaking of cabinet hardware, when was the last time you updated yours? If you've been staring at the same matte black pulls since 2016, it might be time for a swap. This 12-pack of brass cabinet knobs boasts an antique finish and measures 1 inch in diameter (though a slightly larger size is also available). For less than $30, you could give your kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanity, or bedroom dresser an entirely new look. Each knob comes with two screw sizes, making it easy to install them yourself. — Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor |
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| We independently evaluate all recommended products and services.
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. |
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| Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based lifestyle journalist with words published in PEOPLE, StyleCaster, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, Byrdie, and more. She has a Bachelor's Degree in fashion journalism from Academy of Art University and her work spans across many categories, including style, beauty, home, health, crafts, and more. |
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