Marianne Martinez
Fixing a cooking pot handle can be a challenging task, and the process may vary depending on the type of handle and the materials used. One common issue is a loose or detached handle, which can often be fixed by reattaching it using screws, rivets, or welding. For example, if the handle is screwed on, one might need to drill out the old screw and replace it with a new one or use a product such as JB Weld SteelStik, which is NSF-certified for direct food contact. If the handle is riveted, one could consider using food-safe plumber's putty or food-grade silicone caulking to secure it. Alternatively, one could replace the rivets with new ones or use a hand riveter to reattach the handle. For more severely damaged handles, welding may be required, but this should be left to professionals to ensure a safe and effective repair.
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What You'll Learn
Drilling out the rivets and reattaching with new hardware
If your cooking pot handle is loose or has fallen off, you can fix it by drilling out the rivets and reattaching with new hardware. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Drilling Out the Rivets
Start by measuring the size of the rivets, which are typically around 3/16". Using a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the rivet, carefully drill out the centre of each rivet. Make sure to hold the drill straight and apply firm but controlled pressure to avoid damaging the pot. Take your time with this step to ensure that you completely drill through the centre of each rivet without damaging the surrounding metal.
Step 2: Preparing for Reattachment
Once all the rivets have been drilled out, clean the area and remove any debris or metal shavings. Line up the holes on the pot and handle, ensuring they are properly aligned. If you're satisfied with the alignment, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Reattaching the Handle
For this step, you will need short stainless steel machined screws and matching nuts. Insert the screws through the holes from the inside of the pot, so that the screw heads are inside the pot, and the threads protrude through the holes on the outside. Secure the screws with the matching nuts on the outside, tightening them firmly but being careful not to strip the threads.
Step 4: Adding a Locking Washer (Optional)
To enhance the durability of the handle attachment, consider using a locking washer. Place the washer between the nut and the pot before tightening the nut. This will help the handle withstand constant use and prevent the nuts from loosening over time.
Final Step: Testing and Enjoying Your Repaired Pot
After reattaching the handle, inspect your work and ensure that the handle is secure and properly aligned. Once you're satisfied with the repair, your cooking pot is ready to use again! Enjoy your newly repaired pot and handle with confidence, knowing that you've given your favourite cooking vessel a new lease of life.
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Using a screw extractor to remove a stubborn screw
If the handle of your cooking pot is held in place by a screw that has become stubborn or damaged, you can use a screw extractor to remove it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Step 1: Prepare the Screw
Before attempting to remove the screw with an extractor, you can try to loosen it by applying penetrating oil to the screw head and surrounding threads. If the screw is attached to metal, you can also try heating it with a torch to expand the metal and make it easier to remove. If the screw is rusted, you may need to drill out the screw head and tap new threads into the hole before attempting to remove it.
Step 2: Use a Center Punch
Put on a pair of thick safety glasses to protect your eyes from metal shavings. Take a center punch, align the tip with the center of the screw head, and tap the other end with a hammer to create a small indent. This will help prevent the drill bit or extractor from slipping away from the center of the screw.
Step 3: Drill a Hole
Choose a drill bit that is slightly narrower than the screw head. Attach it to your drill and place it in the indent you created, applying downward pressure to drill straight down into the screw head. Drill to a depth of about 1/8–1/4 inch (0.32–0.64 cm).
Step 4: Use the Screw Extractor
Place the pointed threaded end of the screw extractor into the hole you just drilled. If your extractor has a tap handle, attach it to the end and turn it counterclockwise by hand until the screw is removed. Alternatively, grip the extractor with a wrench and turn it, or attach it to a drill and drill in reverse.
Step 5: Reattach the Handle
Once the screw has been removed, you can reattach the handle using a new screw. It is recommended to use a stainless steel screw and to smear food-safe silicone grease on the threads to prevent it from seizing up again.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully remove a stubborn screw from your cooking pot handle using a screw extractor.
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Filling gaps with JB Weld SteelStik, Sugru mouldable glue, or polymer clay
If you're looking to fix a cooking pot handle, you may want to consider using products that can fill in gaps and act as strong adhesives. Here are some options:
JB Weld SteelStik
J-B Weld SteelStik is a hand-mixable, steel-reinforced, non-rusting epoxy putty. It can be used to quickly repair or rebuild anything made of metal. After mixing, the putty forms an industrial-strength polymer compound that can be moulded into shapes or used to patch and repair steel components. To use SteelStik, remove the required amount of putty and thoroughly knead it with your fingers until it becomes a uniform colour. It sets in just 5 minutes and can be drilled, tapped, machined, ground, filed, or painted after 60 minutes. SteelStik cures to a dark grey colour and is rated at a strength of 4000 PSI, making it a strong and durable option for repairing pot handles.
Sugru Mouldable Glue
Sugru Mouldable Glue is a unique type of glue that turns into strong and durable silicone rubber after application. It is known for its ease of use, as it is non-runny and non-toxic, making it suitable for quick and mess-free repairs. Sugru glue is also versatile, as it is waterproof, heat and cold-resistant, durable, and electrically insulating. It provides a strong bond within 12-24 hours, although for thicker applications, it is recommended to allow up to 48 hours for it to fully set. However, it's important to note that Sugru does not bond well to oily plastics like polypropylene, polyethylene, or Teflon.
Polymer Clay
Polymer clay is a versatile material that can be used for filling gaps and creating precise shapes. It is often used in crafting and sculpting projects. While polymer clay itself can be used as a filler, it can also be combined with other materials like tinfoil to reduce the amount of clay needed and prevent the final product from becoming too heavy. When using polymer clay, it's important to allow sufficient time for it to cure and harden before subjecting it to stress or weight.
When deciding which product to use for fixing a cooking pot handle, consider the type of material your pot is made of and the strength of the bond you require. Each of these options has its own unique characteristics, but they all provide strong and durable solutions for repairing and filling gaps in various applications.
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Replacing the handle with a wooden one
If you're looking to replace your cooking pot's handle with a wooden one, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, check if your pot's handle is attached with screws, rivets, or welds. This will determine the best approach for removal and replacement.
If your pot handle is attached with screws, you can try removing the screws with a screwdriver. If the screws are stubborn or damaged, you may need to use a screw extractor or tap them out with a hammer. Once the screws are removed, you can replace the handle with a wooden one of a similar size and shape. Ensure that the new handle is securely attached with screws that are food-safe and will not rust easily.
For riveted handles, you can use a hand riveter to remove the existing handle and attach a new wooden one. If you're unable to find a suitable wooden replacement handle, you can also consider crafting a bespoke handle from wood. This option may be more time-consuming but ensures a unique and personalised replacement.
Alternatively, if your pot handle is welded on, you can drill through the welds and attach a wooden handle using stainless steel bolts. This method may not be as aesthetically pleasing and may be more challenging to clean. Consider using food-safe epoxy putty or a product like Blue Magic Quiksteel to secure the handle, ensuring that any substances used are safe for contact with food.
Before attempting any repairs or replacements, it is important to assess the condition of your cooking pot and decide if it is worth the time and effort to fix. If the pot is old or has other issues, it may be more practical and cost-effective to simply purchase a new one, especially if it is a cheap pot that can be easily replaced.
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Using cork for insulation
Fixing a cooking pot handle can be a challenging task, and sometimes it is more cost-effective to simply replace the pot. However, if you have a favourite pot that you are particularly fond of, you may want to explore ways to repair it. One innovative solution for insulating a cooking pot handle involves the use of cork, a natural material that offers excellent insulation properties. Here are some insights into how cork can be used for insulation when fixing a cooking pot handle:
Choosing the Right Cork:
Firstly, it's important to select the appropriate cork for the job. While any cork will do, it's crucial to ensure that it is large enough to be wedged securely under the handle. You can find corks in various places, such as IKEA, which sells 7" cork trivets that are perfect for hot pots and can be used for insulation. These cork trivets are made from natural cork, providing excellent insulation between hot pots and surfaces, protecting your furniture from heat stains and burns.
The Cork Technique:
The technique involves wedging a large cork under the handle of your cooking pot. This simple yet effective method provides a safe and convenient way to handle the pot without touching the hot metal. By pinching the cork, you can securely lift the lid or handle without burning your hands. This technique is especially useful when cooking on a stove, as the cork remains cool even when the pot is heated.
Advantages of Using Cork:
Cork is a lightweight, flexible, and waterproof material that naturally resists fire. Its insulation properties make it ideal for handling hot cookware. Additionally, cork is durable and long-lasting, ensuring that your cooking pot handle repair will last for a significant period.
Combining Cork with Other Fixes:
While cork can provide excellent insulation and protection from heat, combining it with other repair methods can enhance the durability of your cooking pot handle fix. For example, you can consider using food-safe putty or silicone caulking/sealant to secure the handle in place while utilising cork for insulation. Alternatively, if your pot handle is attached with screws, you can tap out the screws, drill new threads, and re-attach the handle with larger screws or a nut and bolt.
By following these guidelines and combining cork with other appropriate repair methods, you can effectively fix your cooking pot handle while benefiting from the insulation and heat-resistant properties of cork.
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Frequently asked questions
If your pot handle is screwed in, you can try to tighten the screw. If the screw is rusted, you can try to remove it with a screwdriver or a screw extractor. You can then drill the screw out, tap new threads in the hole, and re-attach the handle with a bigger screw.
You can try to drill out the rivets and attach the handle with new rivets.
You can use stainless steel or copper rivets.
Yes, you can use a food-safe adhesive such as JB Weld SteelStik or Sugru moldable glue. You can also replace the handle with a wooden one or use cork for insulation.
If you don't have the necessary tools or materials to fix your pot handle, it may be safer to buy a new pot or use a potholder until you can fix the handle properly.
