Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Choosing & Installing Hardware

Choosing hardware can be fun and creative, but selecting the right hardware for a job can be difficult -- even for the most experienced woodworker. Installing it is something else again. This book covers the entire range of hardware, including common household pieces such as locks, pulls, and handles; all presented in a straightforward style with step-by-step photos and instructions. Tips ease the installation process, and quick access guides help you find the exact information you need.

Choosing and Installing Hardware includes sections on:

• Nails, screws, and hinges
• Catches, latches and locks
• Assembly, knockdown and mounting hardware
• Knobs, handles, and pulls
• Hardware for tables, chairs, drawers, shelves, and beds

About the author
Bob Settich is a freelance writer and woodworker who has written for Workbench, Wood, Woodshop News, and Better Homes and Gardens. He lives in Gladstone, Missouri.

Introduction

SECTION 1. Nails and Screws
Drilling and Countersinking
Pocket Screws
Removing a Damaged Screw

SECTION 2. Hinges
Surface-Mounted Hinges
Mortised Hinges
Euro Hinges
Specialty Hinges

SECTION 3. Lid Supports and Stays
Lid Supports
Overhead Door Supports

SECTION 4. Catches, Latches, and Locks
Catches and Bolts
Locks
Escutcheons

SECTION 5. Table, Chair, and Leg Hardware
Leg-Mounting Hardware
Casters and Glides
Tabletop Hardware
Table Extension Slides
Pop-Up Table Hardware

SECTION 6. Assembly, Knockdown, and Mounting Hardware
Knockdown Cabinets
Countertop Connectors
Threaded Inserts and Teenuts
Shelf Hangers

SECTION 7. Drawer Slides
Drawer Slides
Tray Slides

SECTION 8. Knobs, Handles, and Pulls
Knobs, Handles, and Pulls

SECTION 9. Glass and Panel Hardware
Panel-Retaining Hardware
Sliding Door Tracks

SECTION 10. Hardware for Shelves
Cabinet Shelf Standards
Shelf-Support Holes

SECTION 11. Bed Hardware
Bed Assembly
Disappearing Beds
Bunk-Bed Accessories

SECTION 12. Technology Hardware
Wire Management
Keyboard and TV Hardware

Manufacturers and Suppliers

As one of the first research steps for this book, I contacted a long list of hardware manufacturers and suppliers and requested catalogs. As the catalogs arrived and filled one shelf after another in my office, I began to wonder how to compress all of that information into a single book.

It was immediately apparent that a single volume on the topic of hardware could not pretend to be absolutely comprehensive in scope -- showing every piece of hardware available on the planet -- and also utterly exhaustive in depthdemonstrating how to install each example.

Fortunately, the Complete Illustrated Guide format helped achieve a balance, delivering useful information in a concise manner that you can immediately put to practical use. In the overview portion of each section, youll get a panoramic view of your choices in that hardware category, as well as tips on the key quality points to seek when youre choosing hardware. In the photo essays, youll discover how to successfully handle even complicated installations step by easy step. Whenever possible, Ive included insights as to why youre following a certain procedure so that you can apply the knowledge you gain to other projects.

Combining these two approaches gives you knowledge that is both extensive in range and intensive in application. As a result, youll be better prepared and more confident in your approach to woodworking. Youll be able to maximize your time in the shop, building projects that are sturdier, better looking, and more functional. If youre an amateur, it can mean moving your abilities, work, and satisfaction to the next level.