When installing drawer pulls with bales, the bales seem to bind when the nut is tightened. I've tried enlarging the holes, moving one of the two holes closer to or further from the other and filing the ends of the bale so that they are smaller and more round. But as often as not. the bale is frozen in place when the nut is tightened. If I leave the nut loose, the oval rosettes rotate and scratch the finish. Any suggestions?
-Sam R.
Fort Wayne, IN
Our Expert
Authentic period furniture hardware is made using many of the same methods that were used in the 18th century. This ensures that the reproductions have the proportions, surface texture, and beauty of the originals (and sometimes a somewhat rough fit and finish).
For example, inferior pulls use heavy brass wire for the bails and the backplate is stamped from thick brass. This results in a clumsy facsimile that bears little resemblance to the originals.
In contrast, the backplate of an authentic pull is made from thin brass, just like the originals. The bail is cast so that the center of the bail is thicker than the ends.
As you've discovered, sometimes the bails will bind. This does not reflect poor craftsmanship but is just a result of using authentic methods of reproduction. If you would like for the bails to swing freely I suggest that you gently bend them inwards with a small amount of hand pressure. This shortens the length of the bail between the posts.
Also, you may find that the ends of the posts extend into the drawer and can snag or scratch the drawer contents. I cut the posts flush and scoop out a recess for the retaining nut with a carving gouge.
