I doubt a big box store would do it. If you have an old fashioned hardware store that you patronize, they MIGHT. They could also sell you shorter bolts or screws that wouldn't need cutting down. Just bring one in along with the knob, after measuring the drawer front depth, or bring the drawer, too!

If they are only slightly long, you could just add a washer on the inside of the door.

I'd measure the thickness of the drawer vs. schlep it around, btjm.

Yup a washer or a couple washers would do the trick if you've got only a small gap to fill for stability.

Wire cutters. http://www.hometalk.com/3807108/how-to-trim-the-screw-posts-on-a-drawer-knob?expand_all_questions=1

I used a hacksaw on mine.

Thank you all!

Um..what's a "washer"?

Use the old knob screws with the new knobs?

Washers are little rubber or steel/metal flat round things that look like donuts. You want to get a size with a hole the diameter of the screw.

April, a washer is the round, flat thing that goes between the nut (or in your case, the screw head) and the drawer front. They come in different thicknesses. If you have more than 1/8 or so extra length, I'd go with shorter screws rather than a washer, but that's just me. :) (I think the technical difference is that screws are pointed on the end and bolts are flat.)

Donna

There are no old screws..everything was handles before:) I changed the handles everywhere, but the upper doors are glass, and new handles don't match exactly, even being the same size..since it's glass, I can't make new holes there..at least nor without old holes being seen..

I decided to use 4 knobs, just for this upper glass door part. It will be cute. I think. I just want to trim the screws-really too long. If it was just a bit I'd already put them in..

(I think they have washers on them already, if I understood your explanation correctly..

It's just that they still will take so much space?..)

Just go to the hardware store and by the number of screws you need in the right size. Easiest solution.

I think the OP might be talking about a decorative know, where the bolt part is attached to the decorative knob. You slide the screw into the drawer/cabinet from the front and the it is held in place with a nut. The bolts are always long and need to be trimmed. Places like Anthropologie sell lots of pretty knobs like this. See EXAMPLE

If this is correct, then I dont think the OP can buy new screws, they need to be trimmed.

It is correct, yes! They're from Anthropologie.

(While the handles were not. Actually don't remember where I got the handles. Took so long because it's a rare size-centered at 9 inches..I could find either nothing, or each handle was worth 200 dollars or so..)

I find Ace Hardware is better at this than HD. Take the screw/bolt with you so you get the right diameter and then they'll find you the right length.

I recently purchased some knobs where the screw part unscrews from the knob, which really came as a surprise! I found this out since I actually wanted to use the knob for something else, not on a door/drawer. Use a pair of plyers to hold the screw, and a moist cloth to hold the knob(or one of those rubber jar lid unscrewers)and give a couple of good twists. If you have a man in the house, even better. What you have may not be made that way, but it's worth a try.

I do have a man in the house..the problem he already expressed his mild surprise of me getting new handles, even though I dreamed for five years to get new ones, since the day we found this bookcase in a consignment shop-it was perfect but I always disliked the handles.

If he learns that I also had to buy knobs, besides these handles-his surprise will become even deeper..:)

Measure how much it sticks out from the door too. Check if the screws are removable; there are threaded bolts w/o heads you might be able to replace them w/...

April, take the knobs and the screws to either Home Depot or Ace and they will fix you up in no time. Usually the hardware used for knobs is standard in size and length.

OK these are a little different than the knobs most are talking about. These have the bolt permanently attached to the knob. Do you happen to have a dremmel tool this is the best tool for the job. You will need a nut that can screw onto the bolt that is on the knob. Did the nut come with the knob they usually do. Once you get the proper sized nut, put the knob bolt into the hole in the bookcase, screw the nut onto the bolt till it's snug but not tight. Get a sharpie marker and mark the bolt a little bit behind the nut this marks where you will need the bolt cut off. Now remove the nut and the bolt and if you have a dremmel cutting tool cut off the bolt at the mark. If you have a hacksaw you can use that. You can take it to ace or Lowe's and might find someone to cut it off. Anyone you know that has tools can probably do it.

OK if it's like this one from there you can see it does have 2nuts and a couple of washers on the shaft of the attached bolt.

Unscrew the 2 hex nuts and washers. One nut and 1 washer stays on the shaft, push the bolt through the hole in the bookcase now the other washer and the nut goes on and tighten it down then mark the bolt for where to cut.

Thanks so much! That's what I'll do.

I made one mistake only one washer goes on the side with the knob. The 2 hex nuts go on last and lock against each other. It could go either way but I think it would make the knob stand out farther from the face of the bookcase if the nut went there. I asked my husband and he said it would be better to have both nuts on last as locking nuts. But you get the idea now. It will be pretty easy to cut.