Properly aligned cabinet doors ensure your cabinets function smoothly, making your daily routine easier. Yet, as time passes, you may notice they look slightly uneven or start wobbling. We’ve all been there.
The good news is that solving this problem is very straightforward. Let American Wood Reface walk you through different types of hinges, the tools needed, and the step-by-step process of how to adjust cabinet door hinges so that they function and look right.
Types of Cabinet Hinges
Cabinet hinges allow cabinet doors to open and close freely. However, not all cabinet doors have the same hinges. Below are three of the most common types of cabinet hinges.
- Overlay hinges allow the door to “lay over” the frame—that is, when closed, the door doesn’t insert into the frame but instead sits on top of it. Overlay hinges may be full or partial.
- Face frame hinges or semi-concealed hinges have a visible frame wing and a door wing attached to the back of the door.
- Inset hinges enable the door to close entirely without displaying any part of the hinge.
Modern cabinet hinges are usually adjustable, regardless of the hinge type. They have three adjustment screws that let you fine-tune the door’s alignment in three directions.
- Up and down (vertical)
- Side to side (horizontal)
- In and out (depth)
Identifying the Problem
Before learning how to adjust cabinet door hinges, start by identifying the problem first. Check your hinges by opening and closing the cabinet door a few times. Here are some common hinge problems you might encounter.
- Loose Hinges: This might be the problem if your cabinet doors sag or feel wobbly and insecure.
- Uneven Gaps: If your cabinet doors appear crooked or misaligned, it’s likely a sign of gaps that need adjustment.
- Rubbing or Scraping: If a door makes contact with the frame and adjacent doors when opening or closing, there may be an issue with the hinges.
Tools You Need
Required:
- Screwdriver (usually a Phillips head with a #2 tip)
Optional:
- Replacement screws in case any of the existing screws are stripped or damaged
- Level to ensure the doors are perfectly straight
- Pencil to mark reference points before making adjustments
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Cabinet Hinges
Step 1: Tighten Loose Mounting Screws
Look inside the cabinet box. You will find a flat metal piece attached to it. This is the mounting plate, and the screws holding it are the mounting screws.
Turn the mounting screws clockwise until they are snug. This step is important to keep the cabinet door stable before making adjustments. It also solves any sagging or wobbling in the door.
Pro tip: Be careful not to tighten the screws too much, as it could strip the screw holes or damage the wood.
Step 2: Adjust for Horizontal Alignment
If your doors are too close to or far from each other, they’re out of horizontal alignment, and you’ll want to adjust them. Here’s how you do it.
First, locate the adjuster. This is the horizontal arm lying across the mounting plate. There, you will find the three adjustment screws. The side-to-side adjustment screw is the one nearest the door.
- If your doors are too far apart, turn the adjustment screw clockwise to close the gap.
- If they are too close, turn the screw counterclockwise to create a gap.
Step 3: Adjust for Vertical Alignment
A vertically aligned cabinet door has even top and bottom gaps. Proper vertical alignment ensures that doors don’t hang too low or too high, preventing rubbing against the frame.
If you have adjustable hinges with three adjustment screws, fixing vertical alignment is easy.
- Find the middle screw on the adjuster arm.
- Loosen it.
- Move the door up or down as you like.
- Retighten it when you’re happy with the door’s height.
If your adjustable hinges have no middle screw or you have older hinges with no adjuster arm, you need to look at the mounting plate. Then, follow these steps.
- Loosen the mounting screws just slightly.
- Close the door and move it to the desired height.
- Open the door while carefully maintaining the desired position.
- Retighten the mounting screws.
Step 4: Adjust for Depth
You need to adjust the depth of your cabinet doors if they are too far from or too close to the cabinet box when looking from the side.
To adjust for depth, locate the depth adjustment screw. This is the screw on the adjuster arm farthest from the door.
Turn the screw clockwise to bring the door nearer the frame or counterclockwise to move it away.
Step 5: Check the Door’s Operation
After following the above steps, open and close the cabinet door several times to test its operation. Adjust the hinges as many times as necessary until the door is properly aligned and functioning well.
Maintenance Tips for Cabinet Hinges
Keeping hinges in good condition minimizes the frequency of adjustments and contributes to your cabinet’s longevity. Here are a few tips.
- Perform regular checks. Inspect your cabinet hinges for signs of wear or damage every month. A routine check can help you maintain the proper alignment of your cabinets and prevent future issues.
- Lubricate the hinges. Doing this eliminates or prevents audible squeaking. While oil is the most recommended lubricant, you may also use spray lubricants or petroleum jelly for less mess. Whichever you choose, have a rag nearby to wipe excess lubricant.
- Consider replacement when necessary. The average door hinge lasts 10–15 years. However, if the cabinet doors continue to misalign or the hinges show excessive rust or wear, it’s time to replace those hinges. Make sure the new hinges match the old ones in style and size for a seamless fit and appearance.
Takeaway
Well-adjusted hinges make your cabinet doors operate smoothly, look professional, and maintain their functionality over time. Follow our tips on how to adjust cabinet door hinges to address common hinge issues and keep your cabinets in top condition.
If you’re planning to update your kitchen, American Wood Reface offers a premium cabinet refacing service using 1/4″ solid wood. Our refacing process always includes replacing cabinet door hinges, setting us apart from other cabinet refacing contractors that provide this optionally.
Ready to transform your kitchen? Book a free consultation with us today to get started.
