How to Adjust Cabinet Hinges

How to Adjust Cabinet Hinges: A Step-by-Step Guide

The hinges on kitchen cabinets can be subject to wear and tear through years of use. Doors begin to sag, rub against walls or any adjoining surfaces, and simply will not close. At this point, retaining the existing hinges does not even make sense. You do not have to call a professional each time it occurs. With patience and a simple screwdriver, you are able to do it yourself. In New Zealand, it will cost between $80 and $150 an hour to hire a handyman to repair cabinet doors, depending on where you are and the level of urgency. You save money and have your cabinets looking tidy and in good working order by doing this yourself.

This blog will explain how cabinet hinges work, common alignment issues, and how to adjust them to function for years.

Why Cabinet Hinges Need Adjusting

Kitchen cabinets are used daily, and over time, things happen: slots in hinges become loose, screws move, or doors sag. A misaligned cabinet door can ruin the cabinet frame or even the hinge. Misalignment can also create an untidy kitchen appearance.

Hinge adjustments keep your cabinet doors closing properly. It also safeguards against long-term damage to the cabinetry. This minor maintenance helps maintain your kitchen tidy, functional, and in perfect condition.

What You'll Need To Adjust Cabinet Hinges

You won't require a tool chest full of tools. You simply require a Phillips-head screwdriver for making hinge adjustments. Heavier realignment applications like relocating the hinge position or refurbishing drawer runners will require a drill, a level, and a measuring tape; not forgetting another helpful hand, especially during adjustments on the larger cabinet doors.

Understand Your Cabinet Hinge Type

Before you begin to adjust, you need to determine the type of hinge on your cabinet door. Various types need slightly different adjusting methods. In contemporary kitchens in New Zealand, the most common hinges are soft-close hinges. These tend to be Blum or similar, intended for quiet and smooth closure.

Below are some other hinge styles you may get:

• Face frame hinges mount to the cabinet frame and enable the door to lie flat when shut.


• Inset hinges are mounted inside the cabinet frame, providing a flat look.


• Overlay hinges enable the door to cover the frame entirely or partially.


• Surface mount hinges are completely visible when the door is shut.


• Pie-cut hinges are utilised in corner cabinets with bi-fold doors.


• Semi-concealed hinges are partially visible and tend to feature decorations.

Understanding your hinge type will make it easier for you to know where to make the changes.

How To Adjust Cabinet Hinges?

Step 1: Make Cabinet Doors Adjust Up and Down

Vertical adjustment is useful if the door appears too high or too low. This is usually because of frequent use or the heavy weight of the cabinet door.

Begin by opening the door. Find the mounting screws on both hinges that hold the hinge to the cabinet. These can be found inside oval-shaped holes.

Loosen both screws a little bit. Close the door to the cabinet. When closed, slide the door up or down so it will fit with the surrounding doors or the frame of the cabinet.

Now that it is in position, open the door and tighten both screws. Double-check the alignment with a level to ensure that it is level.

Step 2: Adjust Depth (In and Out)

This will also end up if the cabinet door protrudes too prominently or too deeply into the frame, and then, there will be a need to adjust the depth. This might be adjusted by the depth screw found closest to the back of the hinge arm.

To pull the door nearer to the cabinet, turn it clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to push the door out further.

Make minimal adjustments and inspect the door after every adjustment. This prevents overcorrecting and maintains the door level. Repeat this for both hinges to achieve a uniform result.

Step 3. Alignment Right or Left: Side to Side

Side-to-side adjustments should be performed when a door appears too close to or too far away from the other. Most of the time, it refers to the screw nearest the hinge arm.

Move the door closer to the left by turning the screw counterclockwise. For the right side, rotate in a clockwise direction. In some cases, you may even need to adjust both hinges to create an in-line and balanced realignment.

Open the door, find the side-to-side adjustment screw, and do a bit of modifying. Then shut the door and check if it is squarely placed. Repeat it until everything aligns perfectly.

Step 4: Test the Door

Finally, repeatedly open and close the door. See if there is any sound. Observe with utmost care to determine if it has any rubbing, sagging, or bouncing back.

In the event of being loose, tight, or not closing entirely, such as with an overhang, return and micro-adjust with the screws. One last test confirms your cabinet is working as intended.

Cabinet Issues That Indicate You Need to Adjust Hinges

Some indications that your cabinet door needs to be adjusted include:

• The spaces between the cabinet frame and the door


• Sagging or uneven-looking doors


• Doors are not closing completely


• Squeaks or creaks when opening


• Sticking or stiffing when opening or closing the door


• Scuff marks or scratches that are visible on the surrounding areas


• Loosening hinges

When you notice any of the above signs, it's time for quick fixes.

How to Keep Your Cabinet Doors Working Properly?

The doors will last longer while functioning if you maintain them in order. Regularly wipe the doors and hinges with a damp cloth. Over-moisture or the use of caustic products is not recommended.

The screws of the hinges require tightening from time to time. The hinges did not just get loose quickly, but by gradual use. It should have a regular alignment check and then fix minor damages at an early stage. This prevents the accumulation of future damage on your cabinet.

Avoid slamming the door shut. Soft-close hinges make it easier, but it's still better to be gentle on the doors. Those who have children regularly playing around in the kitchen can even use door stoppers to minimise damage caused to the cabinets and stress on the hinges.

How to Adjust Drawer Fronts and Slides?

Occasionally, it's not the doors that must be adjusted. Drawer fronts may appear wonky or protrude unevenly.

If a drawer front appears to be tilting, check both ends to see if the height is uneven. If one end is lower, fix it by pushing the plastic tab within the drawer box towards the rear.

To fix the tilt forward or backward on the drawer, find the orange and grey levers at the drawer slides below. Rotate them until the drawer sits in its position.

How To Fix Drawer Slides and Runners?

Modern kitchen drawers frequently employ full-extension runners with soft-close mechanisms. These include self-adjusting rear clips.

If your drawer is rubbing or binding, pull the drawer out and inspect the runners. Check to see if screws need to be tightened. Ensure that both sides are adjusted equally.

For undermount runners, adjust the height by utilising the orange or grey clips at the bottom of the drawer. These allow you to lift or lower the drawer without needing to take it out.

What If You Must Relocate Hinges?

You may have to shift the place where the hinges are installed if they're stripped or incorrectly installed. Measure properly for such cases. Drill new pilot holes using a drill. Make sure the new location can hold the weight of the door evenly.

Install heavy screws similar in size to those of the original hinge hardware. Always drill into solid hardwood or a solid section of the cabinet frame.

Final Thoughts

Cabinet hinge adjustments are usually small, but can greatly improve your house. Doors can maximise the beauty of your kitchen, help the kitchen operate better, and also keep people from ruining your cabinets.

It requires a screwdriver, some patience, and a little patience to put cabinet doors and drawers into alignment. Do it yourself and avoid the expense of calling a professional in. For further assistance or superior hinges, call your local cabinet maker or hardware store for assistance.