Short answer
To fix a cabinet door that sags or won't close, open it and tighten the screws that hold the hinge plate to the cabinet. If a screw just spins, fill the hole with wood glue and toothpicks. Then use the screws on the hinge arm. Usually the one closest to the door moves it side to side, and the one behind it moves it in and out.
How to fix a sagging cabinet door
1The door droops and will not line up
One corner hangs lower than the door next to it, or the door stays open a crack. Most of the time a hinge screw is loose.
Read all the steps
- The door droops and will not line up. One corner hangs lower than the door next to it, or the door stays open a crack. Most of the time a hinge screw is loose.
- Open it and tighten the hinge screws. Look inside at the hinge. Tighten the screws that hold its plate to the cabinet wall, and the ones that hold the cup in the door.
- Screw just spins? Toothpicks and glue. Pull the screw, push wood glue and two or three wooden toothpicks into the hole, and snap them off flush. Let it dry, then drive the screw back in.
- Turn the side screw to line it up. On the hinge arm, the screw closest to the door usually moves it side to side. Small turns, then close it and look at the gap.
- Even gaps, closes flush. If it still sticks out at the top or bottom, the screw farther back moves the door in and out. Adjust both hinges the same way.
- Still not fixed? Call a handyman Especially if: the wood around the hinge cup is cracked or crumbling.
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The three adjustments on a hidden hinge
- Side to side: usually the screw on the arm closest to the door. It evens out the gap between two doors.
- In and out: usually the screw farther back on the arm. It makes the door sit flush with the cabinet.
- Up and down: loosen the two screws on the mounting plate, slide the door and tighten again. Some plates have their own screw for this.
What not to do
- Do not overtighten screws in particleboard: it strips the holes.
- Do not hang heavy towels or bags on cabinet doors: the weight pulls the hinges loose.
- Do not glue the hinge in place. You will need to adjust it again someday.
When to call a handyman
- The wood around the hinge cup is cracked or crumbling.
- The cabinet box itself is loose from the wall or out of square.
- Several doors sag at once, or the hinges are broken.
- The cabinet is swollen from a leak under the sink.
Frequently asked questions
How do I adjust a crooked cabinet door?
Use the screw on the hinge arm closest to the door. Turning it moves that side of the door left or right. Turn it a little, close the door and check the gap.
Why won't my cabinet door close all the way?
Usually a loose hinge, a door set too far out (adjust the screw farther back on the arm), or something inside in the way. Soft-close hinges can also wear out and stop pulling the door shut.
How do I fix a stripped cabinet hinge screw hole?
Fill it with wood glue and wooden toothpicks, let it dry and drive the screw back in. A slightly thicker screw also works if the wood is thick enough.
Which screw adjusts the height of a cabinet door?
Usually the mounting plate screws: loosen them, slide the door up or down and tighten. Some plates have a separate screw for height.
Can I replace cabinet hinges myself?
Yes, if you buy the same type and size: take the old one to the store. Most hidden hinges clip on or screw into the same holes.