If your kitchen cabinets have seen better days and the doors are sagging, sticking, or not closing properly, it may be time to adjust the hinges. Old style cabinet door hinges, often called Euro style hinges, can loosen up over time.

Don’t worry, adjusting them is an easy DIY project that doesn’t require any new hardware.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Loosen the screws on the hinges, remove the door, then adjust the hinge plates until the door lines up properly and has the right amount of space around the edges.

Rehang the door and fine tune the adjustments before tightening the screws again.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through all the steps for adjusting old style cabinet hinges. You’ll learn how door alignment works, what tools you need, how to remove and rehang the doors, and tips for fine tuning the adjustments.

Understanding Door Alignment

Proper door alignment is essential for a smooth and functional cabinet. Misaligned cabinet doors can be frustrating and can also affect the overall aesthetics of your space. Understanding the causes of misalignment and what to look for in proper door alignment can help you address the issue effectively.

What causes doors to become misaligned

There are several factors that can cause cabinet doors to become misaligned over time. One common cause is temperature and humidity changes. Wood, being a natural material, can expand or contract with fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

This can lead to the door shifting slightly and becoming misaligned.

Another factor is regular wear and tear. Continuous opening and closing of the cabinet doors can cause the hinges to loosen or shift, resulting in misalignment. Additionally, accidental impacts or mishandling of the doors can also contribute to misalignment.

What to look for in proper door alignment

When assessing the alignment of your cabinet doors, there are a few key things to look for. Firstly, the doors should be flush with the cabinet frame when closed. Gaps between the doors and the frame indicate misalignment.

Secondly, the doors should open and close smoothly without any resistance or sticking. If you notice any rubbing or scraping noises, it’s a sign that the doors are not aligned properly.

Furthermore, check if the doors are level and plumb. They should be parallel to the floor and vertical when closed. Any tilting or sagging can indicate misalignment.

How old style hinges allow adjustments

Old style hinges often have built-in adjustment options that allow you to fine-tune the alignment of your cabinet doors. These adjustments can be made using a screwdriver or an Allen wrench. By tightening or loosening the screws on the hinges, you can change the position of the doors vertically, horizontally, or even tilt them slightly.

It’s important to note that the adjustment process may vary depending on the specific hinge design. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or seek guidance from a professional if you are unsure about how to adjust your particular hinge type.

If you need further assistance, websites like www.familyhandyman.com or www.thisoldhouse.com can provide step-by-step guides and video tutorials on adjusting old style cabinet door hinges.

Gathering Supplies

Before you begin adjusting old style cabinet door hinges, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. This will ensure that you have everything you need to complete the task efficiently. Here are some supplies you’ll need:

Basic tools needed:

Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on the type of screws used)
Measuring tape
Pencil
Level

Optional helpful tools:

Drill
Hinge template
Hinge jig

Materials to prep and protect cabinets:

Before you start adjusting the hinges, it’s essential to protect your cabinets. Here are some materials you may need:

Drop cloth or old towels to protect the surrounding area from scratches or debris
Painter’s tape to cover any surfaces you don’t want to get damaged
Wood filler or putty for filling any holes or gaps
Sandpaper or sanding block for smoothing rough edges
Paint or stain for touch-ups, if necessary

Having these supplies ready will make the process of adjusting old style cabinet door hinges much smoother. It’s always better to be prepared and have everything you need within reach, so you don’t have to stop midway and search for missing tools or materials.

Removing the Doors

When it comes to adjusting old style cabinet door hinges, the first step is to remove the doors from the cabinets. This allows for easier access and manipulation of the hinges. Here are the steps to remove the doors:

Taking doors off the hinges

Start by opening the cabinet doors fully. Locate the screws that hold the hinges to the cabinet frame. These screws are usually found on the inside edge of the cabinet. Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the screws, being sure to hold onto the door as you do so to prevent it from falling.

Pro tip: It’s a good idea to have someone assist you in holding the door while you remove the screws, especially if the door is large or heavy.

Set doors aside safely

Once the screws are removed, carefully lift the door off the hinges. Place a soft cloth or towel on a flat surface and lay the door on it to prevent any scratches or damage. Repeat this process for all the cabinet doors that need adjusting.

Pro tip: If you are working on multiple doors, it can be helpful to label each door and its corresponding location on the cabinet to ensure they can be easily reinstalled later.

Adjusting the Hinge Plates

When it comes to adjusting old style cabinet door hinges, the first step is to focus on the hinge plates. These plates are responsible for holding the door in place and allowing it to open and close smoothly. Here are the key steps to adjusting the hinge plates:

Loosen screws on hinges

To begin, you’ll need to loosen the screws on the hinges. This will allow you to make the necessary adjustments to the hinge plates. Use a screwdriver to carefully loosen the screws, but be cautious not to remove them completely.

Make lateral, depth, and height adjustments

Once the screws are loosened, you can make the necessary adjustments to the hinge plates. Depending on the specific issue you’re facing, you may need to make lateral, depth, or height adjustments. Lateral adjustments involve moving the hinge plate horizontally, while depth adjustments involve moving it further in or out.

Height adjustments, on the other hand, involve raising or lowering the hinge plate.

Keep in mind that the specific adjustments needed will depend on the specific problem you’re trying to solve. For example, if the cabinet door is not closing properly, you may need to adjust the depth of the hinge plate to ensure a tight fit.

Test fit the door and re-adjust if needed

Once you’ve made the necessary adjustments to the hinge plates, it’s time to test fit the door. Carefully place the door back onto the hinges and open and close it to see if the adjustments have resolved the issue.

If the door is still not functioning properly, you may need to re-adjust the hinge plates until you achieve the desired result.

Remember, adjusting old style cabinet door hinges can be a trial-and-error process. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few attempts to get it just right. With patience and persistence, you’ll be able to achieve a properly functioning cabinet door.

Rehanging and Final Adjustments

Once you have successfully rehung your old style cabinet door hinges, it’s time to make some final adjustments to ensure a perfect alignment. These adjustments will help your cabinet doors open and close smoothly, enhancing the overall functionality and aesthetics of your cabinets.

Making final tweaks for perfect alignment

To achieve a perfect alignment, start by checking the position of the cabinet door in relation to the cabinet frame. Ensure that the door is centered and level. You can use a level tool to make this process easier. If the door is not aligned properly, use a screwdriver to adjust the hinges.

Loosen the screws on the hinges and gently move the door until it is aligned correctly. Once aligned, tighten the screws to secure the hinges in place.

Next, check the gaps between the cabinet doors and the adjacent doors or cabinet frames. The gaps should be even and consistent. If you notice any uneven gaps, adjust the hinges accordingly. Loosen the screws on the hinges and move the door slightly until the gaps are even.

Tighten the screws to secure the hinges in place.

Steps for smooth operation

After aligning the cabinet doors, it’s important to ensure smooth operation. Open and close the doors several times to check for any resistance or sticking. If you notice any issues, you may need to make further adjustments.

One common issue is doors that don’t close completely or don’t stay closed. To fix this, check the position of the strike plate on the cabinet frame. If it is misaligned, use a screwdriver to adjust its position.

Loosen the screws and move the strike plate until the door closes smoothly and stays closed when fully shut. Tighten the screws to secure the strike plate in place.

Another common issue is doors that swing open or closed too quickly. To address this, adjust the tension on the hinges. Some hinges have an adjustment screw that allows you to increase or decrease the tension.

Use a screwdriver to make the necessary adjustments until the doors open and close at a comfortable speed.

Double check edges before tightening screws

Before tightening all the screws on the hinges, it’s important to double check the alignment of the cabinet doors and ensure that they are flush with the cabinet frames. Use a level tool to check for any unevenness. If needed, make small adjustments to align the doors properly.

Once you are satisfied with the alignment, tighten all the screws on the hinges to secure them in place. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can cause damage to the hinges or the cabinet doors.

By following these steps and making the necessary adjustments, you can ensure that your old style cabinet door hinges are properly rehung and adjusted for smooth operation and perfect alignment. Your cabinets will not only look great but also function flawlessly.

Conclusion

Adjusting old style cabinet door hinges is an easy DIY project. With some basic tools and patience, you can realign doors and restore proper function. Just follow the steps to remove doors, loosen hinges, adjust alignment, rehang doors, and fine tune as needed.

Your cabinets will look refreshed and work like new again with doors that open and close smoothly at the perfect position.

How To Adjust Old Style Cabinet Door Hinges