4 Quick Fixes for Cabinet Doors that Won't Shut

by Jackie Davis 01/17/2021


 Photo by Nick Magwood via Pixabay

There's nothing more annoying than a cabinet door in the kitchen or bathroom that won't close properly. It squeaks. It catches. Plus it makes the space look less "put together" no matter how clean it otherwise is. Ignoring a door that won't close correctly, can do damage to the hinge or door. That creates a more significant home project. But fear not, below we'll show you four simple fixes to get your cabinet door working as it should.

What you'll need:

The tools you'll need vary, depending on what's wrong with your door. So identify the fix needed below before spending money on these items:

  • A screwdriver
  • New hinges 
  • Level
  • Epoxy
  • Drill with a small drill bit

Fix one: tighten the hinge screws

Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one. Cabinet doors that see a lot of use may jostle their screws loose over time. If the screws are loose, tighten them with a screwdriver. Do this sooner rather than later because allowing loose screws to remain loose will damage hinges and possibly the door over time.

Fix two: move the hinge

If your cabinet door never closed correctly, chances are it wasn't installed correctly. But fortunately, you can fix this too by moving the hinge to a new location. 

Start by unscrewing the problematic hinge. Then fill the holes with epoxy. This will harden and prevent the new screw holes from running into the old ones.

Determine where the hinge needs to be and place it there. Then mark holes with a pencil through the holes. Now, it's just a matter of drilling some new holes and screwing the hinge in.

*Pro tip* If you need to adjust the holes on the door itself, be careful not to drill all the way through.

Fix three: adjust the hinges

Some hinges are adjustable. This allows the hinge to fit into a recess or self-close the door. But these hinges can get off track. The door may then lean down slightly and not close well.

In this case, you'll need to adjust the cabinet door so that it is the same distance from the cabinet at both hinges. Then make sure the door is level. Now, tighten the screws on the hinges to hold the hinge and door in that position.

Fix four: replace the hinges

When you inspect the door, you may find that the hinge is warped. You may be able to hammer it out. But more likely, you'll want to replace it with a new hinge instead. Unscrew the existing hinge and screw a new one into the existing holes.

That door works as good as new. For more simple DIY home projects that can make a huge difference in how you live in and love your home, follow our blog.

 

About the Author
Author

Jackie Davis

Welcome to Jackie Davis and Company. If you have navigated this far, we thank you and would like to share how we differ from other teams and agents. We work tirelessly and are committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction. We recognize, listen, value, and appreciate your goals as you move towards listing or selling your home. As Listing Agents we continuously integrate new and advanced technology to promote your biggest asset. Our strong negotiation skills are invaluable for getting you the best price for your home. As the Buyer's Agent we pride ourselves on being fully educated in our local markets. While focusing on integrity and honesty we will provide you with the highest level of professionalism and analysis. We are proud that this hard work has earned us recognition as top 1% both company and state wide in the industry. Achievements * 1st Quarter 2017 Leading Sales in Fairfield * 2017 February Leading Sales Team * 2017 March Leading Sales Team * Chairman's Elite representing the Top 1% Agent at William Raveis Nationwide & Fairfield County * Over $45 million Listed & Sold in 2016 * Over $30 million Listed & Sold in 2015 * 99% List to Sales Ratio (higher than market average) * 75 Average Days on Market (less than market average) * Jackie Davis Promoted to Sales Vice President 2016 * Raveis Award of Excellence every year * Exceptional Customer Service Award every year * Top Units Sold Team October 2016 * Top Customer Service October 2016 * Top Mortgage Support September 2016 * Top Selling Team January 2016 * Top Mortgage Support August 2015 * Top Selling Team Feb 2014 * Top Producing Team Jan 2014 * Top Selling Team Dec 2013 * Top Selling Team Nov 2013 * Top Producing Team Nov 2013 Professional Specialty Innovative Marketing and Technology equals proven sales. Our team of licensed professionals is ready to serve. We handle: Sellers & Buyers Exceptional Properties Investors Waterfront & Beach Area Homes Country & Equestrian Properties New Construction & Land Relocation Professional Association National Association of Realtors Connecticut Association of Realtors Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors Consolidated Multiple Listing Service Community Involvement PTA committee member for past 14 years from elementary through high school PTA Board Member for 4 years Shoff Darby Advisory Scholarship Board member past 5 years Committee member for Cancer Care of Norwalk past 10 years Volunteer Habitat for Humanity Operation Hope coordinator for elementary and middle schools, last 3 years Volunteer for a variety of town sports teams, that my daughters participate in The County Assemblies Board Member The b-Cause Foundation Board Member- a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate children to recognize neighbors in need in our local community. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club- Fundraising Committee Member Committee Member for Cancer Couch Fundraiser the Cancer Beat 2016 Near and Far Aid Volunteer Education BA from Merrimack College Personal Fairfield resident for 39 years Currently reside in Fairfield Beach Area Married 27 years Four daughters currently in & have graduated Fairfield Public School system Areas Covered Fairfield Southport Westport Weston Norwalk Trumbull Easton Stratford Shelton Milford Stamford Bridgeport