Over time, wardrobe or kitchen cupboard doors may start to sag or misalign, leading to gaps, doors that won’t close properly, or uneven alignment. Many people assume the hinges are worn out, but in most cases, simple hinge adjustments can fix the issue quickly and easily!
This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to adjust kitchen cabinet doors and hinges, troubleshoot common issues, and maintain them properly to prevent future problems.
Tools You’ll Need to Adjust Cupboard Hinges
- Phillips screwdriver (for most hinge types – you can refer to our guide to screws to check type)
- Spirit level (to ensure doors are aligned)
- Masking tape (optional, to mark hinge positions)
- Soft cloth (to prevent scratches on cabinet surfaces)
Understanding Kitchen Cabinet Hinge Adjustment Screws
Most UK kitchen cupboard doors use European-style concealed hinges in the storage space. So if you need to know how to adjust kitchen cupboard hinges, it’s just these three types of adjustments:
| Adjustment Type | Purpose | Adjustment Screw |
|---|---|---|
| Side-to-Side (Horizontal) Adjustment | Aligns the door left or right horizontally for even gaps | Screw 1 |
| Vertical (Up/Down) Adjustment | Corrects height sagging and misalignment by raising or lowering the door | Screws 2 & 4 |
| Vertical (Up/Down) Adjustment | Adjusts the depth to ensure the door sits flush by moving the door closer or further from the cabinet | Screw 3 |
Each of these screws fine-tunes the door alignment for a perfect fit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Cupboard Hinges with a Screwdriver
1. Side-to-Side Adjustment (Aligning Gaps)
If your cupboard doors have uneven gaps, you need to adjust the side-to-side alignment.
- Locate Screw 1 on the hinge.
- Turn Clockwise – Moves the door closer to the hinge side.
- Turn Anti-Clockwise – Moves the door further away from the hinge side.
- Adjust both top and bottom hinges for a uniform look and bring the doors closer together or further apart as needed
Pro Tip: Use a spirit level to ensure precise alignment.
2. Vertical Adjustment (Fixing Sagging Doors)
Over time, kitchen doors may drop below the cabinet frame due to frequent use and gravity so how to adjust cupboard door hinges vertically to fix this:
- Loosen Screws 2 & 4 slightly by turning them anti-clockwise.
- Move the door up or down into the correct position.
- Hold the door in place and tighten screws clockwise to secure it.
Important: Support the weight of the door while adjusting to prevent it from dropping.
3. Front-to-Back Adjustment (Ensuring Doors Close Fully)
If your cupboard doors aren’t closing properly or rub against the frame, you need to adjust the depth.
- Locate Screw 3 on the hinge.
- Turn Clockwise – Moves the door closer to the cabinet frame (if the gap is too small, the door won’t close).
- Turn Anti-Clockwise – Creates a larger gap between the door and the frame.
- Check that the door closes smoothly without rubbing.
Common Issue: If your door doesn’t close fully, it’s often because the back edge is binding against the cabinet frame. Increase the gap slightly to fix this.
Final Check: Once you’ve finishing adjusting kitchen cabinet hinges, open and close the door a few times to test alignment.
Soft-Close Hinge Adjustments
Many modern kitchen cupboards come with soft-close hinges, which include an extra damping adjustment to control how smoothly the door shuts.
How to Adjust Soft-Close Hinges
- Find the damping screw on the hinge.
- Turn Clockwise – Increases the damping strength, slowing the door close.
- Turn Anti-Clockwise – Reduces damping, making the door close faster.
Pro Tip: If your soft-close mechanism stops working, inspect the hinge for damage or worn-out parts.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting: Tackling Misalignment in Hinges
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cupboard door won’t close | Gap too small | Adjust front-to-back screw (Screw 3) to increase the gap |
| Cupboard door swings open after closing | Loose screws or misalignment | Tighten all hinge screws |
| Doors look uneven | Hinges aren’t adjusted equally | Adjust both top & bottom hinges for consistency until straight |
| Soft-close hinge isn’t working | Damping screw needs adjustment | Increase or decrease damping strength |
| Doors still don’t align after adjusting | Hinges might be bent or faulty | Replace the faulty hinge |
| Doors keep swinging open | Loose hinge screws | Tighten all hinge screws |
| Door rubs against the cabinet | Gap too small | Increase the front-to-back adjustment |
| Hinges feel loose over time | Screw holes may be stripped | Use larger screws or fill holes with wood filler before re-screwing |
Preventative Maintenance for Long-Lasting Hinges
To extend the life of your hinges and prevent future misalignment, follow these simple maintenance tips:
- Regularly tighten screws – Prevent hinges from loosening over time.
- Clean hinges – Use a soft cloth to remove dust, dirt, and grease.
- Lubricate metal hinges – Occasionally apply a small amount of hinge lubricant for smooth movement.
- Avoid overloading doors – Heavy items stored inside can strain hinges and cause sagging.
Final Tips for Adjusting Kitchen Cupboard Hinges
- Use a Spirit Level – This ensures perfectly aligned cupboard doors.
- Make Small Adjustments – Tiny tweaks can make a huge difference.
- Check for Warping – If the cupboard door or frame is warped, no amount of hinge adjustment will fix the issue.
By following these steps, you can restore your wardrobes, kitchen or bathroom cupboards to their original alignment quickly and easily. This simple DIY fix saves both time and money, preventing the need for professional repairs.
Additional Resources
Need more help? Check out these resources for further guidance:
- Manufacturer Manuals – Look up your hinge brand for specific adjustment instructions.
- DIY Video Tutorials – Watch visual demonstrations for tricky adjustments on YouTube.
Conclusion: Keep Your Kitchen Cupboards Looking Brand New
Adjusting cupboard door hinges is a quick and simple DIY task that can save money on repairs. Whether your doors are sagging, uneven, or won’t close properly, following this step-by-step guide you can realign your cupboard doors in just a few minutes.
Still having trouble on how to adjust cabinet hinges? Share your question in the comments below
Now that you know how to adjust your cupboard doors, why not check your kitchen cabinets and give them a quick tune-up today?
Found this guide useful? Share it with friends or save it for later! 😊
