How to Adjust Cabinet Door Hinges

How to Adjust Cabinet Door Hinges
Written By
Sarah Jae
Sarah Jae
Published: Apr 30, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

You can adjust most cabinet door hinges quite easily using the screws inside the door. Using a Phillips screwdriver, you can tighten or loosen the screws, moving the cabinet up and down, side to side, or in and out. Adjusting the doors ensures that they hang correctly and match up evenly with other cabinet doors.

  1. Open your cabinet door. Two screws secure the hinge to the door. Use your Phillips screwdriver to make sure these are tight.

  2. Raise or lower the cabinet door. The screw in the center of the hinge secures it to the cabinet base. If the door is in the correct up-and-down position, simply make sure this screw is tight. If the door needs lateral adjustment, loosen the screw and adjust the door up or down. Tighten the screw to secure the door in the correct place.

  3. Move the cabinet door in and out. The screw toward the back of the cabinet (to the left of the center screw) moves the door in or out. Use your Phillips screwdriver to tighten or loosen this screw to make your necessary adjustments.

  4. Move the cabinet door side to side. The screw toward the front of the cabinet (to the right of the center screw) moves the door side to side. Use your Phillips screwdriver to tighten or loosen this screw to make your necessary adjustments.

  5. Close the cabinet door and see how the door hangs next to other cabinet doors. You may need to experiment with the adjustment screws until you get the fit you want.

The Drip Cap

  • You can adjust most cabinet door hinges quite easily using the screws inside the door.
  • Use your Phillips screwdriver to tighten or loosen this screw to make your necessary adjustments.
  • Move the cabinet door side to side.
  • The screw toward the front of the cabinet (to the right of the center screw) moves the door side to side.

Photo Credits

Alsano Communications

Alsano Communications

Sarah Jae

Sarah Jae has been writing and editing Web content and consumer health content since 2000. Based in Minnesota, Jae has worked for Mayo Clinic and other local and regional clients. She holds an English and writing degree from University of…

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