Cupboard doors binding

Causes

Spring or self-closing hinges need adjustment

Hinge screws pulled out or loose 

Hinges worn or bent

Doors at end of serviceable life

Listed under: Interior, fixtures and fittings, fixings and hardware

Cause

Spring or self-closing hinges need adjustment

Repair

  • if the hinges are in good condition, it is usually not difficult to adjust them with a screwdriver. Hinge or cabinet suppliers can provide instructions, and some have videos that you can watch online. If the hinges are broken or in poor condition, replace them

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Cause

Hinge screws pulled out or loose 

Repair

  • the first approach should be to see if just tightening the screws, or replacing the screws with new ones, will work. Be careful not to use longer screws that will go right through the door
  • if the holes have become too big or stripped out, you will need to fill them and then redrill a hole for new screws. If the hinges are not carrying a lot of weight, a quick and simple solution is to pack the hole with toothpicks and wood glue, or wood filler, let it cure and harden completely, then redrill the hole. A more professional solution (that will also carry more weight) is to glue a wood dowel or plug into the hole, allow it to cure and then redrill
  • an alternative solution is to reposition the hinges and drill new screw holes

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Cause

Hinges worn or bent

Repair

  • the hinges should be replaced. There is a wide range of options available today, from the simple traditional one-piece flat hinges to soft close hinges where the last part of the closing action is gentler (and quieter) and may potentially extend the life of the cabinetry
  • newer styles of cabinet hinges typically come in two parts, with one part fixed to the inside of the cabinet and the other part fixed to the door. They then slot or click together to hold the door in place. These hinges are adjustable once fixed in place – the gaps between doors, the level of the top of the door and how far the door sits out from the cabinet (if at all) can all be adjusted
  • you will need to select hinges appropriate for the thickness and weight of the cupboard door
  • if you have the tools, it is not difficult to fit new hinges yourself. There are instructional videos on YouTube and available from some suppliers
  • if the cupboards themselves are in sound condition but the doors are looking tired, replacing the doors at the same time as the hinges can give the cabinetry a completely new appearance

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Cause

Doors at end of serviceable life

Repair

  • if the cupboards themselves are in sound condition but the doors are looking tired, replacing just the doors can give the cabinetry a completely new appearance
  • if the cupboard units themselves are in poor condition or no longer meet the requirements of the household, order new units

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