How to Adjust Cabinet Hinges

Cabinet hinges are an important aspect of cabinetry that require regular adjustments to keep them functioning properly. If you've noticed your cabinets are crooked or are not closing correctly, chances are your hinges need some tweaking. Here's how you can adjust your cabinet hinges:

Step 1: Locate the hinges - The first step in adjusting your cabinet hinges is to locate them. Most cabinets will have two hinges that are attached to the frame of the cabinet and the door. They may be concealed or visible depending on the style of cabinet.

Step 2: Examine the hinges - Once you've located the hinges, inspect them for any damage or wear. If they are damaged or loose, you may need to replace them.

Step 3: Adjust the hinges - To adjust the cabinet hinges, you can either move the hinges up or down or side to side. This will either raise or lower the door or move it closer or further from the cabinet.

Step 4: Test the hinges - After you've made your adjustments, test the door to ensure it is closing properly. If the door is still not functioning correctly, you may need to make further adjustments.

By following these simple steps, you can easily adjust your cabinet hinges and keep your cabinets functioning properly.

How to Determine the Correct Placement of Hinges on Cabinet Doors

One of the crucial elements of installing cabinet doors is to get the hinge placement right. Proper alignment ensures that the door opens and closes smoothly without rubbing against the cabinet frame or leaving gaps. Moreover, if you want your cabinets to look professional and functional, you need to locate and fasten the hinges at the right spots. Here are some tips to help you determine the correct placement of hinges on cabinet doors.

Step 1: Measure the Door Height and Width

Firstly, you should measure the height and width of the cabinet door you’re going to install. Knowing the exact dimensions of the door will help you determine the number of hinges required, and the ideal position of each hinge. In general, a standard cabinet door has a height between 16 and 42 inches and a width between 10 and 48 inches. Also, keep in mind that the thickness of the door determines the size of the hinges.

Step 2: Determine the Door Overlay

Overlay refers to the amount of the cabinet’s face frame or side panel that’s covered by the door when it’s closed. To determine the door overlay, you need to measure the distance between the outside edge of the door and the outside edge of the cabinet. There are three types of overlays: full, half, and inset. In full overlay, the door fully covers the cabinet, and hinges are located on the side. In half overlay, the door covers half the face frame, and hinges are mounted in the center. In inset overlay, the door is flush with the face frame, and hinges are recessed into the cabinet.

Step 3: Mark the Hinge Placement

With the door measurements and overlay size, you can now mark the hinge placement on the door and the cabinet frame. The standard placement is 2 to 4 inches from the top or bottom of the door, and 2 inches from the outer edge of the door. For a full overlay, use two hinges equidistant from the top and bottom of the door. For a half overlay, use two hinges in the center. For an inset overlay, use hidden or invisible hinges that are installed inside the cabinet.