How to Fix a Cabinet

Featured Pro/Author: Eric Stromer Tags: bathroom, cabinets, diy, garage, kitchen, maintenance and repairs, quick-fixes

Cabinet doors just not closing? Learn to fix that pesky problem.

Step 1: Shut the Door

Cabinet doors just not closing? Learn to fix that pesky problem. First, check around for any loose items that might be blocking the door.
Step 2: Hang Loose

If nothing is blocking the door, the problem is most likely in the hinges. If there’s a loose screw, tighten it to see if that fixes it.
Step 3: Take Your Picks

If the screw hole is stripped, remove the screw, fill in the hole with toothpicks and wood glue, wait for the glue to dry, then cut the toothpicks, so they’re flush with the hinge. Then replace the screw.
Step 4: Get Unhinged

Sometimes, just unscrewing a hinge a bit in a European hinge will make the cabinet open correctly.
Step 5: New and Improved

If the hinge is broken, just replace it!

Steps Items

Step 1: Shut the Door
Cabinet doors just not closing? Learn to fix that pesky problem. First, check around for any loose items that might be blocking the door.

Step 2: Hang Loose
If nothing is blocking the door, the problem is most likely in the hinges. If there’s a loose screw, tighten it to see if that fixes it.

Step 3: Take Your Picks
If the screw hole is stripped, remove the screw, fill in the hole with toothpicks and wood glue, wait for the glue to dry, then cut the toothpicks, so they’re flush with the hinge. Then replace the screw.

Step 4: Get Unhinged
Sometimes, just unscrewing a hinge a bit in a European hinge will make the cabinet open correctly.

Step 5: New and Improved
If the hinge is broken, just replace it!