How to Tighten Door Hinges

Over time, the hinges that hold your entry doors and cabinet doors in place can become loose. This causes them to sag or stop closing properly, leading to further hinge warping and door damage. Here’s how to tighten door hinges effectively and prevent further damage.

Adjusting Kitchen Cabinet Door Hinges

If you notice one or more of your cabinet doors won’t shut properly, try the following steps:

Close the door gently and check whether the door is more open at the top or bottom. Insert a piece of cardboard or a matchbook cover between the side of the door and just above the hinge that closes more tightly, then close the door.
Remove the cardboard and try closing the door again. If it still doesn’t close properly, fold the cardboard in half and repeat.
Repeat the process until the tighter hinge bends slightly to match the looser hinge.

These steps are for flush-mount hinges. For other types, such as internal spring hinges, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to Tighten Door Hinges

Loose door hinges can cause doors to stick or scrape the ground. Follow these steps to fix them:

Check that all hinge screws are tightened properly. Be careful not to overtighten or strip the screw heads.
Insert a wood plug or match dipped in carpenter’s glue into any loose screw holes. Let the glue set before reinserting the screw.
Repeat for any screws that won’t tighten, and if the hinges aren’t damaged, your door should work properly again.

Consult With Brothers Aluminum Today

Working on your home should bring you pride and confidence. If you’re uncomfortable with any repair, consult a home repair and remodeling specialist. Brothers Aluminum has proudly served Long Island, the five boroughs, and Westchester County for over 40 years.