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How to Troubleshoot a Built-In Cabinet

Instead of being free-standing, built-in cabinets may be connected to a wall or recessed between walls. Troubleshooting a built-in cabinet is much like troubleshooting any cabinet. All have the same components and face the same problems, with drawers not gliding well, hardware being loose and a cabinet not sitting square.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver or power drill
  • Lubricant spray
  • Replacement pegs
  • Shims
  • Level
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open the door. Inspect the screws if the door hangs loosely on the cabinet or the door isn't properly aligned. Loosen the hinge screws. Push the door up or down until it's properly aligned. Tighten the screw.

    • 2

      Open the drawer, and remove it from the cabinet if it doesn't sit flush against the face frame. Move the drawer guide in and out to ensure it moves easily. Adjust the glides, if necessary, until they move easily. Place the sides of the back of the drawer on top of the glides or until the glides snap onto the sides of the drawer. Move the door in and out. If the door continues to stick even with a proper glide adjustment, spray the glides with a lubricant.

    • 3

      Pull out the shelf if it's sagging. Inspect the pegs at the back of the cabinet. Insert the pegs into proper position, and replace any missing pegs.

    • 4

      Loosen and remove the screws from the inside of the cabinet if the doors do not line up. Hold the top of the cabinet with one hand or have an assistance hold the cabinet while you remove the screws. Align the cabinet on the wall, placing shims underneath the cabinet if necessary to bring the cabinet into position. Place a level on the cabinet to ensure it's level. Replace the screws.