How to Get Cabinet Hinges to Completely Shut

Butt Hinges

• 1

  Open the cabinet door and tighten the hinge securing screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Sometimes the head of a loose screw protrudes away from the hinge, impeding the door from closing completely.

• 2

  Remove any paint from the barrel of the hinge where the two hinge leafs connect. Old paint, especially latex, can get in between the seams of the barrel causing the door to not fully shut. Remove the paint with a stiff wire brush. If necessary, use a commercial paint thinner and a rag to remove paint from the hinge. Always follow the directions on the paint thinner can for correct application.

• 3

  Spray some graphite in between the seams of the hinge barrel. Open and close the cabinet door to evenly distribute the graphite into the barrel.

European Hinges and Overlay Hinges

• 4

  Open the cabinet door and find the two screws in the center of the hinge where it mounts to the cabinet. There are four screws total, however the screws for closing adjustment are the two center screws.

• 5

  Turn the center screw nearest the back of the cabinet, counterclockwise with a Phillips screwdriver. Hold the front center edge of the cabinet door, and push it toward the cabinet. Tighten the back screw and repeat the process on the remaining hinge.

• 6

  Loosen the screw nearest the front of the cabinet if the door still requires some adjustment. Move the door to the left or the right and tighten the screw. This is usually enough to allow the cabinet door to fully close.