How to Tighten Cabinet Hinges

Over time the screws that hold cabinet hinges loosen. To keep your cabinet doors swinging properly and to avoid permanent damage to the hinges or cabinet, keep them tightly secured. Cabinets that are used more often will loosen more quickly, so their hinges will need to be tightened more frequently. Simply tightening the screws with a screwdriver is okay for screws that are slightly loose but for stripped out screws and worn screw holes, more drastic measures may need to be taken.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Toothpicks
• Wood glue
• Utility knife

1. Ask another person to hold the cabinet door steady. Remove the screws one by one with a Phillips screwdriver. Lay the screws aside.

2. Place the cabinet door on a flat surface with the screw holes facing up. Dip toothpicks into wood glue, and insert as many as needed to fill one screw hole. Repeat the same process for each screw hole.

3. Allow the glue to dry according to the directions on the bottle, and cut the excess lengths of the toothpick with a utility knife.

4. Ask someone to help hold the cabinet again. Use your Phillips screwdriver to replace the screws, this time going straight into the toothpick-filled holes. Your cabinet doors should now open and close properly.

References

• True Value