How to Fix a Loose Hinge on a Cupboard Door

A loose hinge on a cupboard prevents the door from shutting all the way, which could cause the items in the cabinet or the door to fall and injure someone. It is important to repair a loose hinge before anybody gets hurt. This fix will most likely take about 30-45 minutes and a few basic tools. Rotting or chipped wood on the door frame or jamb is a common reason a hinge becomes loose on a cupboard door.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Pencil
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Extra screws, if necessary
• Masking tape
• Toothpicks
• White polyvinyl glue
• Soap bar

Instructions

1. Trim small pieces of masking tape with scissors and secure to each leaf on the hinge of the cabinet door.

2. Set one piece of tape adjacent to hinge on the wood frame and place another piece next to the hinge on the door.

3. Beginning at the top, label the hinge leaves as follows: door side, 1, 2, 3 and jamb side, A,B,C. If there are three hinges, pull out the pin in the middle hinge by lightly tapping out with hammer and screwdriver. Cover the pin with tape and mark it so you know where to replace it later. Repeat this method on the lower hinge pin. Lightly jiggle the door to pull it off and rest it against a wall.

4. Loosen hinges from frame and door jamb with a screwdriver and pull them off the door.

5. Dip toothpicks in polyvinyl glue and insert them into the screw holes. Gently tap with a hammer if necessary to fit it into the space. Place as many toothpicks as necessary for a tight fit. Snap off the tooth picks with your fingers, so they are even with the door jamb.

6. Replace any missing screws with matching ones. Rub the tapered edges or threads of the screws with the bar of soap until the threads are filled in with soap. The soap will lubricate the screws and help ease them into the holes.

7. Reinstall the hinges with a screwdriver. Make sure the screws are tight and the hinges fit flush against the door.

8. Return the door to the hinge slots and replace the pins. Test the door to make sure the hinges fit tightly and are working properly.

References

• Accurate Building: How to Repair Loose Door Hinges.PDF