How to Remove European Hinges

Many kitchen and bathroom cabinets use European hinges to secure the cabinet doors to the cabinet. European hinges allow for several adjustments and give the cabinet a clean look. When replacing the cabinet doors or refinishing them, you must first remove the European hinges. The two-piece hinge allows the door to come off the cabinet without unscrewing the hinge first, which makes for a less cumbersome removal process.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• 2-inch rigid putty knife

Instructions

1. Open the cabinet door and hold the door securely with one hand. Press the ends of the European hinge bar inside the cabinet to release the hinge from the hinge mounting plate on the cabinet. Remove the door from the cabinet.

2. Turn the screws securing the hinge plate to the edge of the cabinet counterclockwise with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the plate off the cabinet.

3. Remove the screws securing the hinge to the inside of the cabinet door with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

4. Slide a rigid 2-inch putty knife between the hinge and the door. Gently pry the hinge up to pull the hinge dowels out of the door panel. Remove the hinge completely from the door.

References

• Knobs Plus: European Hinge Instructions
• RHC Doors: Installing European Hinges To Doors