Quick Answer
Most modern concealed cabinet hinges have three adjustment screws controlling side-to-side, up-and-down, and in-and-out movement. Loosen the relevant screw slightly, nudge the door into position, then retighten. Start by checking all mounting screws are snug, since a loose screw is the single most common cause of a sagging or misaligned cabinet door.
Identify the Problem First
Open and close the door a few times to see exactly what is wrong. Sagging or wobbling usually means loose screws. Uneven gaps between doors point to horizontal misalignment. A door rubbing or scraping against the frame or its neighbour when opening usually needs a depth adjustment.
Understanding the Three Adjustment Screws
| Screw | What It Adjusts |
|---|---|
| Side-to-side (nearest the door) | Horizontal gap between adjacent doors |
| Vertical (on the cabinet box hinge) | Height of the door, fixing sagging |
| Depth/in-and-out | How far the door sits proud of or recessed into the frame |
Step 1: Check and Tighten Loose Screws First
Before adjusting anything, open the cabinet and check that every hinge screw is snug. A loose mounting screw is the most common reason a door has started to sag or drift, and simply tightening it can resolve the issue without any further adjustment needed.
Step 2: Fixing a Sagging Door
Locate the two vertical screws on the cabinet box hinge. Loosen them just a quarter turn or less, keeping them slightly tight rather than fully loose. With the door closed, adjust it to the desired height, then open the door, hand-tighten the screws, and close it again to check the new position. Repeat in small increments until the door sits level.
Step 3: Fixing Uneven Side-to-Side Gaps
Find the side-to-side screw, the one nearest the door itself. Turning it clockwise closes the gap between doors, while turning it counterclockwise creates more space. Adjust both the top and bottom hinge in small increments until the gaps either side of the door look even.
Step 4: Fixing a Door That Rubs or Sits Proud
Use the depth screw to move the door in or out relative to the cabinet frame. This is the adjustment to use if a door catches on its neighbour when opening, or sits noticeably further forward than the surrounding doors.
Correcting a Door That Leans
If a door leans down towards one side, tighten the top hinge’s side-to-side screw to draw the top of the door closer to the cabinet, shifting it in the opposite direction. If further correction is needed, loosen the bottom hinge’s side-to-side screw slightly to shift the bottom the other way. Working the top and bottom hinges against each other like this gives fine control over a leaning door.
Working With Larger or Heavier Doors
For bigger cabinet doors, having someone hold the door steady while you adjust the hinges makes the job considerably easier and reduces strain on the hinge mechanism itself while you work.
When It’s Not the Door’s Fault
Sometimes persistent misalignment is actually a problem with the cabinet unit itself, particularly on tall cabinets, rather than the door or hinge. If careful hinge adjustment does not resolve the issue, check that the cabinet box itself is level and securely fixed to the wall.
When to Replace Hinges Instead of Adjusting Them
If a door remains misaligned or sagging despite careful adjustment, the hinges may be too old to adjust further or simply unable to support the door’s weight. In this case, replacing the hinges, rather than continuing to fight with adjustment screws, is usually the more reliable fix.
Tools You’ll Need
- A Phillips (cross-head) screwdriver, which fits the vast majority of modern cabinet hinge screws
- A stepladder for higher cabinets
- A spare pair of hands for larger or heavier doors
Regular Maintenance Prevents Bigger Problems
Checking hinge screws every three to six months and tightening any that have worked loose prevents the gradual sagging that comes from everyday opening and closing. This small habit catches misalignment early, before it becomes a more noticeable, harder-to-fix problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my kitchen cabinet doors keep sagging?
Usually loose hinge screws or the natural weight of the door working the hinge loose over time through regular use.
What tool do I need to adjust cabinet hinges?
A Phillips screwdriver is all that’s needed for the vast majority of modern concealed hinges.
How do I know which screw to adjust?
Identify the specific problem first, sagging needs the vertical screw, uneven gaps need the side-to-side screw, and rubbing needs the depth screw.
Can I damage my cabinets by over-tightening the screws?
Yes, over-tightening can strip the screw holes or damage the surrounding wood, so tighten firmly but avoid excessive force.
When should I replace hinges instead of adjusting them?
If careful adjustment does not resolve sagging or misalignment, the hinges are likely worn out or unable to support the door’s weight.