You can fix most broken cabinet hinges by tightening loose screws, adjusting the hinge alignment, or replacing a damaged hinge. Start by identifying the problem: a loose screw, a bent hinge arm, or a stripped screw hole. Most repairs take less than 30 minutes with basic tools like a screwdriver and wood glue.

Quick Answer

Quick answers: Loose hinge? Tighten screws or fill stripped holes with wood glue and toothpicks. Bent hinge? Replace it with a matching hinge. Misaligned door? Adjust the hinge screws or shim the hinge plate. Sagging door? Tighten all screws and check for level. Broken spring? Replace the hinge or install a spring-loaded hinge.

  • Loose hinge: Tighten all screws. If the screw spins freely, remove it, fill the hole with wood glue and a toothpick, break off the toothpick flush, then reinsert the screw.
  • Stripped screw hole: Use wood glue and toothpicks or golf tees to fill the hole. Let dry for 30 minutes, then re-drill a pilot hole and reinsert the screw.
  • Bent hinge arm: Replace the hinge. Remove the old hinge by unscrewing it from both the cabinet and door. Take it to a hardware store to find a match, or order online by measuring the hinge type.
  • Misaligned door: Adjust the hinge screws: on most European hinges, turn the screws on the hinge arm to move the door up/down, left/right, or in/out. For butt hinges, loosen screws and shim the hinge leaf with cardboard.

Identify the Problem

First, figure out what’s wrong with the hinge. Open and close the door slowly. Does it rub against the cabinet frame? That means misalignment. Is the hinge loose? Check if screws are tight. If a screw spins without tightening, the hole is stripped. If the hinge itself is bent or cracked, you need a replacement. Most kitchen cabinets use either concealed European hinges or traditional butt hinges. Look at the hinge shape: European hinges have a cup that fits into a 35mm hole, while butt hinges are rectangular with two leaves.

Tighten Loose Screws

For a loose hinge, simply tightening the screws often fixes it. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver that fits snugly to avoid stripping the head. Tighten all screws on both the cabinet side and the door side. If a screw won’t tighten, remove it and check the hole. For stripped holes, dip a toothpick in wood glue, insert it into the hole, break it off flush, and let dry for 30 minutes. Then re-drill a pilot hole and drive the screw. Alternatively, use a longer screw (1/2 inch longer) to bite into fresh wood. For particleboard cabinets, use self-tapping screws designed for wood.

Adjust Misaligned Hinges

If the door sags or rubs, adjust the hinge. On European hinges, look for two or three adjustment screws: the one on the hinge arm moves the door left/right, the one on the cup moves it up/down, and the one at the back moves it in/out. Turn each screw a quarter turn at a time and check the door alignment. For butt hinges, loosen the screws on the door leaf, shift the door slightly, and retighten. If the gap is uneven, add a thin shim (like cardboard) between the hinge leaf and the cabinet. For a door that won’t close, try adjusting the hinge out slightly.

Replace a Damaged Hinge

If the hinge is bent, cracked, or missing parts, replace it. Remove the old hinge by unscrewing it from the cabinet and door. Take the old hinge to a hardware store to find a match—bring a photo if you can’t remove it. For European hinges, note the overlay (how much the door overlaps the frame) and the base plate type. For butt hinges, measure the width, height, and pin location. Install the new hinge by screwing it into the existing holes. If the new holes don’t align, fill old holes with wood glue and toothpicks, then drill new pilot holes. Use screws that come with the hinge or match the size.

Prevent Future Problems

To avoid broken hinges, periodically check and tighten all hinge screws every few months. Don’t slam cabinet doors—install soft-close dampers if your hinges don’t have them. For heavy doors (like those with pull-out shelves), use three hinges instead of two. If your cabinets are particleboard, consider using hinge screws with coarse threads designed for that material. When replacing hinges, choose ones with a weight rating suitable for your door. Avoid overloading cabinet doors with heavy items on the inside.

Pro Tips

  • Use a magnetic screwdriver to avoid dropping screws inside the cabinet.
  • When filling stripped holes, use a golf tee instead of toothpicks for larger holes—tap it in with a hammer, then cut flush.
  • For European hinges, mark the adjustment screw positions with a pencil before turning so you can revert if needed.
  • If the cabinet door is warped, you may need to replace the door rather than adjust the hinge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overtightening screws, which can strip the hole or crack the hinge plate.
  • Using the wrong screwdriver size—a loose fit strips the screw head.
  • Forcing a bent hinge back into shape instead of replacing it—this weakens the metal and leads to future failure.
  • Replacing only one hinge on a door with two—always replace both for even support.

FAQ

Can I fix a broken hinge without removing the door?

Yes, for simple tightening or adjustment you can leave the door in place. For hinge replacement, it’s easier to remove the door by pulling the hinge pin or unscrewing the hinge from the cabinet side, but you can do it with the door hanging if you support it well.

What if the screw hole is completely stripped out?

Fill the hole with wood glue and a wooden dowel or golf tee. Let it dry overnight, then cut it flush and drill a new pilot hole. For a quick fix, use a plastic wall anchor designed for wood.

How do I know what type of hinge to buy?

Remove the old hinge and look for markings or measure the cup diameter (typically 35mm for European). For butt hinges, measure the leaf dimensions. Bring the old hinge to a hardware store or search online by ‘cabinet hinge’ plus the measurements.

Why does my cabinet door keep sagging after I tighten it?

The screw holes may be stripped or the cabinet frame material (like particleboard) may be degraded. Use longer screws or fill the holes with epoxy. If the door is heavy, add a third hinge in the middle.

The Bottom Line

Fixing a broken cabinet hinge is a straightforward DIY task that can save you the cost of a repair service. With just a screwdriver, wood glue, and a replacement hinge if needed, you can have your cabinet door working like new in under an hour. Regular maintenance—tightening screws and checking alignment—will keep your hinges functioning smoothly for years.

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