Adjust a cabinet door that rubs
Realign a cupboard door that rubs by adjusting its concealed hinges. Identify the right screw and even out the gap with small, reversible turns.
- Estimated time
- 15 min
- Skill level
- Beginner
Before you start
Close the door slowly and note where it touches. Compare the gap at the top and bottom. This guide covers sideways adjustment on concealed hinges. If the door has dropped or sits too far forward, look for height or depth adjustment in the manual for your hinge model.
Tools and materials
- Matching screwdriver
- Masking tape
Step-by-step instructions
Check the hinge
Open the door and look for concealed hinges with adjustment screws. Find the hinge model or its diagram to identify the side-to-side screw.
Mark a starting point
Put a piece of tape on the cabinet edge and mark where the closed door sits. Check that the hinge mounting screws are snug.
Adjust one hinge a little
Support the door, mark the starting screw position and turn the side-to-side adjustment screw a quarter turn. Close the door slowly and compare the gap with the tape mark. Reverse that turn if the gap gets tighter. Leave the mounting screws in place during sideways adjustment.
Check the whole swing
Repeat in small increments, checking both hinges and the gap to the next door. Remove the tape once the door clears.
Check the result
Check the gap with the neighbouring doors shut and then open each door in turn. The gaps should look even and no edge should rub. If one corner still catches, go back to the tape mark and change only the hinge nearest that corner in a small increment.
Troubleshooting
If the mounting plate moves when you lift the door, address the loose fixing before adjusting alignment.