Fixing bathroom cabinet hinges can be accomplished easily. You can adjust the hinges, add a spacer or filler behind the hinge, or replace the hinges entirely. It all depends on which part requires repair.
A bathroom vanity cabinet is used daily so is more prone to wear and tear than a kitchen cabinet. Most well-built cabinetry will last decades before beginning to show signs of disrepair, but for those cabinet hinges that have seen better days, we have a few tips on repairing them.
First Steps: Diagnose the Problem
Hinges can fail in a variety of ways. Here is a list of common problems and their solutions:
The Door Is Not Closing Fully or Won’t Stay Closed
This may be a result of a warped door or loose hinges. First, try tightening whichever hinge seems loose. You may need to adjust the other hinge accordingly to ensure the door stays aligned
If the door is warped, look for mold or a bad smell so you can take steps to prevent further damage. If there is a smell, be sure to learn how to get rid of smells from bathroom cabinets.
Squeaky Hinges or Difficulty Opening or Closing
Squeaky hinges are a common problem caused by rust or dust building up where the pin goes through the hinge. Lubrication is the answer. A touch of WD-40 and opening and closing the door a few times to work the lubricant into the hinge should have it working fine.
If a hinge has become extremely rusted, it may need to be replaced or have the rust removed.
Cabinet Door Is Not Level or Sags
This is typically caused by either the top or bottom hinge becoming loose. Tightening the hinge should fix the problem, but if the wood is damaged or the hinge is broken, additional repairs may be necessary.
Adjusting Hinges Like a Pro
In many cases, the screws holding a hinge in place simply need to be tightened. Be careful to only hand tighten the screws. Do not use excessive force as it can damage the screw, hinge, or door.
Once tightened, the issue should be solved. If it isn’t, there may be a bigger problem with the hinge itself or the cabinet door and frame. Thankfully, some of these are still easy to fix.
Hinge Screws Won’t Stay in Place
Examine the screw hole. If the wood will no longer hold a screw, try filling the hole with some wood glue and a few snapped-off toothpicks. Sand it smooth and insert the screw into the repaired hole.
Hinge Screws Are Tight but the Door Still Isn’t Level
The wood is most likely warped. Remove the screws and try placing a folded piece of paper behind the hinge where it attaches to the frame. This paper spacer will cause the door to stick out slightly on either the top or the bottom and will help to level the door
In some cases, the hinge simply needs to be replaced.
Hinge Replacement Tips
Carefully remove the screws and take the broken hinge with you to the hardware store. You’ll need to find a matching hinge the exact same size with holes in the same location. Do your best to match the color and metal so they look the same or similar to the other parts of a vanity cabinet.
Some cabinetry and hinges are cheaply produced and aren’t intended for repairs. After unscrewing the hinge, you may find that the screw holes are no longer usable as we mentioned above. The wood glue and toothpicks trick can help make the screw hole usable again.
When It All Falls Apart, Consider New Cabinets
Here at 27estore, we make shopping for new cabinetry a breeze. We have colors, styles, and materials to suit every taste. Browse our full selection of cabinetry today and see how we can help give your bathroom a new look!
