Fix Cabinet Doors That Sag or Won't Close

Cabinet doors that sag or catch on the frame are one of those small failures that nag at you every time you open the kitchen. The good news is that it's almost never the door itself—it's the hinges giving up, and hinges are cheap and fixable. The trick is knowing which screw to turn first, because turning the wrong one makes the problem worse. Once you understand how hinge adjustment works, you'll be able to dial in a door so it closes with the satisfying click it should.

1. Spot the Failing Hinge Fast. Look at the gap between the door and the cabinet frame. If the gap is larger at the bottom, the bottom hinge is failing or loose. If the gap is larger at the top, the top hinge is the culprit. If the door is tilted inward or outward, the problem involves both hinges or the hinge screws being loose. Open and close the door a few times and listen for creaking—that's usually the hinge that needs attention.
2. Tighten Every Hinge Screw. Grab a screwdriver that fits your hinge screws snugly—loose screws are the most common cause of sag. Check both the screws that bolt the hinge to the door and the screws that bolt the hinge to the cabinet frame. Tighten each one firmly, but don't strip them; stop when you feel solid resistance. Work on both the top and bottom hinges.
3. Even Up the Top-Bottom Gap. Most cabinet hinges have a vertical adjustment screw (usually marked or recessed). This screw moves the door up and down to even out the gap at the top and bottom of the frame. If the bottom gap is too large, turn this screw clockwise a quarter turn to lift the door. If the top gap is too large, turn it counterclockwise. Open and close the door to check the gap, then adjust again if needed.
4. Flush the Door to Frame. The horizontal adjustment screw (the other main adjustment on the hinge) moves the door left or right, controlling whether it's flush with the frame or recessed. If the door edge is too far out from the frame, turn the screw clockwise to push it in. If it's too recessed, turn it counterclockwise. Check both the top and bottom hinges to make sure the door face is parallel to the cabinet frame.
5. Straighten Twisted Corners. Close the door and look at it from directly in front. If it appears twisted (one corner sticks out while the opposite corner is recessed), you need to adjust the depth screws. Most modern European-style hinges have a depth or fore-aft screw that controls this. Adjust the top hinge depth screw in one direction and the bottom in the other to straighten the door. Make small adjustments—usually a quarter turn corrects significant twist.
6. Verify Smooth Door Closure. Close the door slowly and listen for any scraping, rubbing, or catching. The door should settle into the frame smoothly without hitting the top, bottom, or sides. If it still catches, identify exactly where by looking at wear marks or using a flashlight to see any gaps. You may need to make another small adjustment to the hinge screws or, rarely, the cabinet frame itself may be out of square.
7. Swap Damaged Hinges. If tightening and adjusting doesn't work, or if a hinge is visibly bent, the hinge itself is damaged and must be replaced. Remove all screws from the failing hinge and slide it out. Bring it to the hardware store to match the style and size. Install the new hinge in the same orientation and holes as the old one, tightening screws firmly. Adjust it using the method from the previous steps.