How to Fix a Loose or Sagging Cabinet Hinge

Hinges are the workhorses of your kitchen, bearing the constant weight of door movement and gravity. Over time, the constant swinging motion can cause the pilot holes in the wood frame to enlarge or strip, leading to that telltale sag where the door scrapes against the cabinet box. A properly hung cabinet door should sit flush and level with its neighbors, with equal spacing all around. Fixing this isn't about buying new hardware; it's about restoring the bite of the wood so the screws have something solid to grip again. When done well, the door will swing silently and stay firmly in place without drifting.

1. Support Before You Unscrew. Open the cabinet door and support the bottom corner with a shim or folded towel. Unscrew the hinge plates from the cabinet frame and set the door aside on a flat surface.
2. Diagnose the Real Problem. Check the pilot holes in the cabinet frame. If you can move the screw back and forth in the hole with your fingers, the wood is stripped.
3. Pack the Hole Solid. Dip wooden toothpicks or wooden matchsticks (with the heads removed) into wood glue. Tap them into the hole until it is completely packed, then break them off flush with the surface.
4. Let the Glue Set. Wipe away any excess glue with a damp cloth immediately. Allow the glue to dry for at least one hour before attempting to drive new screws.
5. Screw Slowly and Steady. Hold the hinge back in its original position. Drive the screws back into the reinforced holes, ensuring they bite into the new wood and glue structure.
6. Fine-Tune the Fit. Close the door and check the gaps. Use the adjustment screws on the hinge arm to move the door left, right, or forward to achieve a perfect fit.