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FURNITURE REPAIRS

Cabinet Door Won’t Close

A cabinet door may not close because the hinges are misaligned, screws are loose, the carcass is out of square or the door is warped.

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Unload and support furniture before repairing loose joints, hinges or runners

Stop if the item is unstable, cracked, very heavy or likely to collapse. Anchor tall flat-pack furniture to the wall where required.

MOST LIKELY CAUSES

Start with these

Hinge misadjusted The door may sit too high, low, in or out.
Loose mounting plate The hinge base can shift.
Cabinet out of square The opening may no longer be aligned.
Door warped or swollen The edge may rub the frame.
◫ Symptom variations Match the exact looseness, movement or surface damage. ⌄
  • Door springs open
  • Edges rub
  • Gap uneven
  • Door overlaps another
  • Latch will not engage
✓ Quick checks Simple checks before dismantling furniture. ⌄
  1. Unload and support the item.
  2. Identify the joint or fitting type.
  3. Check screws, connectors and surrounding material.
  4. Look for cracks, swelling or stripped holes.
  5. Use parts suited to the furniture material.
1 Step 1 — Check hinges and screws Unload and support the furniture before dismantling, tightening or glueing joints. ⌄

Tighten mounting and cup screws first.

2 Step 2 — Adjust height, depth and side position Unload and support the furniture before dismantling, tightening or glueing joints. ⌄

Use the hinge adjustment screws in small increments.

3 Step 3 — Check cabinet square Unload and support the furniture before dismantling, tightening or glueing joints. ⌄

If adjustment runs out, inspect the carcass and door.

⌁ Common causes explained Why furniture joints and fittings fail. ⌄

A cabinet door may not close because the hinges are misaligned, screws are loose, the carcass is out of square or the door is warped.

⌘ Advanced diagnostics Further checks for recurring or structural failures. ⌄
  • Repair stripped hinge holes.
  • Replace bent hinges.
  • Check magnetic catches.
  • Plane swollen timber only when dry.
  • Shim the cabinet if out of square.
▣ Parts and materials needed Common materials linked to this repair. ⌄
  • Replacement hinge
  • Hinge repair plate
  • Screws
  • Magnetic catch
  • Shims
! When to call a professional Conditions that should end basic DIY work. ⌄
  • The furniture could collapse.
  • Structural timber is cracked.
  • A heavy cabinet or table is unstable.
  • Damage is extensive or valuable veneer is involved.
  • Tall furniture cannot be safely anchored.
? Frequently asked questions Common furniture repair questions. ⌄

Should loose joints just be screwed together?

Not always. Traditional glued joints usually need cleaning, reglueing and clamping.

Can chipboard screw holes be repaired?

Yes, with repair plugs, plates or inserts, depending on the load and damage.