What Causes Cabinet Door Hinges To Bind

It is frustrating to have a cabinet door that does not close smoothly or hang properly. Understanding why hinges bind is the first step in repairing them.

We have all experienced the cabinet door in our home that will not shut properly or constantly springs back open. In most cases, a hinge has become bound and is causing the problem. Understanding what causes door hinges to bind makes it easier to figure out the issue and get it fixed.

What Is a Bound Hinge?

The phrase “bound hinge” simply means the door is being difficult in the way it is not easy to close or it springs back open. There are a few reasons why the hinge might be bound.

Screws Are Askew

It is possible that when the hinges were attached, the head of the screws were too big. If this is the case, they will not lay flush and therefore cause binding and create a door that is difficult to close or easily bounces back open.

The solution here is an easy one — simply replace the screws with a smaller head screw for a flush finish.

Hinges Are Not Placed Correctly

When hinges are not placed correctly in the first place, binding is bound to happen and lead to doors that don’t operate smoothly.

The flaps of a hinge should be flush with the surface of the wood. Sometimes the recesses where the hinges are placed have been cut in too deeply. This results in a lack of flushness between the hinge and the surface of the door or doorframe.

Replace Hardware

As hinge repairs are made, be sure you are working with hinges that are worth reinstalling. They are often damaged and bent out of shape after a cabinet door has not been functioning properly. At that point, it is better to purchase new cabinet hinges for sale to give the door a fresh start.

Avoiding what causes door hinges to bind in the first place is your best bet for a smooth operating door. Thankfully, if it does happen, the repairs are simple.

What To Know About Concealed Hinges

Image of concealed hinge in cabinet

Concealed hinges, also called European hinges, offer a clean finish and are often preferred for a more minimalist or modern type look. Choosing the right type of hinge will depend on what type of cabinet or door you have and what kind of look you prefer. Here is what you need to know about concealed hinges.

When To Use a Concealed Hinge

If you prefer hinges not to show at all from the outside of a cabinet or door, concealed hinges are what you are looking for. They can be used with any type of door and give you that simplified look you are trying to achieve.

Easy To Install

You can install concealed hinges on any door, whether a cabinet or just a door in the hallway. Talk with knowledgeable people when looking for cabinet hinges for sale.

If you are going to install the hinges yourself, be sure to prepare the proper hinges and materials you’ll need. You’ll also need a tape measure and a drill. The installation process only takes some measuring, drilling, and screwing, and you’ll be done. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to complete your project.

The great thing about concealed hinges is that they are hard to mess up. The way they are installed won’t leave drill holes that are visible, so if you make a mistake, no one will ever know. Also, with the turn of a screwdriver, you can move the doors up and down or side to side for adjustment, unlike with traditional hinges, which require sanding or planing the doors for adjustments.

Repairing a Broken Concealed Hinge

Since we actually live in our homes, things are going to break once in a while. The daily use of cabinet doors especially can take its toll. Thankfully, a concealed hinge is an easy fix.
If the hinge has completely snapped or is beyond repair, then replacement is probably necessary. If you learned how to install the hinge the first time, then this will be an easy fix.

A common issue with cabinet doors is a stripped screw hole. You go to tighten up the screw because it has come loose, only to find that it turns and won’t tighten. Grab some toothpicks, dip a few in wood glue, and fill the loosened hole with toothpicks until you can’t fit anymore. Cut off the tips of the toothpicks, and you should be able to drill a new screw into the hole.
Woodworker Express is here to help you with what you need to know about concealed hinges, as well as all other door and cabinetry questions.