Most modern cabinets use adjustable (concealed/European) hinges that let you fine-tune doors in three directions: up–down, left–right, and in–out. Adjust in the order below for the best results.
Yes. Self-closing hinges do wear out over time.They contain moving and tensioned components (springs, cams, hydraulic or friction elements) that gradually lose effectiveness with repeated use.
A standard piano hinge (continuous hinge) is designed to swing in one primary direction, just like a regular butt hinge. It does not automatically swing both ways unless it’s a special double-acting piano hinge.
No—hinges do not have to be recessed.Recessing (mortising) hinges is a design and functional choice, not a universal requirement. Whether hinges should be recessed depends on the door type, hinge type, appearance goals, and performance needs.
No—door hinges do not have to match door knobs.Matching is a design choice, not a requirement. That said, there are situations where matching (or deliberately not matching) makes sense.
You can use vegetable oil in an emergency—but it’s not recommended.While it may quiet a squeaky hinge briefly, vegetable oil causes problems over time and is a poor substitute for proper lubricants.
Choosing the right cabinet hinges depends on cabinet construction, door style, overlay, opening needs, and features. Use the steps below in order—this is the same process professionals follow to avoid fit and alignment problems.
Hinge bolts are small, solid metal studs installed on the hinge side of outward-swinging doors. Their job is to keep the door locked in place even if the hinge pins are removed or cut, preventing the door from being forced open from the hinge side.
Cranked hinges are hinges with an offset (a “crank”) in the hinge leaf or arm. That offset shifts the pivot point so the door or panel sits in a different plane relative to the frame. In practice, the crank controls overlay, clearance, and how far the door opens.
Gate hinge size depends on gate weight, gate width, material, and hinge type. There’s no single “correct” size—hinges must be large enough to carry the load, prevent sagging, and withstand outdoor use.
Yes—you can and should tighten door hinges.Loose hinges are one of the most common causes of sagging doors, rubbing, and latch misalignment. Tightening them is often the first and easiest fix.
Yes—you can shim door hinges, and it’s a common, effective way to correct door alignment issues without rehanging the door. Shimming adjusts how far the hinge leaf sits from the door or frame, which changes the door’s position.