How to replace kitchen cabinet door hinges

[JacobZ]

JacobZ

Bunnings Team Member

Difficulty: Beginner

Kitchen cabinet hinges can seem difficult to replace given different types of hinges appear similar.

This step-by-step guide will help to identify the right hinges to buy for your kitchen cabinetry so you can replace them with ease.

The same techniques can be used to replace your bathroom or laundry cabinet door hinges. 

Steps

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Step 1

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Identify the old hinge.

Start by taking note of how the door sits in relation to the side wall of the cabinet and the angle created when the door is fully opened. These are the two characteristics you will need to know to replace the old hinges like-for-like.

The three main types of hinges are overlay, half overlay and inset. This refers to the location of the door in relation to the side wall of the cabinet. An example of each has been provided in the images below.

Taking some photos of the existing hinge while the cabinet door is fully opened is usually very helpful as a reference. In my example, the hinge is a 107-degree overlay hinge.

There are also corner hinges that are used to create a bi-folding corner door. They come in a variety of angles just like overlay, half overlay and inset hinges. Taking them into the store with you along with photos of them installed are handy for matching purposes.

  

Next Step

Step 2

2/5

Remove the old hinge.

Use a screwdriver to unscrew the hinge from both the door and the cabinet frame.

In my example, I only needed to replace one, so I left the other hinge on.

 

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Step 3

3/5

Match and verify your hinges at Bunnings.

Now that you’ve ascertained the opening angle and type of hinge in Step 1, select the correct hinge by matching up the angle and type in store.

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Step 4

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Repair any damage.

Inspect the door and cabinet frame for any damage that may have occurred during the hinge removal.

Repair any scratches, dents or other imperfections to ensure a smooth surface for the new hinge installation. This can be done with a filler such as Builder’s Bog applied using a putty knife.

If the mounting holes have become damaged or are in the wrong location, fill them with Builder's Bog, then re-drill the holes and screw into them once it has dried according to the product's directions.

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Step 5

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Install the new hinge.

With the replacement hinge in hand, carefully install it onto the cabinet door and frame using the provided screws. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper alignment and placement. Make sure the hinge is securely attached to both the door and the cabinet frame.

   

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Materials

Tools

• Replacement hinge
• Builder’s Bog (optional if needed).

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Putty knife (optional if needed).

Images

[Nailbag]

Some great tips and an excellent topic to cover @JacobZ . Replacing closers with older ones with newer models will also have the benefit of additional adjustments to get that perfect balance of door placement.

Regards, Nailbag.

[Oopsee]

Can the older hinges, like those listed in this post, be replaced by newer soft-close hinges without much fuss? Thx

[JacobZ]

Hi @Oopsee,

You shouldn't have too much fuss.

It is unlikely that the screw holes will match up perfectly, but they can be moved very easily, and the old ones can be filled with a bit of builder's bog, so I wouldn't worry too much about matching up the location of the screws.

The one thing you should double-check is that the circular part on your new hinges is the same size as the rebate on the door. Most cabinet hinges use a standard-sized rebate, but it is definitely worth measuring and double-checking as if you need to adjust the size and location of the rebate, it can be a bit trickier.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @Oopsee 

you would be unlucky if the rebate in the doors weren't already in the right place. Then as @JacobZ mentioned, it will only be a matter of drilling new pilot holes for the placement of the cabinet side of the hinges.

Nailbag

[Oopsee]

@Nailbag @JacobZ

Thx very much. Shall try it soon and report back. 

[Nailbag]

Hi @Oopsee 

Just a thought to make it easier to get the position of the first new hinge. I would leave the top hinge in place and remove the bottom one. Insert the new one into the door. Hold the door so its as evenly parallel to the cupboard and mark the screw hole position with your other hand. If you have a helper even better!

Those hinges you're getting have stacks of adjustment to make up for any misalignments vertically and horizontally/reach.

Nailbag

[Oopsee]

Thx again! All these tips are a great help !