How to Replace Cabinet Hinges

Co-authored by Mike Katona

Last Updated: September 7, 2021

Replacing cabinet hinges can instantly update a drab set of cabinets. A wide variety of hinges are available online or at your local home improvement store.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Remove the Old Hinge

Removing the hinges will require removing the entire cabinet door. Make sure to mark your cabinet doors with post-it notes so that you place the doors in the proper location when you replace them.

1
Unscrew the part of each hinge that attaches to the door.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Mike Katona
DIY Home Improvement Specialist
Expert Interview. 25 August 2021.} Use either a screwdriver or a drill with a screwdriver bit.^{[2]
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Research source}
- Make sure to support the cabinet door to ensure it does not fall and get damaged.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mike Katona
  DIY Home Improvement Specialist
  Expert Interview. 25 August 2021.}
2
Remove the door.

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3
Unscrew the part of each hinge that attaches to the cabinet frame using either a screwdriver or a drill.
4
Remove the hinge from the cabinet frame.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Replace with the Same Type of Hinge

Replacing your old hinge with the same type of hinge, even if the decorative elements are different, will guarantee an easy repair.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Mike Katona
DIY Home Improvement Specialist
Expert Interview. 25 August 2021.}

1
Take your old hinge to a home improvement store. Choose a new hinge with the same basic design.^{[5]
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2
Make sure that the holes for the screws on your new hinge are the same distance apart as the holes for the screws on your old hinge.^{[6]
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3
Screw the new hinges into the cabinet door using a screwdriver or drill.^{[7]
X
Expert Source

Mike Katona
DIY Home Improvement Specialist
Expert Interview. 25 August 2021.}
4
Ask an assistant to hold the cabinet door against the cabinet frame.
5
Set the new hinges over the holes for the old hinges in the cabinet frame.
6
Screw the new hinges to the cabinet frame.^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Replace with a Different Type of Hinge

Replacing your old hinges with a different type of hinge requires a little more work. Your old hinge may leave markings in the cabinet door or on the cabinet frame. When you replace your hinges, you will have to make sure that the new hinges cover up those markings. Otherwise, you will have to repaint or re-stain the cabinet door and frame.

1
Purchase new hinges at the home improvement store.
2
Place a small line, using a pencil, at the center point where the old hinge attached to the door. The line should be slightly longer than the width of your new hinge and should be parallel to the bottom of the cabinet door.
3
Place a small line, using a pencil, at the center point of where the old hinge attached to the cabinet frame. The line should be slightly longer than the width of your new hinge and should be parallel to the bottom of the cabinet frame.
4
Line your new hinges up on your door. The lines that you marked on the door will mark the center point for your new hinges.
5
Mark the locations where the screws will go using a pencil. Be sure to center the pencil mark within the framework of the hinge’s screw hole.
6
Drill pilot holes into the cabinet door for each hinge.^{[9]
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7
Screw the hinge to the door utilizing the pilot holes.
8
Ask an assistant to hold the door of the cabinet against the cabinet frame.
9
Center the hinges at the marks that you drew on the cabinet frame.
10
Mark the locations for the pilot holes on the cabinet frame.
11
Drill pilot holes into the cabinet frame for each hinge.
12
Screw the hinge to the cabinet frame utilizing the pilot holes.
13
Open and close the door to make sure that the new hinges are positioned correctly.

Community Q&A

Question

My new hinges came with plastic on the screws. I don't have holes for the plastic, and need to take it off. What can I do?

Community Answer

Try using a pair of pliers on the plastic and a screw driver on the screw. Turn screw counterclockwise to remove. Repeat for each screw.
Question

I want to replace with wider openings of the same type. Can I use the existing holes and screw sites?

Cc_046

Community Answer

Depending on the size of your hinges, the original screw sites may or may not line up. Make sure that your screws are the appropriate thickness for the original hole, and maybe ask your local retailer for advice.