door dilemma 4

REPAIRING A BLOWNOUT KITCHEN HINGE

Another common kitchen door problem is the top hinge ripping out of the cabinet, usually taking a fair chunk of the cabinet with it. The result is a door that won’t close and is left hanging. The good news? Repairing the damage and rehanging the door is easier than you think!

Gather your supplies

Screwdriver; 2-part bog filler; spatula; sandpaper; pair of replacement hinges; drill and various bits; white paint

Here’s how

STEP 1 Remove door from cabinet and also remove the remaining hinge block.

STEP 2 Mix a small amount of 2-part bog filler and patch the damage. Make the filler slightly proud of the cabinet. Leave to set.

STEP 3 Sand back the filler flush with the face of the cabinet, being careful not to sand through the melamine. Disguise the patch by painting it white to blend with the cabinet.

STEP 4 It is generally easier to use new hinges rather than trying to refit old ones. Kitchen hinges are pretty standard, so new hinges should fit into the holes in the door. Use the template supplied with the hinges to mark positions of new hinge blocks on the cabinet and drill the required holes.

STEP 5 Screw the hinge blocks to the cabinet then attach the hinges to the blocks. Adjust the door with the adjusting screws on the hinge.

After

Before

STEP 2

STEP 4

STEP 5