Why Adjustable Hinges Make Door Alignment Easy

Adjustable cabinet hinges are designed so you can fine-tune door position without removing the door. Small turns of the adjustment screws correct uneven gaps, rubbing, sagging, and poor closing—common issues after installation or as cabinets settle over time.

What You’ll Need

• Screwdriver (usually Phillips or Pozi)

• Good lighting

• A level or straight edge (optional)

Tip: Make small adjustments—¼ turn at a time—then check the result.

Step 1: Identify the Three Adjustment Directions

Most modern concealed hinges provide three-way adjustment:

1. Side-to-side (left/right)

2. In-and-out (depth)

3. Up-and-down (height)

Each direction has its own screw or method.

Step 2: Adjust Side-to-Side (Left / Right)

What it fixes

• Uneven gaps between doors

• Doors rubbing against each other

• Off-center alignment in the opening

How to do it

• Locate the side adjustment screw on the hinge arm

• Turn the screw:

• Clockwise to move the door toward the hinge side

• Counterclockwise to move it away

Adjust both top and bottom hinges evenly to keep the door straight.

Step 3: Adjust In-and-Out (Depth)

What it fixes

• Door not sitting flush with cabinet face

• Door hitting the cabinet frame when closing

• Poor soft-close engagement

How to do it

• Find the depth adjustment screw closest to the cabinet box

• Turn the screw to move the door:

• Inward (closer to the cabinet)

• Outward (away from the cabinet)

Use small turns and test the close after each change.

Step 4: Adjust Up-and-Down (Height)

What it fixes

• Door too high or too low

• Uneven top or bottom lines across multiple doors

How to do it

• Loosen the mounting screws on the hinge plate slightly

• Gently move the door up or down

• Retighten the screws securely

Some systems allow height adjustment via a dedicated screw; others require sliding the hinge plate.

Step 5: Fine-Tune Using Both Hinges Together

For best results:

• Make matching adjustments on top and bottom hinges

• Use the top hinge to correct vertical tilt

• Use the bottom hinge to stabilize alignment

Open and close the door after every adjustment.

Common Adjustment Scenarios (Quick Fix Guide)

• Door rubs at the top → Raise the door or adjust side-to-side at the top hinge

• Door rubs at the bottom → Lower the door or adjust side-to-side at the bottom hinge

• Door won’t close fully → Adjust depth inward

• Gaps uneven between doors → Side-to-side adjustment on both hinges

What Adjustable Hinges Cannot Fix

• Warped cabinet doors

• Loose cabinet boxes

• Stripped mounting holes

• Bent or damaged hinges

If these exist, repair or replacement is needed before adjustment.

Best Practices for Long-Lasting Results

• Adjust one direction at a time

• Avoid over-tightening adjustment screws

• Recheck alignment after a few days of use

• Ensure mounting screws are fully tight after finishing

Conclusion

Adjusting cabinet doors with adjustable hinges is a straightforward process once you understand the three movement directions: side-to-side, in-and-out, and up-and-down. By making small, controlled adjustments and checking door operation after each change, you can achieve clean gaps, smooth closing, and precise alignment—without removing the door or replacing hardware. Adjustable hinges are designed for exactly this kind of fine tuning, making them essential for modern cabinetry.