If you have soft close cabinet hinges that are not closing all the way, it can be frustrating and potentially damaging to your cabinets.
There are several reasons why this may be happening, including poor adjustment of the hinges and doors or a loose screw. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to fix the issue and get your cabinets functioning properly again.
One common reason for soft close hinges not closing all the way is that the cabinet door may be misaligned or overlapping with the door next to it. This can cause the hinges to be unable to close properly. Another possibility is that a screw has become loose, causing the hinges to become weaker or displaced.
With a few simple adjustments, you can get your cabinets functioning properly again and avoid the frustration and potential damage that comes with faulty hinges.
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Find Out What’s Causing You Soft Close Cabinet Door Not To Close
When your soft-close cabinet doors don’t close all the way, it can be frustrating. Before you start fixing the issue, it’s important to examine the cabinet to identify the problem.
Here are 10 things you need to check when trying to find out why your cabinet door isn’t closing properly:
- Check the alignment: If the door is misaligned, it may not close all the way or may overlap with the cabinet frame. To check the alignment, open the cabinet door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. If the gap is uneven or there is no gap at all, the door is likely misaligned.
- Check the hinges: If the hinges are bent, displaced, or loose, the door may not close all the way. To check the hinges, open the cabinet door and look at the screws holding the hinge in place. If the screws are loose or the hinge is bent, you may need to replace the hinge or tighten the screws.
- Check the mechanism of the hinge: The soft-close mechanism itself can also cause issues with the cabinet door not closing all the way. If the hydraulic buffer is sticking or the friction is too high, the door may not close properly. To check the mechanism, open the cabinet door and look at the hinge area. If the hinge is squeaking or the hydraulic buffer is not moving smoothly, you may need to replace the mechanism.
- Check the cabinet doors: Look over each part of the cabinet door, inside and out, opening and closing each door to see if they rub or catch. This helps you identify why each cabinet door doesn’t close all the way and pinpoint whether there is an issue with the hinge or with the door.
- Check for warping: Wood can warp over time due to changes in humidity and temperature. If your cabinet doors are made of wood, check if they are warped. A warped door can cause the soft-close hinge to stop working properly.
- Check for wear and tear: Over time, cabinet doors can wear down due to frequent use, particularly on old cabinets. Examine the doors for signs of wear and tear, such as scratches or dents. This can also cause the soft-close hinge to malfunction.
- Check for dirt and grime: A dirty hinge can affect its ability to close properly. Clean the hinge and the area around it to ensure there is no dirt or grime that could be interfering with the hinge’s function.
- Check for rust: If your hinges are rusty, it can affect their ability to close properly. If you notice rust on your hinges, you may need to replace them.
- Check for damage: Examine the cabinet for any signs of damage, such as cracks or chips. Damage to the cabinet can affect the hinge’s ability to function properly and could ultimately end up in you ripping out the cabinet door hinge – which you don’t want!
- Check for obstructions: This may seem like a very simple thing, but it’s easy to do. Make sure you haven’t got anything inside the cabinet that is sticking out/ obstructing the door that will stop it from shutting.
Fixing The Soft Close Hinge
If you’ve realised that it is the soft close hinge that is stopping the door from shutting fully, there’s a few ways you can fix it:
- Check the adjustment screws: The adjustment screws are located on the hinges and are used to adjust the speed and resistance of the soft close mechanism. If the screws are loose, tighten them with a screwdriver. If they are tight, try loosening them and adjusting the speed and resistance adjuster.
- Check the lever: The lever is the part of the hinge that engages the soft close mechanism. If the lever is not engaging properly, adjust it so that it is in the correct position.
- Check the installation: If the soft close mechanism was not installed properly, it may not be functioning correctly. Check the installation to make sure everything is in the right place and that there are no missing or damaged parts.
- Check the drawer slides: If the soft close mechanism is installed on a drawer, check the drawer slides to make sure they are functioning properly. If they are damaged or worn out, replace them.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the problem with your soft close cabinet. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the soft close mechanism or call a professional for assistance.
How To Prevent Further Problems
To ensure your soft close cabinet doors continue to work smoothly, it is important to perform regular maintenance. Here are some tips to help you maintain your cabinets:
- Clean the hinges regularly: Dirt and grime can build up on the hinges, causing them to become stiff and difficult to operate. To prevent this, wipe down the hinges with a damp cloth regularly. You can also use a mild detergent to remove any stubborn stains.
- Lubricate the hinges: Over time, the hinges on your soft close cabinet may become dry and squeaky. To prevent this, apply a small amount of lubricant or oil to the hinges. This will help to keep them working smoothly and quietly.
- Check the alignment of the doors: If your soft close cabinet doors are not closing all the way, it may be because they are misaligned. To fix this, check the alignment of the doors and adjust them as necessary. You can use a level to ensure that the doors are straight and even.
- Replace damaged hinges: If your soft close cabinet hinges are damaged or broken, they will need to be replaced. This is a simple process that can be done by removing the old hinges and installing new ones.
- Avoid slamming the doors: Soft close cabinet doors are designed to close slowly and quietly. To ensure that they continue to work properly, avoid slamming the doors. This can cause damage to the hinges and prevent them from working effectively.
Conclusion
Having soft close cabinet hinges that are not closing all the way can be frustrating and it’s one of the disadvantage of soft close hinges – but it can be fixed.
However, there are several reasons why this may be happening, including poor adjustment of the hinges and doors or a loose screw.
By examining the cabinet, identifying the issue, and using the right tools, you can fix the problem and get your cabinets functioning properly again. Regular maintenance is also important to ensure that your soft close cabinet doors continue to work smoothly.
By following these tips, you can avoid the frustration and potential damage that comes with faulty hinges and keep your cabinets in top condition.
