Posted by Urban Hardware on 6th Sep 2025
Quick Fix: Tightening Loose Cabinet Handles and Hinges
Are the cabinet doors wobbly and uneven, making it difficult to close those cabinets at home or at work? When you pull your cabinets open, do the handles suddenly come loose? You can do a fast fix yourself, or it's time to have it examined by a professional!
One of the most frequent problems we find with cabinets is loose hinges and cabinet handles. Knowing that this is among the easiest do-it-yourself tasks you can complete in a matter of minutes is fantastic! You can restore your cabinets' functionality and appearance with a screwdriver and a few tips.
Take these easy steps:
Step 1: First, examine the screws.
The majority of loose hinges and handles are caused by loose screws. Using a screwdriver, carefully tighten the hinge and handle screws. To avoid stripping the screw hole, take care not to overtighten.
Step 2: Fix Damaged Screw Holes
The holes are worn out if the screws are no longer able to hold. Reinstalling the screw after inserting a toothpick, matchstick, or wood-glue-coated wooden dowel into the hole is a simple solution. This makes a tight, secure fit by providing the screw with something to "bite" into.
Step 3: Check the Alignment of the Hinges
Doors may sag due to a shift in the hinge itself. Verify that the door closes uniformly after the screws are tightened. If not, slightly reposition the hinge until it lines up correctly.
Step 4: Upgrade Your Hardware (Suggested but Optional)
Tightening your cabinet handles might not be sufficient if they are worn out, scratched, or beyond repair. This is a fantastic time to add new hardware to your cabinets. Our entire selection of contemporary, long-lasting cabinet pulls and handles at Urban Hardware is ideal for updating the appearance of your cabinets while guaranteeing their continued functionality.
You can avoid long-term damage and maintain the polished appearance of your cabinets with a quick tightening session every few months. One of the quickest and least expensive ways to update your space is to replace outdated hardware, which you can get at Urban Hardware!