How to Lift Sagging Wooden Cabinet Doors
Posted on: 30 January 2017
If you have sagging wooden cabinet doors, you don't have to replace the cabinet. Sagging doors occur because of wear and tear, stripped screws, overloading, or improper installation. It is possible to fix the doors without taking the cabinet down. Here are tips to fix sagging cabinet doors.
Inspect the Screws
For this project, you need:
- work gloves
- safety glasses
- rag
- tooth picks or matches
- clear drying wood glue
- screwdriver
- utility knife
- hammer
- 2-by-4-by-36 boards
- three-inch bugle head screws
- drill
- miter saw
- plastic laminate scraps
Determine the source of the sagging. Open the door, and inspect the top screw, since it is the one that endures the most pressure.
Press the door up and back, then tighten the screw, if it is loose. Open and close the door several times. Inspect other screws, and tighten them.
Fix Screw Holes
If tightening the screws doesn't help, try new, longer screws. If the problem still persists, you will need to fix the stripped holes.
Remove the screws with the screwdriver to detach the doors. Set the doors aside, and store the screws in a small container or plastic bag for safe keeping.
Squirt some wood glue in the screw holes, then insert the toothpicks. Dab excess glue with a rag. Let the glue dry, Trim the toothpicks or matches using the knife until they are even with the frame.
Get an assistant to help hold the door while you drill the screw holes. Drill the hole slightly smaller in diameter to ensure a good fit. Attach the original screws.
Make a Prop
If loose screws aren't the problem, make a prop. Measure from the outside bottom of the cabinet to the top of the counter. Cut props an inch longer than this figure from two by four boards.
Insert laminate scraps below the prop ends, then place the prop vertically under the doors. If the laminate sticks out, use a hammer to gently tap them into position.
Unscrew the screws enough to slightly loosen the cabinet. Gently knock on them with the hammer, so the cabinet raises. Continue tapping until the cabinet is pushed on the ceiling.
If the cabinet is only attached to the wall, tap until it falls in place. Look for faded lines where it used to hang for proper height, or use a level to measure from moldings or old paint.
Attach three-inch bugle screws to the each side of the new screws. Pilot holes aren't needed for bugle screws, since they penetrate easily. Attach washers to the screws for added security, if desired.
Your cabinets should look normal again after this repair. If you don't trust your skill or you think the cabinets need replacing, contact a remodeling service, such as Cabinet Cottage LLC.
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