How to Fix a Cabinet Door Hinge with a Damaged Base

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Introduction

If your cabinet door hinge is pulled off from the base use, this guide will show you how to fill the base and replace a new door hinge with extra support.

The door hinge is a mechanical bearing that attaches the door to its frame and works as a pivot point while opening and closing the door. Application of more weight and improper use can pull the door hinge and damage the base.

Before using this guide, inspect the door to take a note of how much the base is being ripped off. Can it be fixed with wood filler? If the base is pulled apart from the door, you may need to replace the door.

Note that the size of hinges and screws can vary according to the individual's need. So make sure to purchase the exact size accordingly. To find the exact size of the hinge check the hinge cup, use this photo or take the old hinge to the store.

What you need

Step 1 Hinge

How to Fix a Cabinet Door Hinge with a Damaged Base, Hinge: step 1, image 1 of 3

How to Fix a Cabinet Door Hinge with a Damaged Base, Hinge: step 1, image 2 of 3

How to Fix a Cabinet Door Hinge with a Damaged Base, Hinge: step 1, image 3 of 3

Choose the correct screwdriver to remove the damaged hinge.
A properly sized bit should “fill up” the screw head, utilizing both the full depth and width of the socket.
In general, use the largest bit size that fits snugly into the screw.

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Step 2

How to Fix a Cabinet Door Hinge with a Damaged Base: step 2, image 3 of 3

If the door is still attach to the cabinet, use your screwdriver to remove the screws from the door hinges.
Take the doors off the cabinets before you begin the repair.

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Step 3

How to Fix a Cabinet Door Hinge with a Damaged Base: step 3, image 3 of 3

Remove all of the screws from the first hinge of the cabinet.

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Step 4

How to Fix a Cabinet Door Hinge with a Damaged Base: step 4, image 3 of 3

Remove all the the screws from the second hinge of the cabinet.

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Step 5

How to Fix a Cabinet Door Hinge with a Damaged Base: step 5, image 3 of 3

Remove all of the screws from the door hinge.

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Step 6

How to Fix a Cabinet Door Hinge with a Damaged Base: step 6, image 3 of 3

Squeeze the wood filler in the damaged base of the cabinet.
Some wood fillers require you to mix them with hardener. For those types, add 1/3 amount of hardener with filler and mix them until a consistent texture. Then apply the mixture to the damaged area. For more clarity, watch this video.
Place a card beside the hole and fill the hole with wood filler.
Overfill the damaged base slightly, to ensure the hole is filled completely.

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Step 7

How to Fix a Cabinet Door Hinge with a Damaged Base: step 7, image 3 of 3

Scrape the extra filler from the base with a putty knife or stiff card to smooth the surface before it dries.
Leave the filler for 20 to 30 minutes to dry.

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Step 8

How to Fix a Cabinet Door Hinge with a Damaged Base: step 8, image 3 of 3

Place the cabinet hinge repair plate on the new base and secure with the screws that are included in the kit.
Make sure the plate is properly aligned with existing holes.

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Step 9

How to Fix a Cabinet Door Hinge with a Damaged Base: step 9, image 3 of 3

Place the new cabinet hinge on the repair plate and screw it in with a drill.
Note that the size of hinges and screws may vary according to the individual's need.

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Step 10

How to Fix a Cabinet Door Hinge with a Damaged Base: step 10, image 3 of 3

If the base was only pulled out on one side, then simply screw the new hinge on the other side.
If the base was pulled out, use the wood filler technique and repair plate on both sides.