Expert: Jamie Yocono - 12/6/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello - I moved into my 20 year old home about a year ago and during that time each of the custom cabinets (looks like they updated the kitchen) are methodically getting loose and falling off altogether!  They are fastened with European hinges (so the guy at Home Depot tells me) and although I tighten the screws, it doesn't last long.  it's almost as if the hole that the screws are in just keep getting bigger.  I'm a single mom that never paid attention to my husband when he fixed things.  I've a great desire to learn how, but lack the knowledge.  Possibly even the tools!!  What do you know about my problem and what advice can you offer.  Any information will be greatly appreciated!! Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Michelle,

Your question is a little confusing, so I need a little more information from you.

In the first sentence, you say that your cabinets are falling off. Then a little later, you sort of imply that it's the doors that are falling off. So my answer will depend on which one is the correct description of what's going on.

Write back, and tell me if it's the doors, or if it's actually the cabinets (the boxes) that are falling off, and I will be glad to help. I know a solution for both problems.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It's actually the doors (in my mind it's all "cabinets", sorry!!)

The screws that attach the European hinges are just coming out completely.  I'd love to fix it but also to avoid it happening again? Thanks!!

Answer
Hi Michele,

OK, if it's your cabinet doors that are falling off, the screws in your cup hinges are probably the culprit. But- it also could be the way the cup hinge attached to it's mounting plate, that's usually inside the cupboard. Sometimes it's hard to see the mounting plate, but there is usually an arm coming off your cup hinge, and the arm attaches to the mounting plate.

I use a hinge that is adjustable in 3 different planes, so there are 3 adjustment screws on the hinge arm. You might want to look at those screws, as usually there is a screw that locks it into position on that hinge mounting plate. But sometimes, they simply clip in place. If they do that, then the hinge mounting plate isn't the problem, it's actually the screws that hold the hinge cup in place.

OK, just to clarify things...... it's either the screws holding the hinge to the mounting plate that could be loose, or it's the cup hinge screws. It pretty much has to be one or the other.

If it's the cup hinge screws, then it's probably that your holes are worn out. They might have been pre-drilled a little too big, and over time, the wood fibers have loosened up, so the screws strip out in the hole. Here is something that should work- you're going to need some wood glue, like Elmer's glue or Titebond. And you're going to need some sort of wood- like matchsticks, toothpicks, or a 1/8" dowel rod.  It's easiest to work with longer pieces, so leave them long. Dip an end in the glue, then poke the piece of wood into the hole and break it off flush. If the hole is especially large, you might want to do this 2 or 3 times in each hole. Three times would be good, as when it's time to put the screw back into the hole, you can center the screw in between the 3 pieces of wood. But if the hole is somewhat small and your wood is large, you may not be able to fit 3 pieces of it in there.

Let the glue dry overnight. Really, you don't want to rush it. If it were my kitchen, I would do it at night, after dinner, and then replace them the next day.

Hope that helps! Add "woodworker" to your resume! And write back if this doesn't solve the problem, or if you have more questions. Good luck.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com