Cabinet Adjustment Tips

From adjusting cabinet hinges, to drawer fronts and runners, use the tips below to learn how to align kitchen cabinets.

How to Adjust Cabinet Hinges

We construct our cabinetry with several types of durable, high-performance hinges that will operate smoothly and silently for years. Periodically tighten hinge screws because they can loosen over time with normal use. You can also adjust cabinet door hinges for an exact fit and like-new operation. Find detailed instructions on adjusting cabinet hinges in our Installation, Care & Cleaning Guide.

How to Adjust Cabinet Doors Up and Down

When adjusting cabinet hinges, if the door is too high or low, look for screws on the hinge that allow you to adjust the door’s vertical position. Typically, you can identify these screws by the two oval holes in the cabinet hinge that enable you to move the door up or down relative to the screws.

1. Loosen the two mounting screws on both hinges slightly. You can do this by turning the screws counterclockwise a quarter turn or less.
2. Close the cabinet door.
3. While the door is closed, adjust the door to the desired height.
4. Open the cabinet door carefully.
5. Tighten the screws firmly by hand.
6. Close the door and check the alignment.

How to Adjust Cabinet Doors Left or Right

When adjusting cabinet hinges for a cabinet door left or right, use the side-to-side adjustment screws on the hinges typically located on the horizontal arm of the hinge, closest to the door. To move the door to the right, turn the screw clockwise. To move the door to the left, turn the screw counterclockwise. Adjust the door until it is aligned with the cabinet box and its neighboring doors.

1. Begin by opening the cabinet door and finding the hinge.
2. Locate the side-to-side adjustment screw, typically situated on the horizontal arm of the hinge nearest to the door.
3. Utilize a screwdriver to rotate the adjustment screw in a clockwise direction for rightward movement of the door, or in a counterclockwise direction to shift the door to the left.
4. Align the door with the cabinet by making necessary adjustments.
5. Follow the same process outlined in steps 2-4 for the other hinge on the door.

How to Level Cabinet Doors

Ensuring level cabinet doors can help create a uniform look across your cabinetry. Typically, cabinet doors become uneven due to normal wear and tear throughout the life span of the hinges, and occasional maintenance may be necessary to keep things level.

1. Open the cabinet door and locate the hinges.
2. Identify the vertical adjustment screw on each hinge. Typically, it is positioned on the vertical arm of the hinge, nearest to the cabinet.
3. Use a screwdriver to rotate the vertical adjustment screws in a clockwise direction to raise the door or in a counterclockwise direction to lower the door.
4. Adjust the door until it achieves a level position.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the other hinge on the door.

How to Adjust Drawer Fronts

Adjusting Wooden Drawer Box Fronts

If a drawer front looks crooked, first measure the drawer front at each end to see if the height is the same. If not, slightly push the adjustment tab on the lower side towards the back of the drawer. To move a drawer front forward or back, you can rotate the tilt adjustment dial on the rear of each drawer to tilt the top of the drawer front forward. Rotate counterclockwise to raise back of drawer. Note: KraftMaid® drawer front adjustment can only be made PRIOR to installing decorative hardware (handles or knobs).

How to Adjust Drawer Slides and Runners

We construct our cabinetry using several types of self-adjusting drawer suspension systems. The drawer function and, in some cases, the options chosen by the purchaser determine the runner type used.

• Sidemount runners (used only on certain roll-out trays and desk knee-drawer cabinets)
• Full-extension undermount runners with buffer system
• Full-extension sidemount runners (used on drawer storage, desk double-file drawer and base pantry pull-out cabinets)

We equip sidemount runners with self-adjusting rear mounting clips. If roll-out trays rub or bind, remove the tray and check the position of the screws in the runner, as well as in the cabinet. You may need to retighten these screws to eliminate any interference or chafing.

Like sidemount runners, undermount runners come with self-adjusting rear mounting clips.

The ball-bearing-action undermount suspension system is galvanized. This precision runner also has self-adjusting rearmounting clips. One additional adjustment is possible with this system. To raise the drawer, simply move the orange lever on the front retainer clips back until the drawer is at the proper position. This is located on the underside of the drawer. To lower the drawer, move the gray levers forward until achieving the appropriate position. You can find illustrated instructions for this process in our Installation, Care & Cleaning Guide.

Accessory Adjustments

We offer one of the most comprehensive line of storage solutions available. With more than 200 intelligent, attractive options, you're sure to find everything you need – and a place for everything you have. After installation, you may need to make a few final adjustments. Download our Installation, Care & Cleaning Guide for instructions on how to adjust Lazy Susan cabinet door hinges, wastebaskets and more.

Talk to Us

If you have any questions about how to clean or care for your KraftMaid cabinetry, please don't hesitate to contact us. Call our toll-free consumer line at 1-888-562-7744, contact us on Facebook or Twitter, or use our convenient contact form to email us directly.