How can I make my cupboards stay shut?

Question

I removed all of my kitchen cupboard doors to stain them. When I put them back up some of the doors don't stay shut, springing open about a centimeter. I'm sure it was caused by switching the hinges around. Does anyone know a trick to fix the doors so they will stay shut?

Answer 1

It depends on the cupboards do they have latches or do they just sit shut. if they just sit shut try loosening the screws and tilting the door inwards slightly adn then retighten the screws. you need the doors centre of gravity to be more towards the inside of the cupbord. at the moment the centre of gravity is out of the cupboard. If this doesnt work try putting new and oiled hinges on the doors. Another simple idea is using those little latches that use magnets they are easy to install and work relatively well.

Answer 2

Don't know where you live but in most places there are hardware stores that sell magnetic closures for the doors. These come in two pieces - one with a metal bar and the other with magnets. They are screwed on the back of the door and on a shelf. They have slots where the mounting screws go so they can be slid back and forth to get the proper adjustment for keeping the door closed. Your door hinges may be adjustable, too.

Answer 3

Use small magnets....put one on the cabinet door and one on the cabinet...it should hold it!

Answer 4

You can get little magnetic closers at any home building supply store..

Answer 5

Carefully examine the hinges. Look at ones on a door that shuts properlty and compare them to the hinges on a door that won't close fully.  Some cabinet hinges have a small plastic insert that acts as a weak "spring" to help keep keep the door shut.  If this piece is missing or broken, the door won't shut properly. I just had this problem on one of my own kitchen cabinets. Also you might try to readjust the hinge locations slightly with the adjusting and/or mounting screws.  Good luck!