Adjusting European Hinges

Kitchen And Bathroom Renovation : Adjusting European Hinges


European hinges (also called cup hinges) are the standard hinges used on frameless cabinets and some faceframe cabinets. One advantage of these hinges is their adjustability. This adjustability means that you will need some patience to tackle this project.

At first glance, European hinges appear to need a Phillips screwdriver to be adjusted, but you will have more
success if you use a Pozidrive #2 screwdriver. This looks like a Phillips driver, but it is engineered with extra blade tips for reduced slippage. Never use a power screwdriver for hinge adjustments.

European hinges have three adjustment screws that secure the hinge to the door and cabinet while moving the
door in and out, up and down, or right to left. If you own face-frame cabinets, the hinges may be more compact than frameless cabinet hinges. Some of the most compact hinges have unique adjustment systems, so you may have more trial and error in installing them.

Before making any adjustments, try tightening the anchoring screw or the vertical adjustment screws. Often
these screws have worked loose over time and are affecting the door alignment and function.

European hinges. Cabinet doors with European hinges can be adjusted in three dimensions: vertical (up and
down) (A); depth (in and out) (B); and horizontal (right and left) (C). If your cabinets are slightly out of alignment, begin door installation with the center cabinet and work your way out to one side and then the other.

Long-arm European hinges. The standard long-arm European hinge has four adjustment screws. The first pair
(A) attach the mounting plate to the side of the cabinet. Loosen these screws slightly on both hinges to move
the cabinet up and down vertically. Retighten the screws when you have the hinge aligned as desired. The third adjustment screw (B) attaches the hinge to the mounting plate. If this screw is loose, the door will move in and out and seem floppy. This screw should be in the same relative position in its slot as the B screw on the other hinge, and they should both always be tight. The fourth screw (C) adjusts the door left and right horizontally. Adjust one hinge at a time in small increments by turning the screw. Check the adjustment results frequently by closing the door.

Compact European hinges. The compact European hinge for overlay doors on face-frame cabinets has three
adjustment screws. The first pair (A) attach the mounting clip to the side or front of the face frame. Screws B and C attach the hinge to the mounting plate and serve as the left and right adjustment. Loosen all the A screws slightly to adjust the door up or down, then tighten. Loosen or tighten one B or C screw in small increments to move the door left or right. Check the adjustment results frequently by closing the door.