Cabinet door hinges are tricky to remove, mainly if you are unsure what you are dealing with and how they work with the door. Before beginning the task, you need to check out the type of hinges. If you are looking to repair or replace a door, you need to remove the door from its hinges by following proper steps one by one. You will have to accept many challenges but with appropriate instructions and supplies; It will be easier. So, how to take cabinet doors off hinges? Below are some steps in the process to take cabinets doors off hinges.
Tools To Remove A Door Off Hinges
Gather your tools for removing a door
- Screwdriver
- Pry bar
- Hammer
- Locking pliers
- Putty knife
- Reciprocating saw
General Tips for Removing Cabinet Doors
Before removing any cabinet doors, make sure to empty the contents of the cabinet to avoid any accidents or damage.
It’s also a good idea to label the doors and their corresponding cabinets to make reinstallation easier.
If you’re having trouble locating the hinge, try looking for a small screw on the inside of the cabinet. This is often used to adjust the hinge and can also be used to release the door.
If the door is stuck, try gently tapping the hinge with a hammer to loosen it.
Steps By Steps To Follow For Removing Cabinet Doors Off Hinges
Follow some simple instructions for removing the cabinet door off its hinges. If you look for instructions on removing the door, you will require to follow the different processes:
Step 1: Secure Door
Begin by the closing door to keep it from falling whenever you remove screws or pins. If you deal with heavy wooden cabinet doors, you must have someone to help you hold the door in place because it can lead to injury or damage if you fall accidentally.
Step 2: Remove Screws
Remove all screws that are attached to the cabinet door. The next thing you need to do is unscrew the top and bottom hinges, even if you are replacing only one hinge.
Step 3: Break Paint Seal
Painted hinges can be a pain in the neck and make it challenging to take the cabinet door off. The one way out is to spend some time cutting away paint seals. All you need to do is slide a utility knife in the small space between the top of the pin and hinge plate. Repeat this procedure for breaking the stubborn paint seal on all hinges. You have to utilize the tip of a utility knife for scouring the paint seal between the hinge plate and screws.
Step 4: Lubricate Hinges If Necessary
Lubrication can make the job easy to remove screws and pins from hinge plates. First, spray lubricant over nails and hinge plates before attempting to unhinge the cabinet door. You have to opt for silicone-based lubricant for the less messy application. Close the door and allow hardware to absorb lubrication to make removal easy.
Step 5: Pry The Pin
Hinge systems come in various styles. You have to check if there is a pin with a small hole at the bottom. If yes, place the tip of the old screwdriver in the hole and tap the handle to push the pin-up with a hammer. If your pin does not have a hole, place the tip of the screwdriver simply at the bottom of the pin and tap it to pry the pin out with a hammer.
The head must pop out when you push the pin from the bottom. Utilize a pair of pliers for pulling the pinout from the top. Try to pull the pin out by using your fingers if you do not have pliers. Some suggest using a nail in place of a screwdriver for pushing the pin up the hinge plate. You should not take the risk of injuring your fingers because of the small striking surface of the nail.
Expert Tip – it is best for beginning to remove the pin in the bottom hinge to prevent the door from toppling over and leading to injury or damage and continue to the second one. Begin with the middle hinge for doors having three hinges followed by the top or bottom one.
Step 6: Take The Door Out
You are all set for removing the door with the pins out of the way.
- First of all, open the door partway.
- Gently lift the door with one hand on the knob and the other under one of the hinges while pulling it to the side to release it from the hinges.
Tip: cabinet door is so heavy for pulling it off the hinges simply; try to slide a pry bar under the door. It will take the weight off hinges and make it easy to carry the door out.
Step 7: Unfasten Screws
If door hinges do not have any pins, you will have to utilize slightly different skills for removing the door. Begin to close the door to prevent it from falling when you unhinge it from the door frame. Unfasten screws on the hinge side jamb utilizing a screwdriver by turning them counterclockwise. Ensure, to begin with, the bottom hinge followed by the top one. Remove screws from door hinges entirely, and for that, you will have to open the door. Take somebody’s help to open and hold the door with screws halfway out. Pry outdoor for releasing screws. Lay it on sawhorses or workbench if replacing or repairing doors and take out hinges and screws.
Step 8: Remove Trim
If you want to replace the door, you do not plan to reinstate the door; you will need to remove the trim. It is the casing that surrounds the entryway to give it a finished look. The trim is held in place, usually with nails and paint. You will need to break the paint seal first. Run the utility life along the intersection between frame and trim, then cut pain around the door between wall and trim.
Pry off the old trim with the paint seal broken. Add a putty knife or small pry bar in the space left behind by a paint seal, lift the trim to separate it from the wall. Ensure not to damage old trim if you plan to reuse it.
Expert Tip: pivot the pry bar on a block of wood as you lift out trim to avoid damaging the wall.
So, you have successfully removed the door from its hinges. You have to follow all steps of the procedure one by one.
Conclusion
Taking cabinet doors off hinges may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a simple and quick process. Whether you’re updating your cabinet hardware or working on a DIY project, knowing how to remove cabinet doors is an essential skill for any homeowner. So go ahead and give your cabinets a fresh new look by removing those doors!