How Do You Adjust Soft Close Cabinet Hinges

Soft-close cabinet hinges are a modern convenience designed to prevent the jarring and noisy slamming of doors. They offer a smooth, quiet, and controlled closure, enhancing the elegance and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets. However, like any mechanical component, these hinges can sometimes need adjustments to ensure optimal performance. This article will delve into the different types of adjustments you can make to soft-close cabinet hinges, providing a step-by-step guide for each.

Adjusting Door Alignment

The most common issue with soft-close hinges is a misaligned door. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper installation, cabinet settling, or simply wear and tear. If your door is misaligned, it may not close smoothly or may even bind against the cabinet frame.

To adjust the alignment of your door, you will need to use the screws that attach the hinge to the cabinet frame. These screws are usually located on the side of the hinge that faces the cabinet.

Here's a simple breakdown of how to adjust alignment:

Identify the Issue: Determine if the door is too high, too low, too far in, or too far out.
Locate the Adjustment Screws: Find the screws on the hinge leaf that are attached to the cabinet frame. There are typically two or three screws that can be used for adjustment.
Adjust the Door Position:
- Too high? Loosen the top screw and tighten the bottom screw slightly.
- Too low? Loosen the bottom screw and tighten the top screw slightly.
- Too far in? Loosen the screw on the side closest to the cabinet edge and tighten the screw on the side furthest from the edge.
- Too far out? Loosen the screw facing furthest from the edge and tighten the screw closest to the edge.
Tighten the Screws: Once you've adjusted the door to your liking, tighten all the screws to ensure a secure fit.
Test the Door: Open and close the door repeatedly to confirm that it is now aligned correctly.

Adjusting the Closing Speed

The soft-close mechanism in your hinges is designed to slow down the closing speed of the door, preventing slamming. However, over time, this mechanism may need adjusting to ensure it's working properly.

To adjust the closing speed, you will need to locate the adjustment screw on the hinge. This screw is usually located near the bottom of the hinge, close to the door.

Here’s how to adjust the closing speed:

Locate the Speed Adjustment Screw: Find the small, usually slotted or hexagonal, screw located on the bottom of the hinge.
Turn the Screw:
- To slow down the closing speed: Turn the screw clockwise. This will increase the resistance of the soft-close mechanism.
- To speed up the closing speed: Turn the screw counterclockwise. This will reduce the resistance of the soft-close mechanism.
Test the Door: Close the door repeatedly to check the closing speed.

Adjusting the Over-Close

Some soft-close hinges have a feature called "over-close," which allows the door to slightly overshoot its closed position before being gently pulled back into place. This can be helpful for ensuring a tight seal against the cabinet frame.

To adjust the over-close feature, you will need to locate the over-close adjustment screw on the hinge. This screw is typically located near the top of the hinge.

Here's how to adjust the over-close feature:

Find the Over-Close Adjustment Screw: Locate the small screw towards the top of the hinge.
Adjust the Over-Close:
- To increase the over-close: Turn the screw clockwise. This will cause the door to overshoot its closed position further.
- To decrease the over-close: Turn the screw counterclockwise. This will reduce the amount of over-close.
Test the Door: Close the door repeatedly to observe the over-close action and confirm that it is working properly.

Adjusting soft-close cabinet hinges is a straightforward process. However, if you are unsure about any aspect, it's always best to consult a professional. By following these simple steps, you can keep your cabinets operating smoothly and quietly for years to come.