A loose cabinet hinge makes a door sag, rub, or fail to close. Tightening it is usually simple when the screws still have solid wood to grip and the door is supported while the hinge is aligned.
Inspect the hinge
Open the door and check whether the screws are loose, the hinge plate is bent, or the cabinet side is swollen or split. Remove heavy items from the cabinet before working so the door is lighter and safer to handle.
Support and align
Hold the door at its normal height or support its lower edge with a folded towel. Tighten the hinge screws gradually, alternating between them. Do not overtighten into soft particleboard.
Repair stripped holes
If a screw spins without tightening, remove it and inspect the hole. Use a manufacturer-approved longer screw or a proper repair insert when appropriate; do not pack the hole with loose paper or rely on a mismatched fastener.
Close the door slowly and adjust the hinge only after the mounting screws are secure. A stable hinge should move smoothly without scraping the cabinet frame.