DIY USED CABINET
REPAIR GUIDE
USED KITCHEN CABINET
CORNER BRACE REPLACEMENT
The purpose of the corner brace is to retain the shape of the corner. Oftentimes the corner brace of a cabinet box becomes damaged during the uninstall process, specifically the countertop removal process. It’s a simple and cheap fix that can be resolved in a few ways.
1.
Start by removing the existing corner brace if it’s still attached to the box. This could be attached with screws or staples. Be careful not to damage the cabinet box.
2.
If you have a piece of scrap wood or mdf you can use a saw to create a brace. If you go this route be sure that the factory edges of the piece face against the sides of the cabinet box. This may be the better option if you just have 1 or 2 to replace.
3.
Alternatively, you can just purchase new corner braces from any nearby hardware store or online. They come in packs of at least 4, so this may be a good time to replace more.
4.
If you bought your corner braces then they should come with the necessary screws and directions to install them.
5.
If you created your own brace then you will need to attach it.
Glue will hold by itself but isn’t recommended. We recommend
using glue in addition to a short #8 screw. Be sure NOT to buy
screws that are too long. You don’t want to drive it through the side of the cabinet.
6.
Use a countersink drill bit. This will create the pocket for the screw to sit in.
7.
Place the block in the corner with the factory edges against the sides of the cabinet box.
8.
Then using your #8 screw, attach the brace to
the cabinet box using your predrilled holes
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HOW TO FIX A LOOSE CABINET FACE FRAME
3 COMMON FIXES FOR CABINET DOOR HINGES
If the hinge itself breaks then it just needs to be replaced. For loose hinges, check out our tips below.
Start by unscrewing the loose hinge to see the extent of the damage. Generally after much use, the screw holes securing the hinge to the cabinet box can become worn out, which in turn causes the screw to spin or just not fit as snuggly.
Start by unscrewing the loose hinge to see the extent of the damage. Generally after much use, the screw holes securing the hinge to the cabinet box can become worn out, which in turn causes the screw to spin or just not fit as snuggly.
Tip 1. Simple Repair: Try a bigger gauge (or thicker) screw. Sometimes the screw hole has seen just enough wear to cause the current screw to “wobble” around a little. Using a thicker screw will allow it to catch new wood, making for a more secure bond. For example, If your hinge screws are originally 6 gauge, try to use an 8 gauge screw of the same length.
Tip 2. Simple Repair: Use a masonry wall plug. This is a great method to use when the hole is just worn out and you can’t get a screw that’s big enough to secure it but small enough to fit in the hinge’s screw hole. This will fill the hole back in so that your original sized screws will fit snugly.
STEP 1
First find a masonry wall plug that fits snuggly into your screw hole. You don’t want it to be able to move around. Some people have even been known to use broken up toothpicks or golf tees to fill the hole.
STEP 2
Use a hammer or a mallet to softly tap the
wall plug into place if needed.
STEP 3
Cut off the excess with a utility knife.
STEP 4
Place your hinge back in its place and use
your screws to secure it.
Tip 3. Intermediate Repair: Use a masonry wall plug. This is a great method to use when the hole is just worn out and you can’t get a screw that’s big enough to secure it but small enough to fit in the hinge’s screw hole. This will fill the hole back in so that your original sized screws will fit snugly.
STEP 1
Buy your Wood Filler. Be sure to buy filler and NOT wood putty. Filler hardens and can be sanded while putty will remain pliable.
STEP 2
Fill in the damaged areas with wood filler. The wood filler may shrink slightly once it’s hardened so it’s okay to over fill it a little.
STEP 3
Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Until the excess around the whole has had a chance to dry.
STEP 4
Then use your utility knife blade to scrape off just the excess around the screw hole. This will make the sanding area much smaller.
STEP 5
Let it finish drying at the recommended time, according to the manufacturer of your wood filler.
STEP 6
Once it’s hardened you can use a piece of fine grit sandpaper to lightly sand the wood filler until it’s smooth with the surface.
STEP 7
If needed, use a touch up stain pen or paint to match your desired color. Your hinge may cover the damage though.
STEP 8
Once everything has had a chance to dry place the hinge back into position.
STEP 9
Secure with the existing screws, or new ones of your choice.
You're All Set!
Time to break out the champagne and celebrate, not only have you saved money, but you saved another beautiful cabinet set from ending up in the landfill.
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