How to Keep Cabinet Doors from Swinging Open
Did you know that a third of all household accidents happen in the kitchen? However, many of these accidents can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to keep cabinet doors from swinging open and causing accidents. Keep reading to learn more!
Why It’s Important to Keep Cabinet Doors from Swinging Open?
There are several reasons why keeping cabinet doors from swinging open is important. First and foremost, opening cabinet doors can lead to accidents and injuries. For example, if a door swings open too quickly, it could get someone smacked or bruised by it.
Additionally, items in the cabinets may fall out if the doors are not shut tightly, creating another hazard for people in the kitchen. What’s more, leaving cabinet doors open often results in excess heat or moisture building up inside the cabinets, which can cause damage to items stored there or lead to mold growth.
Thus, it is clear that keeping cabinet doors closed is essential for both safety and protecting your belongings. So remember always to shut your cabinet door tightly when you are finished using them!
Things You’ll Need
- Cabinet door
- Stopper
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- 1/8″ drill bit
How to Keep Cabinet Doors from Swinging Open Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Determine the Source of The Problem
The first step is to identify why your cabinet doors are swinging open in the first place. If the door is not level, then it is likely that one side of the door is heavier than the other, causing it to swing open. If the hinges are loose, then they need to be tightened. Lastly, if the door is warped, it will need to be replaced.
Step 2: Fixing an Unlevel Cabinet Door
If your cabinet door is unlevel, you will need to adjust the hinges. To do this, you will need a screwdriver and a level. First, loosen the screws on the hinge until there is some play. Next, place the level on the top of the door and ensure it is level. Finally, tighten the screws until the door is level and does not swing open.
Step 3: Fixing Loose Hinges
If you have a loose hinge, your cabinet doors will eventually start to swing open on their own. The first thing you’ll want to tighten the screws that hold the hinge in place. You can use a screwdriver or a power drill to do this. If the screws are stripped, you’ll need to replace them with new ones.
In some cases, the problem might be with the hinge itself. If it’s loose, you can try to tighten it with a wrench. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace the hinge.
Step 4: Fixing a Warped Cabinet Door
If your cabinet door is warped, it will not sit flush against the frame and will swing open. To fix a warped door, you will need to remove it from the hinges and sand down the warping. Once you have sanded down the warp, reattach the door to the hinges and ensure it is level. If the entry is still not level, you will need to replace it.
Step 5: Add a Catch
Another way to keep cabinet doors from swinging open is to install a catch at the top of the door. A catch is a simple device that consists of a plate that mounts to the top of the door and a lever that mounts to the cabinet frame. When the door is closed, the lever catches on the plate, holding the door shut. Catches are available at most hardware stores.
Step 6: Add Magnets
If your cabinets don’t have any metal on them (which is necessary for the magnets to adhere), you can add some metal tape strips to the doors’ back. Once the metal is in place, attach a small magnet to each door using heavy-duty adhesive.
Step 7: Bumpers
If your doors are still swinging open, even with the addition of catches or magnets, you may need to add some door bumpers. Door bumpers are small rubber or silicone discs that attach to the back of the door and make contact with the cabinet frame when the door is closed. This provides a soft barrier that prevents the door from moving. You can find door bumpers at most hardware stores.
Step 8: Latch
If you have a latch on your cabinet doors, make sure it is installed correctly and is tight. A loose latch will cause the door to swing open. You may need to adjust the position of the latch or replace it with a new one.
Step 9: Braces
If your cabinets have particularly large doors or you want to be extra cautious, you can install braces to help keep the doors shut. Braces are L-shaped pieces of metal (or another sturdy material) that fit over the top corners of the door and down into the cabinet itself.
You’ll need to drill holes in the door and the cabinet frame to install the braces, so this is a more advanced project. But if you’re handy, it’s not too difficult to do, and it will help keep those doors shut!
Step 10: Add Chain
If you want to keep cabinet doors from swinging open, you’ll need to add a chain. You can do this by attaching one end of the chain to the back of the door near the top hinge. Then take the other end of the chain and attach it to the cabinet frame. This will help keep the door from swinging open too far and hitting the frame.
Step 11: Add a Door Stop
Locate the stud in the wall behind the door using a stud finder. Then, hold a doorstop in place against the inside of the cabinet door and mark the location of the screw hole on the doorstep. Next, remove the doorstop and drill a pilot hole at the marked location. Finally, screw the doorstop to the stud in the wall to keep the door from swinging open.
Step 12: Trimming
If the doors are still swinging open after you’ve followed all of the other steps, you may need to trim the doors. First, use a utility knife or a saw to remove a small amount of material from the top and bottom of the door. Be careful not to remove too much, as this could cause the door to become misaligned.
Once you’ve trimmed the door, test it to see if it swings open. You may need to trim a bit more material off if it does. Repeat this process until the door no longer swings open.
Step 13: Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and the doors still won’t stay shut, you may need to call a professional. A cabinetmaker or carpenter can help you identify the problem and find a solution that will work for your particular situation.
Now that you know how to keep cabinet doors from swinging open, you can take the necessary steps to ensure that your cabinets remain closed. Follow the steps listed above to find the best solution for your situation. If you still have problems with your cabinet doors swinging open, call a professional for assistance.
What to Use to Make Cabinet Doors Stay Closed?
There are several different options to choose from when it comes to ensuring that your cabinet doors stay closed. Some people prefer simple magnets, while others might opt for more advanced door stoppers or rollers. Whatever method you choose, it is important to find one that provides a tight, secure seal without damaging the door itself.
One option that has gained popularity in recent years is using magnetic catches. These specialized pieces of hardware attach to the concealed edge of your cabinet door and create an invisible holding force on the opposite side. For those who want a clean, modern look, magnetic cabinet catches are an excellent choice.
Additionally, they are fairly easy to install and require very little maintenance once they are in place. So if you’re looking for a reliable way to keep your cabinet doors closed, consider magnetic catches as a smart and effective solution. Keep reading for more information about how to keep cabinet doors from swinging open.
Frequently Asked Question
Why Do My Cabinet Doors Swing Open?
One possible reason your cabinet doors are swinging open is that they are not properly secured. To keep your cabinet doors from swinging open, you will need to install a cabinet door holder. Cabinet door holders are available at most home improvement stores.
What Causes Cabinet Doors to Not Close?
A cabinet door that does not close is often caused by one of two things: the hinges or the door itself. If the hinges are loose, the door will not close properly. This can be fixed by tightening the screws on the hinges. If the door itself is warped, it will not close correctly. This can be fixed by sanding down the door until it is flush with the frame.
Why Does My Door Keep Popping Open?
There are a few reasons why your cabinet doors might keep swinging open. One possibility is that the hinges aren’t tight enough, and the screws need to be tightened. Another possibility is that the door isn’t aligned properly with the cabinet, and you may need to adjust the hinges.
Conclusion
You can keep your cabinet doors from swinging open and ruining your beautiful kitchen design by following these simple steps. Have you tried any of these methods to prevent cabinet door swings? Let us know how they worked for you in the comments! Thanks for reading our post about how to keep cabinet doors from swinging open.
