How to fix bad Euro-style hinges [video 410]

[@RJ_Taylor]

Props for the “oops” shot of you blowing out the far side. That was just outstanding!

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Haha, thanks! 👍

[@katabrontes]

Peter Millard Hi Peter, Better to use the depth stop when you drill out the dowel as well? Mike

[@theblackmid]

Had a corner cabinet door in my kitchen fall off last week. Ordered the hinge plates, which arrived on Friday, and installed today. Feels even stronger than when it was screwed directly into the wood. Thanks for the instructional video sir!!!

[@shazadali8245]

What a wonderfully well explained video. Simple and to the point. Thank you. I'll get onto that job I've been avoiding now. Think I'm going to be lazy & go for the second method.

[@waynewei3380]

I actually think the quick dirty way is a lot more durable. I would prefer to this method for home fix. Nice video, and thank you for sharing.

[@66journeyman]

You are a wealth of information Peter and a likeable chap. Thank you for all your input over the years👍🏻

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks Wayne! 👍

[@lorenlash9174]

Used the dowel method to repair two soft closing hinges and all went beautifully. My sincere gratitude!

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Glad it helped, and thanks for letting me know! 🙌👍

[@raymefah50]

I've just repaired 2 wardrobe hinges - checked out your video as I was thinking of using dowels but then I read Jason B's post below (3rd method). I remembered I have a box of different sized threaded insert nuts (cheap on Amazon). It was so easy and clean - just a slight drill out of the hole, fit the insert nut and tighten with an allen key and then screw the hinge into it. No cutting or gluing - it took longer to get the tools from the garage than to do the job, brilliant!

[@christinevickers1457]

As someone who almost doesn't know the handle from the bangy bit of a hammer, I'm really impressed with this video. I saw a plate advertised on Twitter, but needed more detailed instructions. Thank you so much. I can feel a visit to a hardware store coming on in the near future.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thank you! Oh, and the bangy bit of a hammer is usually at the heaviest end. 👍👍😂

[@i2_pace757]

Brilliant! So helpful for a lady living alone

[@unbreakblewarrior6123]

Peter my darling you are the best!!! You saved my day , love you my DIY man 🤗

[@mandyleeson1]

Hi Peter, just wanted to thank you. I watched this at the time, but didn't need it. Now I need it, I watched it again - perfect solution!

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Glad it helped! 👍

[@rafaeldel5481]

Fantastic Peter. Door dropped off yesterday. Used the first method, had all the right tools etc and done in about 4 minutes. I subscribed. Thanks

[@electricman5010]

I keep a few varied diameters and lengths of vinyl and rubber hose in my tool box for emergencies , I've used them at times as drill stops. Cut the hose long so that one end rests against the chuck face while the drill bit end is cut for your desired depth.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Always a good trick! 👍👍

[@rebekahwattswashere]

Thank you so much for this video! I was about to go and buy new wall cabinets for my council place. This is a much cheaper fix!

[@markmaguire3830]

exactly what happened to my old cabinet vanity door, in bath, circa 1975. I'll use the dowel method. THANKS, PERFECT!

[@KoKo-kf4nt]

Quick n dirty method (Hafele hinge repair - screw fix) worked a treat for my larger cupboard door. Thank you for your professional demonstration.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Good to know, and appreciate the feedback, thanks! 👍

[@normanboyes4983]

Thanks for that Peter never even heard of the repair plates so that’s a bonus and something ‘learned today’ off my daily task.👍 I have used dowels before but have also had success using two part epoxy putty which goes off in less time than glue takes to dry.😀 The bloopers bear witness ( in small part) to the time taken in putting these videos together.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Haha, thanks Norman! I’ve had 2-pack resin repair pull right out of older cabinets so I generally prefer dowels, but whatever works! 👍👍

[@boldford]

@@10MinuteWorkshop The snag with a conventional dowel is you are drilling and screwing into end-grain. It's far better to use a proper wooden plug.

[@elisagazzera1998]

Thank you so much! I'm from Italy and tried to repair my wardrobe following Italian tutorials, but nothing worked. Very very helpful ❤

[@jaimemontoya9994]

Quite simple and it worked wonderfully. Made the wife happy

[@loriwelz2001]

Thank you so much! I was married or had boyfriends that could always fix stuff but I am single and in between jobs and my jobs were in sales and traveling lots so I was not much of a homebody. I have a person that has helped as a handyman but he would fix her cabinet door and it would always break again. He told me the hardware is just too expensive and hard to find. Woman need to learn more of this. Thank you

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

You’re very welcome, thanks for leaving such a lovely comment! 🙌👍👍

[@telsaw892]

I was aware of the fixing plates but the elegant repair is genius. Great video, thanks.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks! 👍👍

[@victoriacarter6897]

This has helped me loads as this happened to me this morning whilst making my morning brew, this will be my project for today thank you 😊

[@terryjulin5766]

I've watched a number of these repair videos and this is definitely the best. Thank yuou!

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thank you! 🙌 👍

[@dbconstruction7892]

7:44 Subtle. Very subtle. This is why I enjoy your channel so much!

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

😆👍👍

[@robertpearce802]

What an interesting and informative video. I had never heard of hinge repair plates. I can now fix some of my wonky cabinet doors.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks! 👍👍

[@christengemeentemiddenlimburg]

Never heard of these repair plates as well. Thanks for the video Peter!

[@gervanderkamp1156]

Oops, wrong account, but many thanks Peter!

[@kuganpanchalingam7996]

Thank you for this! Very eloquently explained. Just on my way to the DIY shop to repair mine. I'm going to go with the easier choice of the plates.

[@jasonb9607]

A third method which is quick but far less "ugly" than the back plate is to use threaded insert nut. Simply pilot drill holes big enough for the shank of the nut to fit and wind in the insert nut with allen key. Replace the hinge screws using correct size and depth dome head bolts. Use a little threadlock if needed Haven't long been in the industry but find your video's really informative and defiantly helped me improve 👍

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks Jason - haven't heard of that one before, good tip thanks! 👍

[@frameriteairdrie578]

I did that with my cabinet a few years ago. But here (Canada) the insert had an imperial internal thread and the hinge had a metric. I had to get a different screw, but it worked.

[@raymefah50]

jason b - Thanks mate - I'm so glad I read your post. Just repaired 2 hinges this way and it was so clean and quick- excellent remedy.

[@491975aaa]

You made by day Peter - didnt knew it could be so easy to fix... thanks for the video

[@lastminuteflood]

I watched this, brilliant, I knew the kitchen cupboard door needed attention, ordered some dowels from your below list and one of those flat saws. Went down to see how bad the damage was and the bloody door came off in my hands. Quick fix, used some masking tape on the drill to note the depth and also used a couple of rawl plugs as a temporary measure, solid as a rock now, will use your method in the New Year. Thankyou for putting this video up, really helped me, would probably be getting an ear-full from the wife if I had not watched this and been able to immediately fix. Have a good Christmas.

[@ukhomewoodworker848]

This video should be issued as part of the welcome pack for all new build houses such a smart idea using dowels 🙌

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks! 👍👍

[@kishos.k2873]

Was stuck in b&q deciding what to get, went with the hinge repair plate as I wasn’t too bothered ! Thanks !

[@sulemanpeer9433]

Thanks so much, I'm feeling a lot more confident for this exact upcoming job.

[@davidhull1610]

Ten out of ten as usual. Never seen those repair plates before, but they look pretty good. They might keep my old kitchen units going until I get around to replacing them.👍

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks 👍

[@barryirby8609]

I have a set of plug cutters, cheap ones, and make several dozen plugs from pine and bag them. Then when I need one I use the matching drill bit to perfect the hole, install the plug and trim it flush with a chisel and drive in the screw. They hold better than dowels because you are not screwing into end grain. Often use them to repair hinge screws and strike plate screws in pedestrian doors like bedroom doors. Unfortunately done it hundreds of tiems fixing rental houses. Thanks for the heads up on the repair plates, did not know about them. And, you can use a short piece of plastic pipe for a stand off when drill the holes, no chance of it sliding up the bit and ruining your day. Keep a variety of them in a drawer.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

👍👍

[@michaeljacobs8449]

Thank you. My cabinet door is now fixed after a long time. I used the quick and dirty repair.

[@scalewarmachines]

Now that is a very useful video. Perfect for my old kitchen units that I’m going to upgrade, repair and repurpose for the workshop! Thanks Peter.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Cheers Martin! 👍👍

[@photodom2000]

Followed your instructions almost to the letter and surprised myself that it actually worked and I was able to re-fit the hinges and re-hang the door (vertical cupboard door.) I am not in anyway an expert at DIY so thanks for the tips. Now I have an almost full bottle of wood glue left that will probably go off now it has been exposed to air and a bag of 8mm dowels that I have no further use for. Oh well.

[@audraraye9020]

Thanks. Repaired a cabinet door in our kitchenette at work. Used the plate method on Home Depot cheapy cupboards. Was easy peasy with my little cordless drill. Definitely toss original screws and use supplied screws though. Tried with original ones and that caused some confusion then I watched again and you clearly say use supplied screws 😁 Got plates off Amazon.ca 6 plates and screws for about $20.

[@AB-nu5we]

I switched from dowels to plugs for this type of repair. I found that widely varying dowel quality meant that too many of these screwed into end grain failed. Otherwise, it's the same process. And I've had no earlier-than-expected failures when screwing into long grain. Didn't know about the hinge repair plates. That's a good idea too.

[@boldford]

Plugs. . . . .yes! Dowels. . . . Nooooo.

[@eyesalooking]

You could also use an Oscillating Multi-Tool to cut the dowel. (Bosch, Dremel, Fein, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Rockwell, Makita).

[@animationcreations42]

We got a whole kitchen from Freecycle (it has solid walnut doors!) and pretty much all of the hinges had been ripped from the cabinets. I spent a good few hours with the drill and dowels filling all the holes. No doubt they're stronger now than the chipboard from the factory! Now I just need to sand and refinish all the doors, but that's a problem for another year!

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Wow! I think I’d be tempted to whack on some painted shaker-style doors and use the walnut to make something else! 😂👍👍

[@animationcreations42]

@@10MinuteWorkshop If only there was someone who made a video making such doors! 😂

[@colh5910]

I have this very problem in my french cottage so next time im visiting i will be trying the dowel method. Many thanks for the tip. Regards Col.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks Col! 👍

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

option 1 it is. a great vid and well delivered, thanks Peter

[@ukhomewoodworker848]

Great job peter you never stop learning in woodwork 👍

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks! 👍👍

[@whmmorgan68]

Solid British advice. No nonsense.

[@recloakedworkshop]

I actually have one I need to fix on our kitchen sink unit. Used to have a bin in the back of the door so took extra load... Probably going to replace the existing one with a blum and use the dowel version! Thanks Peter

[@hdjg1]

All overlay concealed hinge backplates are set 36mm back from the the front edge of the carcass. Inset hinge backplates are set 36mm + the door thickness back from the front edge of the carcass. The back plate screw holes are always at 32mm centres. The hinge manufacturers base their setting out and fixing centres on the 32mm system ( but not the plate set back for some reason!!) . Hope this helps.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks. The point of measuring & marking them out is hell to get the back to where they were, not where they’re meant to be. Lots of older Ikea and MFI furniture still around that don’t conform to the ‘32mm system’ 👍👍

[@altaf2317]

Excellent video, I never thought I'd be able to fix my cabinets, kitchen cabinet under sink has same problem. Thanks

[@ReclaimDesign]

Great video Peter. I had no idea hinge repair plates existed.

[@canary444]

Many thanks, I've just done the ' dirty ' repair, very simple and fast to do. I got mine from Toolstation this morning but surprised the back plate isn't flat?!still done the job ok. Great video and thanks for the tips 👍 ( love the ending if your video 😂 )

[@Gixer750pilot]

Superb !!! Just had a door in my caravan rip off due to it coming open when moving . This is a simple solution

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

👍

[@node100101]

Hit like to this comment to. give this man a medal in 2024! Well explained, covering all details

[@fj5264]

Amazing video, professionally explained, keep up the good work, many thanks

[@cassidmst]

Thanks for the video, was thinking dowels alright for a repair job on a large cabinet but thanks for tips on things I would have missed

[@rogerprice4504]

Just in time as I was struggling with a refurb for an Ikea cupboard at the weekend. Thanks. it works!!

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Good to hear it! 👍👍

[@1957blaine]

Great video Peter, I used to do a lot of these repairs for stores , the depth stop on the drill is really important I’ve unfortunately made that mistake more than once and caused myself a lot of extra work usually when I was in a hurry , keeps life interesting , Have a great weekend.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks! Yeah, makes for a long old day doesn't it? 😂👍

[@websta40]

So helpfully just finished the first option as my cupboard door just fell off, and I couldn't wait till the morning

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Glad I could help! 👍

[@resultcarpentry5869]

Perfection as always PM - loving the out takes 🤣

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks Gary! 👍👍

[@steenfraosterbro3268]

We all know you're the ruling champ of MDF and track saws, but that you could also act like that.....amazing Peter. I was literally going oopsie daisy when you drilled though that side panel. Soon you will be making a video called "making a shelf for my Bafta".

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Haha - you mean *another* shelf for my BAFTAs, right?? 😂😂👍👍

[@few-ge5cs]

Love the bloopers reel 👍

[@paulmanning9540]

If it’s got another cabinet next door, just drive some 30mm screws right through into the adjoining cab. Or if it’s just had a normal screw, drill it out to 5mm and use a Euro screw back plate.

[@skyrock1]

I find the the near F-bomb blooper hilarious well crafted video

[@oslogutt80]

This is amazing, now I can easily fix my kitchen cabinet.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Glad I could help! 👍

[@fergus1948]

Thank you for this clear and perfectly explained procedure!

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks! 👍

[@joegregory5515]

A good accessory for re-drilling is the Kreg pin drilling jig, easily clamping in place, spot on relocating / spacing!

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Yes, indeed - though I've found some hinges on older cabinets don't align well with the '32mm system' so it's sometimes safer to work off the hinges themselves. 👍

[@GrahamOrm]

Hi Pete. The dowel repair is also handy for internal house doors when the screws have ripped out or been butchered. I would use superglue and activator, never had a come back.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Hey Graham. Good shout - I’d forgotten about that one! 👍👍

[@jmorrow6913]

For the flush cut, sometimes I use a fine hacksaw blade in one of handles that allows the blade to extend out the front, not a hacksaw frame.

[@MatSmithLondon]

I am lazy, plan to use a multitool and some gaffer tape to protect surface!

[@pilgrimmediaproductions7234]

You have explained this very well. Thank you very much.

[@raymondsignore7316]

Thank you... great video. Followed you instructions and the results were perfect. Saved myself a few dollars IF I could even get someone to come and fix it.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks! Glad it helped! 👍👍

[@bobpratt4816]

Clear and concise, very helpful, many thanks.

[@fireblaster9961]

Great video as usual, Been using them metal plates for ages but think I’ll step it up with dowels, loved the out takes

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks! 👍👍

[@Mark-Huigen]

This will come in handy one day! Thanks!

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

👍👍

[@MRPtech]

Thank you for this video. I am about to go with Option 1

[@welshkid12]

Great video as always! That clip of you drilling all the way through really tickled me 🤣🤣

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

😆 Thanks! 👍

[@arrobaolmedo]

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you sir.

[@kpandinu]

always a pleasure seeing these videos. In the past, it was really hard to learn this stuff which we call them tricks of the trade. Like to thank you a lot for sharing your knowledge with us the world.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks Adrian! 👍

[@Kurt19666]

Thanks really useful, simple and easy fix ,just done my kitchen cupboard

[@darrenpaulgreen]

Used loads of the quick and dirty hinge plates in housing association rentals. They used to be available in a white finish, which was a better match for (usually) white carcasses but I only seem to be able to find the galvanised versions now. Maybe a bit a white appliance spray paint to the unfitted plates, at least it would reduce the time in properties.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Cheers Darren - only ever seen them in galv, though haven’t actually used them for many years. 👍👍

[@KabulPb]

Thank you for sharing your great ideas

[@davidmatke248]

Great video as always! It was chock full of great information and tips, but short and to the point.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thank you! Sometimes I just want to get right into it, 10-minutes be damned, lol! 😂😂👍👍

[@DW-hn8bk]

Excellent advice as usual Peter. I am just about to install Blum concealed hinges into your MDF Shaker door design which have a 25mm depth. Blum hinges are not provided with screws and your link to the Amazon is for 30mm screws. Searching for MDF screws these all seem to be for 30mm and above. Please can you advise what are the best screws to use in the 25mm MDF shaker doors and 18mm MDF carcass?

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks David. My link to the Spax screws defaults to 4x30mm, but you can choose your size from the drop-down menu. I usually use 3.5x16 for the hinges, and 4x16 for the hinge plates. 👍👍

[@AngelaYah]

Hi. Thank you for making it. I'll be ordering the plates. I did look at your links in the description as i wanted to give you something back for your efforts. I would have used a direct link to the hinge plates or dwellings from your description. But it felt like a long hunt. I'm sorry i could not order via your own link.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Hi, and thanks for your kind comments. TBH the links are in a section titled ‘used / featured in this video’ so I don’t think it’s too arduous to find, but I appreciate you pointing out your difficulty. This video is a few years old now and I have simplified the layout - KZbin allows us very few formatting options, but we do what we can, and I’ve changed the description to the current layout, which should be easier. Thanks again for taking the time to let me know. 👍

[@phrannymoo]

Love the bloopers.. great informative video..

[@grahambleach]

Handy video. Thanks! I find the depth stops a bit fiddly to set, as they never seem to sit square to the bit. I wasn't sure if I was missing a trick.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks Graham. No, this type of collar never sit square as the setting screw rides in the groove of the bit. Never had or come loose though. 👍👍

[@MrPete20tong]

Great video, great delivery, really useful thanks.

[@N0regretz]

Just what I needed, and well explained, thank you

[@MrSammyse]

Very informative, thanks Peter! Loving the outtakes.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks Sammy! 👍👍

[@tmr2757]

Hi sir , my daughter pulled of the door of the kitchen cabinet tearing down the hinges and pieces of wood. Do you have a video that shows how I can fix this? Putting the pieces back together en replacing the hinge. Thanks and greetings from Belgium

[@Grogster2007]

The plates work well. Thank You.

[@rebeccalg]

Thanks for the video. Incredibly helpful content.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thank you! 🙌

[@mickp]

A really handy video for future use. Thanks. Love your videos by the way.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thank you! 👍

[@royalflush1964]

Peter, there are also plastic inserts that you can buy. Drill out the hole larger like with the dowel, insert the plastic parts and re screw the hinge in place 😀

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks Damien.Yes, nylon dowels - I've had them pull clean out, so always prefer to glue a beech one in, but whatever works! 👍

[@fuzzy1dk]

on some Ikea hinges the plastic inserts are standard

[@Nathan-H]

Great video that solves a problem im likely to come up against. So thank you. One question though. When you set the depth stop on the drill bit did you set the screw into the chanelon the drill bit?

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks! Yes, these type of stops/collars the screw sits in the fluting; you can sometimes get the screw to sit on the outside ridges, but it’s more of a fiddle to set up. 👍

[@crunchynuts793]

Really well presented video buddy... Very easy to follow and watch! 👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thank you! I enjoyed your old movies too! 👍😂

[@andrejzizek4290]

Lifesaver! Thank you. Excellent video.

[@danrowley5401]

Repair plate . Very helpful , Thank-you

[@geoffhayday6003]

Great video as usual. Worth cutting the dowel before tapping it in though?

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Thanks! I find it easier to cut them afterwards tbh, but whatever works! 👍👍

[@alan36753]

Useful for full size house doors too

[@palangikai]

this is just what i need. awesome video

[@dragoncomber]

Excellent explanation.