To improve the look of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, consider replacing the hinges and knobs. Trying to paint old hinges doesn’t work very well, so it’s better to replace them with new hinges.
Take an existing hinge with you when buying new hinges and make sure:
- The screw pattern on the new hinges matches the old ones.
- The offset on the new hinges is the same as the existing ones.
- The footprint of the new hinges matches the old ones.
Watch this video to find out more.
Further Information
- How To Replace Kitchen Cabinet Hardware (video)
- Kitchen Cabinet Upgrade (video)
- How To Adjust Concealed Cabinet Hinges (video)
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Danny Lipford: All right, there you go, there’s your screws.
You know we get a lot of questions about is it feasible to paint existing cabinet hinges. And to tell you the truth, not really, because you still have to remove the hinge. And then it’s best to spray them, if you were going to do that. But regardless you’re going to end up with paint flaking all around the movable parts of the hinge.
And when you think about it, two hinges and a knob like this cost less than five dollars a door—it’s really not worth it.
But here’s something you have to be real careful with. When you’re in the aisles of the home center, make sure you bring with you one of the old hinges, because there’s a lot of differences here.
First of all you want to make sure your screw pattern is exactly the same. You also want to make sure the offset in the hinge is the same. And the footprint on the screws that go into the cabinet itself are the same, that way you don’t have any touch-up, any worry, and when you get to this stage in the game, it makes it go real easy.
I have tried to find replacement hinges for my kitchen cabinets along with screws, I have gone to every home improvement store and wasn’t able to find any. The first screws I tried kept snapping the heads off as I tightened down. It didn’t matter if it was manually tightening or with an electric screw driver. Why does this keep happening? I stripped the hinges with acetone and then sprayed them with a silver paint. Love the hinges now, just not any screws. What kind do you suggest?
We have a house built in 1977, I can’t find hinges that match exactly anywhere! I have bought new ones that were close but they just don’t work quite right the door is not aligned properly anymore. Any idea how to fix this problem?
Can old standard “European” style hinges (circa 1997) be replaced with newer soft-close style hinges? Same with drawer glides: Can they be replaced with the soft-close style?
We have a house built in 1951. I think we have partial overlay type doors. I would like to change the hinges to the standard European style. I like the retro look of our cabinets but would like to eliminate the double roller catch that we have now. Does this sound feasible?
My home was built in 1940 and the kitchen cabinet hinges and pulls are the hammered black ones. I want to replace same pulls with chrome or polished chrome but cannot find the offset hinges or pulls to fit the holes. I really do not want to have to fill the holes to get another kind. Where can I find these? Have seen them in the past but now I cannot find them. Where should I look?
Hi, Julie,
Here’s “Today’s Homeowner” host Danny Lipford’s answer to your question:
“I would say first remove one hinge and check out all of the main hardware stores in your town before looking online. There are many cabinet hardware outlets online such as Restoration Hardware. Good luck with your project!”
I watch you every Sunday morning. I used to help run a construction co. here in Knoxville,TN. I am now my Moms cargiver(87). I lost my dear sweet husband last November. I am trying to sale my house. I am just stressed trying to find replacement wrap-around hinges and pulls for my kitchen and bath. I also am going to replace my laminate tops. Do you have any sources I should check. You two remind me of my sweet dad and me from years ago. Please HELP!!!!!!
Hi, Debbie,
Thanks for watching the show! Our go-to place for home improvements is The Home Depot.
We recommend checking their selection of hinges and pulls and finding the look that works best for the space.
In the kitchen, you have many options for laminate countertops!
You can paint them to get a new look: https://todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-paint-laminate-countertops/
Or spread stone-like texture over them: https://todayshomeowner.com/video/textured-laminate/
Or replace them with realistic granite plastic laminate countertops: https://todayshomeowner.com/video/realistic-granite-plastic-laminate/
These are just a few options!
Here’s how to remove the old countertops and install new ones: https://todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-remove-and-install-plastic-laminate-kitchen-countertops/
Hope this helps!
Do you know where I can find Tell City Chair Company “H” style hinges for a Young Republic hutch that was made about 60 years ago?
Hi, Fred!
We’re opening this question to the TodaysHomeowner.com community.
Any ideas, y’all?
I would like to replace my brass cabinet hinges with satin nickel hinges. I don’t no know the name of what I have, but it is the same type of hinge in your video, “Tips on Buying Replacement Cabinet Hinges”. Mine are self-closing, but all of the ones that I find at Lowes or Home Depot do not fit correctly and cause my doors to have an overlap and will not close. Help!!!
Hi, Janine,
Finding a perfect match for your existing hinge will be a challenge.
Your best bet is to take one of your cabinet hinges with you when buying new hinges and make sure:
-The screw pattern on the new hinges matches the old one.
-The offset on the new hinges is the same as the existing one.
-The footprint of the new hinges matches the old one.
You may have to visit different home centers, and even thrift stores, if you want to find a perfect match for existing hinges.
Good luck!