Swap noisy cabinet hinges for soft-close ones, or clip on dampers, so doors close quietly without banging shut.
SH-01Check what type of hinge you haveOpen the cabinet door and look at the hinge. Most kitchen cabinets use a concealed cup hinge (a round metal cup sunk into the back of the door). If the hinge already has a small dial or lever on it, it may already be soft-close. If not, you can either clip a separate damper onto the existing hinge or replace the whole hinge with a soft-close version.
SH-02Gather your tools and clear the worktopLay a towel or old cloth on the worktop so you have somewhere safe to put doors and screws. You'll need a Phillips screwdriver, a pencil, and either dampers or replacement hinges to match your cabinet brand where possible, since hinge cup sizes vary.
1 each · Phillips screwdriver 1 each · Old towel or dust sheet SH-03Take the door offMost cabinet doors lift off without unscrewing anything, using a small release catch or screw on the hinge arm where it meets the cabinet. Check your hinge for this before undoing screws. Set the door down flat on the towel, hinge side up.
SH-04Fit a clip-on damper (if you're not replacing the hinge)Clip-on dampers push straight onto the hinge arm near the cup, usually snapping into place without tools. Line the damper up so it sits against the cabinet frame when the door closes, not against the door itself. Push firmly until it clicks, then check it doesn't foul on anything when the door swings.
1 each · Cabinet door damper (clip-on) SH-05Or replace the hinge entirely with a soft-close hingeUnscrew the old hinge from the door first, then from the cabinet frame. Fit the new soft-close hinge using the same screw holes if the mounting plate matches; if it doesn't, mark new hole positions with a pencil before driving the screws in. Don't overtighten the screws, as this can strip the soft chipboard behind the door face.
1 each · Soft-close concealed cabinet hinge 4 each · Chipboard screws (if new holes needed) SH-06Rehang the doorClip the hinge arm back onto its mounting plate on the cabinet frame until it locks. Close the door gently and check it sits flush with the neighbouring doors.
SH-07Adjust the hinge for a good fitConcealed hinges usually have two or three small adjustment screws: one moves the door side to side, one moves it in and out, and one moves it up and down. Turn these a little at a time and close the door after each adjustment until the gaps around it look even.
SH-08Test the soft-close actionClose the door from a few different angles and speeds. It should ease shut gently over the last 20 to 30mm rather than swinging freely and banging. If it's still slamming, the damper or hinge may not be pushed on fully, or you may have the wrong damper for that hinge size.
SH-09Repeat for the remaining doors and tidy upWork through the rest of the cabinets the same way. Collect any old hinges, screws and packaging for disposal, and give the doors a wipe down with a damp cloth to remove fingerprints and dust.
1 each · Cloth for wiping down Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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