How To Fix A Wobbly Cabinet

How To Fix A Wobbly Cabinet

Hanging a cabinet on a wall shouldn’t be a risky business but quite frankly, it is. Just recently, one of the cabinets in my kitchen came loose and I kept putting off doing something about it. That was a mistake I won’t make again because a few nights later, there was an almighty crash and the entire thing was litter hanging by a thread!

If you’re facing a similar problem in your home and have been wondering how to fix a wobbly cabinet then this article has got you covered.

Reinforcing a wall cabinet involves a relatively detailed process but one that is worth your time. You’ll need to make sure that the installation is correct and that wall studs have been made use of.

So, without further ado, let’s look at how you can breathe new life into that sagging, wobbly old cabinet without having to replace your entire kitchen!

Why Do Wall Cabinets Sag And Wobble?

The main reason that cabinets begin to wobble, come loose or even come away from the wall completely is because of a bad installation in the first place. Before we go any further, it’s worth pointing out that, for the initial installation, hiring someone who knows what they’re doing is a good idea if you are in any way unsure of how to do the work yourself. It’ll just save you hassle down the line.

Generally speaking, wall cabinets are installed by attaching screws into the wall studs as this is the best way to ensure everything stays exactly where it should be. The screws need to be right in the centre of the stud and yet sometimes, people miss them or just catch the edge which will cause the cabinet to start wobbling sooner rather than later.

Over time, and as you use the cabinet, putting items in and weighing it down, it will begin to dislodge. It’s super important to get on top of this before things get worse because as we’ve already seen, it doesn’t take much for the whole thing to come tumbling down.

Step By Step Guide On Reinforcing A Wobbly Cabinet That Is Coming Away From The Wall

I’m not going to sugar coat it; this job will take a little time and effort but then, it’s hardly the most complex DIY project either. Just make sure that you dedicate the time to ensure that it’s all done correctly, that way, you won’t need to worry about having to come back to it down the line.

Before you start the steps, it’s important to give the cabinet the once over and check for any loose or worn screws. It can be tempting to simply drill these back into place but they’re only going to make the problem worse so just get rid of them.

Step 1

Start by taking a putty knife and inserting this into any loose joints or cracks. This will allow you to remove any dried glue, bits of wood and other types of debris.

Step 2

You’re now going to need to hold the cabinet and push it back so that it meets the wall. This may require a little bit of force and if you need to, there’s no shame in asking someone to help you as you’re going to need to use one hand to hold it in place and the other to measure so having two pairs of hands can be useful.

Once the cabinet is in place, you will need to measure the distance between the worktop or floor and the bottom of the cabinet. You’ll then need to use your mitre saw to cut two studs of that length although we would suggest giving yourself half an inch extra just to be on the safe side.

Step 3

Now locate any cracks or loose joints and inject some glue into these before putting the studs vertically and with a slant underneath the front of your cabinet. Using your hammer, you can now gently tap the bottom of the studs which will force the cabinet back to its original position.

Step 4

Next, you’re going to need your drill and a 3/16 inch drill bit. Using a cordless drill is the most convenient as you won’t be hindered in any way by the wire but a corded drill is acceptable if that is all you have.

You can now drill into the front part of the cabinet at any location where you used glue earlier on. You might also drill into other points around the cabinet in as many places as possible as this will boost the reinforcements. Once you’re done, use a ½  inch drill bit to make ¼ inch countersinks in each hole.

Step 5

Next, you’re going to take 1.5-inch screws and drive these into the holes you created before adding a small drop of glue into your countersinks. You can then drive a wood plug into it using a hammer.

Step 6

The next step requires you to find the location of the installation screws. Normally, you will see a rail made from wood that runs along the top back part of the cabinet, here you’ll see up to three screws. You’re going to want to install additional screws at either side of the existing ones and make sure to feel for the stud. When you hit it, you’ll know as the screw will become more difficult to drive in. But push on because this is what will hold everything in place and remove any wobble.

Step 7

After 24 hours, which is enough time for your glue to dry, you can come back and remove the props from underneath the cabinet. This is also an opportunity to put the final touches to the cabinet by removing any excess on your wood plugs, sanding and staining.

Conclusion

There’s nothing more annoying, or potentially dangerous than a wobbly wall cabinet but so many of us are guilty of ignoring the problem until it’s too late. But do you know how to fix a wobbly cabinet? By reinforcing the cabinet, replacing worn screws and securing it back to the wall, you will get rid of any wobble and remove the chances of the cabinet falling.

How To Fix A Wobbly Cabinet
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