Cabinet Adjustment Tips

KraftMaid Cabinetry designs much of its cabinetry to be adjustable by you, the homeowner. Over years of normal use, some screws and hinges may need to be tightened, or drawers and runners adjusted for peak performance.

Use the tips below to learn how to adjust kitchen cabinets.

Adjusting Cabinet Hinges

We construct our cabinetry with several types of durable, high-performance hinges that will operate smoothly and silently for years. Periodically tighten hinge screws because they can loosen over time with normal use. You can also adjust cabinet door hinges for an exact fit and like-new operation. Find detailed instructions on adjusting cabinet hinges in our Installation, Care & Cleaning Guide.

How to Adjust Drawer Fronts

WOOD DRAWER BOX

If a drawer front looks crooked, first measure the drawer front at each end to see if the height is the same. If not, slightly push the adjustment tab on the lower side towards the back of the drawer. To move a drawer front forward or back, you can rotate the tilt adjustment dial on the rear of each drawer to tilt the top of the drawer front forward. Rotate counterclockwise to raise back of drawer. Note: KraftMaid® drawer front adjustment can only be made PRIOR to installing decorative hardware (handles or knobs).

METAL DRAWER BOX

Again, first measure the drawer front at each end to see if the height is the same. If not, remove cover plate on the inside of the metal drawer box. Inside will be two screws, one for up and down adjustment, and the other for adjusting the drawer front right to left.

How to Adjust Drawer Slides and Runners

We construct our cabinetry using several types of self-adjusting drawer suspension systems. The drawer function and, in some cases, the options chosen by the purchaser determine the runner type used.

• Sidemount runners (used only on certain roll-out trays and desk knee-drawer cabinets)
• Full-extension undermount runners with buffer system
• Full-extension sidemount runners (used on drawer storage, desk double-file drawer and base pantry pull-out cabinets)

We equip sidemount runners with self-adjusting rear mounting clips. If roll-out trays rub or bind, remove the tray and check the position of the screws in the runner, as well as in the cabinet. You may need to retighten these screws to eliminate any interference or chafing.

Like sidemount runners, undermount runners come with self-adjusting rear mounting clips.

The ball-bearing-action undermount suspension system is galvanized. This precision runner also has self-adjusting rearmounting clips. One additional adjustment is possible with this system. To raise the drawer, simply move the orange lever on the front retainer clips back until the drawer is at the proper position. This is located on the underside of the drawer. To lower the drawer, move the gray levers forward until achieving the appropriate position. You can find illustrated instructions for this process in our Installation, Care & Cleaning Guide.

Accessory Adjustments

We offer one of the most comprehensive line of storage solutions available. With more than 200 intelligent, attractive options, you're sure to find everything you need – and a place for everything you have. After installation, you may need to make a few final adjustments. Download our Installation, Care & Cleaning Guide for instructions on how to adjust Lazy Susan cabinet door hinges, wastebaskets and more.

How to install and replace under cabinet lighting

Whether used to highlight collectibles or to illuminate a countertop, our low-voltage under cabinet lighting is an excellent and economical lighting source. To replace a bulb, make sure you turn it off and allow the bulb to cool completely. Remove the plastic lens ring by turning it slightly and pulling downward. Firmly grasp the miniature xenon bulb and pull it from the base in a horizontal motion. Oil from the skin can cause premature bulb failure, so grasp the new bulb with a tissue and insert the bulb into the fixture base. Replace the lens ring. Installation is now complete. Suitable replacements are 10- or 20-watt halogen bulbs.

Talk to Us

If you have any questions about how to clean or care for your KraftMaid cabinetry, please don't hesitate to contact us. Call our toll-free consumer line at 1-888-562-7744, contact us on Facebook or Twitter, or use our convenient contact form to email us directly.