New Cabinet Doors

Tools:

Phillips or flat-head screwdriver
power drill
drill bit for boring flat-bottomed holes
level
safety glasses
tape measure
nail
new doors and hinges with screwsSteps:

1. Unscrew the hinges holding the old doors in place and remove them.

2. Measure from the edges of the doors and mark points for the hinges. In this case it was 3-1/2 inches, but use whatever matches your existing doors.

4. Mark drill holes by pressing a nail through the template (leaving a mark in the wood where you should drill) or use a pencil.

5. Put on safety glasses. If using European pocket hinges, drill flat-bottomed holes using a special drill bit (figure B).

6. Switch to a small drill bit and drill pilot holes for mounting screws, making sure you don't drill through the other side of the door. Mark the drill bit with a piece of tape so you drill only far enough for the screws (figure C).

7. Secure the new hinges in position by hand, using a screwdriver rather than the drill to tighten the screws. Repeat the process for all the hinges.

8. Position the door in front of the cabinet where it will hang, and hold the hinges flush against frame. Use a level to make sure the doors are mounted straight.

9. Mark and drill pilot holes (don't use the old holes) in the cabinet frame (figure D), and secure the hinges with screws.