ᐅ How can I free stuck Ikea Metod cabinet doors?

Good morning everyone, I am currently facing an issue where some doors of my Ikea Metod kitchen cabinet are stuck and very difficult to open. The hinges are original Ikea, but I suspect the doors may have warped or the installation is no longer perfectly aligned. My specific question is: How can I gently but effectively free or release the stuck Ikea Metod cabinet doors without damaging the fittings or the door fronts? Does anyone have tips for a simple approach or tools that have proven useful in such cases? I have already tried carefully pulling and prying the door slightly, but I want to avoid taking any risks. Thanks for your experiences!

Hello, first try loosening the screws on the hinges slightly to give the door a bit more movement. Then you can carefully remove the door. Usually, the problem is caused by the hinge itself sticking.

Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

- First, carefully align the door on both hinges. Check if the mounting screws are loose or need tightening.
- Then slightly loosen the hinges (do not remove the screws completely) to allow some movement of the door.
- Sometimes the door sticks because it was installed too tightly or wood swelling reduces the gap.
- To remove the door, simply lift it from the top and pull it away from the lower hinge bracket.
- If that does not work, a thin plastic wedge tool can help widen the gap without damaging the surface.

It is important to work with gentle force to avoid damaging the coating or edge.

An interesting point I would like to add: I often see people applying a lot of force and levering immediately, which damages the paint and the edges of the doors. Before going after the screws, you should consider whether the problem might be caused by warped door fronts or moisture that caused the wood to swell. In that case, the issue could be resolved by allowing the door to dry longer and adjusting it, instead of removing it by force.

Thanks for the tips so far. I am actually noticing slight swelling at the edges, which explains why the door has become harder to open and close. Regarding the procedure: How do you recommend loosening the hinge screws exactly? Is it better to slightly loosen all the screws evenly or just those on a specific hinge? Is there an order to follow? And which tools work best to avoid slipping and damaging the screws?

Always carefully loosen screws with a properly fitting Phillips screwdriver. It is most effective to first slightly loosen the upper hinge screws, as these are often the ones holding the door too tightly. Then, adjust the lower screws accordingly. This creates some play without making the door completely unstable.