How to Adjust Refrigerator Doors

Updated: Jun. 02, 2023

This simple repair takes only a minute

FH05MAR_REFDOO.01-2Family Handyman
Straighten a crooked fridge door in less than five minutes. You save money too by stopping cool air leaks around the door.

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Straighten the door by adjusting a hinge

Photo 1: Loosen the hinge bolts

Loosen the hinge bolts slightly with a wrench.

Photo 2: Retighten the bolts

Straighten the door and retighten the bolts.

A sagging refrigerator or freezer door doesn’t just look bad. It can cause the door gaskets to seal poorly, and that means your fridge will work harder to keep the milk cold. It can also lead to frost buildup in the freezer. To realign the door, just pry off the hinge cap and loosen the hinge screws. Then align the door with the top of the refrigerator. Adjust only the top hinge to straighten an upper door. To realign the lower door, adjust the middle hinge. Moving the middle hinge will affect the upper door, so you may have to adjust the top hinge afterward.

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

  • Socket/ratchet set