Soft-Close Hinge Slamming: Why & How to Fix

Soft-close hinges are designed to avoid slamming doors by slowly closing them. Despite this, some people still experience door slamming with these hinges. So, why would a soft-close hinge cause a door to slam, and how can you fix the issue?

Soft-close hinge slamming can be due to a stuck hydraulic buffer, loose or worn-out hinge, lack of lubrication on the hinges, and misaligned hinges. Quick fixes include cleaning and lubricating the buffer, tightening or replacing the hinge, lubricating the hinge, and aligning it.

If you have soft-close hinges on your cabinets and they make a loud slamming noise every time you close them, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people have this problem, and it’s usually an easy fix. Keep reading to learn more about the most common causes of door slam noises and how to fix them.

1. The Hydraulic Buffer Is Stuck

The hydraulic buffer is a small but important component of a door closer. Its purpose is to provide a smooth, controlled closing action for the door.

If the buffer becomes stuck, the door will close with a loud bang. The most common causes of this problem include:

• Dirt and debris. Over time, bits of dust and grime can accumulate inside the buffer, preventing it from working properly.
• Lack of lubrication. The buffer must be lubricated regularly to work properly. If it isn’t, it can become dry and sticky, making it more likely to get stuck.
• Wrong size. If the buffer is too small or too large for the door, it can get stuck.

How to Fix

The best way to fix a stuck buffer is to clean it and lubricate it. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Remove the buffer from the door.
2. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt and debris.
3. Apply a few drops of lubricating oil to the buffer.
4. Reattach the buffer to the door.

Caveat: Replacing a hydraulic buffer requires basic knowledge of carpentry and some understanding of how door closers work. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, hire a professional to do the job for you.

2. The Hinges Are Loose or Worn Out

Another common cause of door slam noise is loose or worn-out hinges. Over time, hinges can become loose due to repeated use. That can cause the door to slam shut when closing, making a loud noise.

Worn-out hinges are another common cause of door slam noise. When hinges become worn out, they no longer fit as snugly as they once did. That can cause the door to move around more than it should, making it more likely to slam shut.

How to Fix

The best way to fix loose hinges is to tighten them. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Close the door.
2. Remove the hinge pin from the hinge.
3. Using a twist tie, a paperclip, or a similar object, slightly bend the hinge pin.
4. Reinsert the hinge pin into the hinge.
5. Open and close the door to test the repair.

Here’s a quick video demo of how to fix a loose hinge:

On the other hand, if the hinges are worn out, you’ll need to replace them. Here’s how to replace a worn-out hinge:

1. Remove the old hinge from the door.
2. Install the new hinge in its place.
3. Use a screwdriver to tighten all the screws.
4. Test the door to make sure it closes properly.

Here’s a cool video tutorial on how to replace a door hinge:

3. There’s Not Enough Lubricant on the Hinges

Any homeowner knows that one of the most important aspects of door maintenance is keeping the hinges properly lubricated. If the hinges are well-lubricated, they should make a soft, quiet noise when closing.

However, if there’s not enough lubricant on the hinges, they can become dry and squeaky. That can cause the door to slam shut when closing, making a loud noise. Not only is this annoying for homeowners and their families, but it can also be a safety hazard.

Here are a few signs that the hinges need to be lubricated:

• The door makes a squeaking noise when opening or closing.
• The door is hard to open or close.
• The door seems to “stick” when opening or closing.

How to Fix

If the hinges are dry, simply lubricate them with WD-40. You can try this WD-40 – 490224 Multi-Use Product (link to Amazon). It’s a great all-purpose lubricant that can help remove rust and grime while also lubricating moving parts.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open the door.
2. Use a cloth to wipe away any dirt and debris from the hinges.
3. Spray WD-40 onto the hinges.
4. Close the door and test it to see if the repair worked.

Note: If you don’t have WD-40 on hand, you can use a lubricating spray or petroleum jelly. Any type of lubricant will do the trick.

4. The Hinges Are Misaligned

If the hinges are misaligned, that can cause the door to slam shut when closing. That’s because the door isn’t able to close properly, so it has to be forced shut.

In addition, misaligned hinges can cause the door to rub against the frame, making a loud noise. Not only is this annoying, but it can also damage the door over time.

Here are a few things that can cause the hinges to become misaligned:

• The door was installed incorrectly.
• The door has been damaged.
• The house has settled over time.

How to Fix

If the hinges are misaligned, you’ll need to realign them. Here’s how:

1. Open the door.
2. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws on the hinges.
3. Tap the hinge with a hammer until it’s properly aligned.
4. Once the hinge is aligned, use the screwdriver to tighten the screws.
5. Close the door and test it to see if the repair worked.

5. The Installation Wasn’t Done Properly

In some cases, soft-close hinges can slam shut because they weren’t installed properly. If the hinges aren’t installed correctly, they can become loose over time. As a result, the door will be able to move around more than it should, making it more likely to slam shut.

If you didn’t install the hinge properly, that could cause all sorts of problems, including:

• The door doesn’t fit snugly in the frame.
• The door is misaligned.
• The door rubs against the frame when opening or closing.
• The door is difficult to open or close.

How to Fix

If the door wasn’t installed properly, you’ll need to hire a professional to fix it. That’s a job for an experienced handyman or carpenter.

However, if you’re feeling handy, you can try to fix the problem yourself. Just ensure that you’re confident in your abilities before proceeding.

6. The Door Is Warped or Misaligned

Another common cause of door slamming noise is a warped or misaligned door. If the door isn’t level, it can swing open too far and slam shut.

Besides your soft-close hinge slamming, here are a few signs that your door is warped or misaligned:

• The door doesn’t close properly.
• The door rubs against the frame when you try to close it.
• The door is hard to open or close.

How to Fix

If your door is warped or misaligned, there’s an easy fix. All you need to do is adjust the hinges and re-hang the door. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Remove the door from the frame.
2. Tap on the hinge using a hammer until it’s level with the other hinges.
3. Re-hang the door and test it to ensure it closes properly.

Extra Tip: If your door is still misaligned after adjusting the hinges, you may need to sand down the door until it’s level.

That said, here’s a video that may come in handy if your door is misaligned or sagging:

7. Something Is Blocking the Door From Closing

If something is blocking the door from closing properly, it can also cause slamming noises when trying to close it. That could be anything from dirt or debris blocking the hinge to a piece of furniture in the way.

Besides your door slamming, here are a few other signs that something is blocking the door:

• The door won’t close all the way.
• The door stops before it’s fully closed.
• There’s a gap between the door and the frame when the door is closed.

How to Fix

If something is blocking the door from closing properly, you’ll need to remove the obstruction. Once you do, it should close properly without making any noise.

In addition, ensure you check the hinges to ensure they’re not blocked. If they are, use a small brush or compressed air to remove the obstruction.

The Bottom Line

Slamming doors are annoying and can be a sign of a bigger problem. If your soft-close hinges are slamming, check the hinges, buffers, and alignment. In most cases, you can fix the problem yourself. But if you’re unsure what to do, it’s always best to hire a professional.

Remember, slamming doors can damage the hinges, buffers, and door itself. It’s important to fix the problem as soon as possible.