How to Remove Youngstown Metal Base Cabinets

Introduction

Youngstown metal base cabinets are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their durability and classic style. However, there may come a time when you need to remove these cabinets, whether you are remodeling your kitchen or simply replacing old cabinets. Removing metal base cabinets properly requires some work, but it can be done successfully with the right tools and techniques.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through all the key steps and tips for removing Youngstown metal base cabinets safely and efficiently. We will cover topics like preparing for removal, tools you need, taking doors and drawers off, removing screws and nails, dealing with stuck cabinets, and safely disposing of the old cabinets. With the help of this guide, you will be able to take out your metal base cabinets smoothly and get your kitchen ready for a fresh new look.

Preparing for Removal

Before starting the actual removal process, there are some important things you need to do to prepare. Proper preparation will make the removal much easier and prevent any damage to your kitchen.

Clear Out Cabinet Contents

The first thing you want to do is completely empty out all the contents of the cabinets. Take everything out of the cabinets and drawers, including food items, cookware, utensils, shelves, and any other items. It’s important to clear things out so you can access the entire cabinet more easily during removal.

Turn Off Electricity and Water

Make sure to turn off the electricity to any lighting or outlets in the cabinet area. Shut off the water supply as well if there is a sink, dishwasher or any plumbing in the cabinets you are removing. This prevents any hazards or leaks when removing the cabinets.

Remove Doors, Drawers and Shelves

Detach all the cabinet doors by removing the hinges. Take out all the drawers and shelves carefully. Keep all the hardware, hinges and parts together in a safe place, as you may want to reuse them later for installing new cabinets. Label them if needed.

Cover Appliances, Floors and Walls

Use drop cloths or tarps to cover appliances, floors, countertops and walls around the workspace. This protects your kitchen from damage during the removal process. Cover any vents or openings too.

Have Tools Ready

Gather all the tools and materials you will need for removing the cabinets ahead of time. This includes pry bars, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, reciprocating saw, safety gear like gloves and safety goggles, and more. We’ll go over the tools in more detail in the next section.

Tools and Materials Needed

Having the right tools makes removing metal base cabinets much safer and easier. Here are the essential tools you should have on hand:

Pry Bar

A sturdy pry bar is essential for leverage when loosening cabinets from walls and floors. Look for one at least 18” long.

Claw Hammer

Useful for removing stubborn nails holding cabinets in place.

Cordless Drill

For removing screws efficiently. Have drill bits ready.

Wrenches and Sockets

For loosening bolt cabinets hung from rails. Different sized wrenches may be needed.

Reciprocating Saw

For cutting cabinets to disassemble them when needed. Get blades for wood and metal.

Flat Head and Philips Screwdrivers

For removing screws and hardware on cabinets. Various sizes are good to have.

Putty Knife

Helps pry off caulk, sealant and any adhesive between cabinets and walls.

Gloves

Protect your hands from sharp edges and debris during removal. Leather gloves are best.

Safety Goggles

Keep your eyes safe from flying debris.

Dust Mask

Avoid breathing in sawdust and debris during removal.

Tarps and Drop Cloths

Protect floors and appliances from damage during the project.

Trash Bags

For dispose of cabinet debris and parts after removal.

Removing Cabinet Doors and Drawers

Once you have prepped the workspace and gathered your tools, you can start dismantling the cabinets. The first step is removing all the doors, drawers and hardware.

Taking Off Cabinet Doors

• Inspect the door hinges and see if there is a release tab. Push the tab in to detach and lift the door off.
• If there are no release tabs, remove the hinge screws with a screwdriver. There may be 2-3 screws per hinge.
• Carefully lift the door off the screws once loosened. Keep doors with their respective cabinets.

Removing Drawers

• Completely pull out each drawer from the cabinet box.
• On the sides of the drawer, look for small lever clips. Move the clips to release the drawer from the slides.
• Lift drawer up and out. In some cases, you may need to gently pry/wiggle it loose.
• Set hardware aside and label if needed. Discard damaged drawers.

Taking Off Pulls and Knobs

• Inspect cabinet hardware like knobs, handles and pulls for any visible screws.
• Use a screwdriver to remove any screws holding them in place.
• If no screws are visible, carefully pry off the hardware using a putty knife by gently twisting and working them loose.
• Place hardware together and label for reinstallation later if desired.

Removing Screws and Nails

With doors, shelves and hardware detached, now you can start tackling the main cabinet boxes. Kitchen cabinets are typically held in place with screws and/or nails through the cabinet framework into the wall studs or floor.

Finding All Screws

• Carefully examine the interior and exterior cabinet frames looking for any screws. Also check under cabinets.
• Common spots to find screws are along the top, bottom and sides of cabinet sides, as well as the back panel.
• Use a flashlight to see any hidden screws and markings on the cabinets better.

Removing Screws

• Use a cordless drill with the appropriate drill bit to remove the screws more quickly.
• Applying firm pressure, drill screws counterclockwise to loosen and extract them.
• A manual screwdriver works too for screws you cannot drill, just turns more slowly.
• Place screws in labeled bags once removed to potentially reuse later.

Locating Nails

• Look along the top, bottom and side edges for any nails heads visible. Check the back panel too.
• Tap along frames with a hammer and listen for a change in sound to detect hidden nails.
• Look for small holes or marks that indicate where nails might be.

Pulling Out Nails

• Use a claw hammer or pry bar to remove nails once located.
• Slip the claw under the nail head and lever it out. Wiggle as needed to loosen the nail.
• For stubborn nails, use a reciprocating saw to simply cut through and remove the nail.

Dealing With Stuck Cabinets

Even once all screws and nails are removed, cabinets may still be stuck tightly to walls and floors. Adhesive, sealant and paint often creates a strong bond. Here are some tips for getting unstuck cabinets to finally release:

Breaking Sealant Seal

• Run a utility knife carefully along edges to slice any caulk, sealant or construction adhesive.
• Insert a putty knife in the cut and slowly work it back and forth to break the seal.

Prying Away From Walls/Floors

• Position pry bars at upper and lower corners and along frames.
• Apply steady force on bars to slowly pry the unit away from the wall/floor.
• Take care not to damage the surrounding walls or floors when prying.

Using Blocks for Leverage

• If prying alone doesn’t work, place wood blocks under cabinets to act as fulcrums.
• Add a block to lift one side slightly, and then pry the raised edge outward.
• Repeat on all edges, lifting and prying gradually to break the seal.

Loosening With Hammer

• For extremely stubborn areas, use a hammer and block to hammer against the frame while prying.
• This helps vibrate apart the connections locking it in place. Just be careful not to dent or damage the cabinets.

Cutting With Reciprocating Saw

• If no amount of prying works, use a reciprocating saw to simply cut through the points holding the cabinet in place.
• Insert the blade behind cabinets and carefully cut through nails, screws or adhesive trapping it against the wall.

Removing Hanging Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets must be taken down prior to removing base cabinets in most cases. Here is how to safely take down wall mounted cabinets:

Detach Doors and Shelves

• Just like with base cabinets, remove all doors, drawers, shelves and hardware first.

Locate Mounting Points

• Look for screws, bolts or ledgers holding the cabinet to the wall either inside or along the top/sides.

Support Cabinets

• Place a sturdy table or platform under the cabinet to support it before detaching from the wall.

Remove Mounting Hardware

• Remove any screws, bolts or nails at the mounting points. This may require drilling or prying.

Lift Cabinets Off Wall

• With the cabinet detached, have someone help lift it off the wall mounts and onto the support platform.
• Take care as the cabinet may be heavy and unwieldy.

Taking Down Floor-Mounted Cabinets

For base cabinets sitting on the floor, follow these steps to dismantle and remove them once unscrewed and detached:

Cutting Away Kickboards

• Use a reciprocating saw to cut along the seam where kickboards meet the floor.
• Removing these boards allows access to the base frame.

Cutting Away Bottom Frame

• Cut through any adhesive, caulking or remaining fasteners along the bottom frame using a reciprocating saw.

Separating Sections

• Make strategic cuts through cabinet sides and partitions to break the cabinet into smaller, lighter pieces if needed.

Lifting Cabinets Off Floor

• With the cabinet detached from the floor, lift it up onto a platform dolly or furniture sliders.
• You can also simply drag and wrestle it out, but this risks damaging floors and walls.

Final Cabinet Disassembly

Once cabinets are fully removed from the walls and floors, there are a few final steps to break them down further for disposal or reuse:

Removing Back Panels

• Cut through nails, screws and adhesive holding back panels in place from the inside using a reciprocating saw.
• Pry off the detached panels with a pry bar.

Taking Off Hanging Strips

• Remove any hanging rail strips or cleats along the top of cabinets by prying them off or using a reciprocating saw.

Separating Sections

• If desired, cut apart cabinet boxes into smaller sections for easier handling using a saw.

Removing Doors/Drawers

• You can also pry off cabinet doors, drawers and faces to separate all parts fully before disposal.

Cleanup and Disposal

With the cabinet removal complete, it’s time for cleanup and getting rid of the old cabinets safely.

Clearing Debris

Carefully gather all stray nails, screws, hardware and wood/metal debris and place in bags for transport. Use a broom and vacuum to clean up dust and sawdust.

Disposing of Cabinets

Break down cabinet pieces to fit in trash bags/bins. Consider recycling metal and wood components at a facility that accepts construction debris.

Patching Walls and Floors

Repair any holes, dents or damage left on walls and floors using drywall compound, wood putty and touch up paint.

Replacing Caulk/Sealant

Apply new caulk and sealant along the edges and seams where cabinets were removed. Smooth and shape with a putty knife for a finished look.

Conclusion

Removing old Youngstown metal base cabinets is a multi-step process that requires care and patience, but with the information in this guide you now have a detailed roadmap to follow. Always take time to prep your workspace, use the proper tools, and work methodically for best results. Focus on safety and damage control throughout the process.

With some determination and elbow grease, you will be able to completely remove those outdated metal cabinets and open up new kitchen design possibilities. Just be sure to dispose of the old cabinets properly and do any needed repairs once you’re finished. Follow this guide closely and you can have those cabinets out smoothly and efficiently.