Yes, it is possible to add soft close hinges to existing cabinets. Depending on the type of cabinet, the installation may require drilling, but typically it is relatively simple. Soft close hinges work by dampening the force of a door that is closing, so it will close with a gentle gliding motion instead of a sharp slam.
They are great for home and commercial kitchens, as they can help reduce noise levels. Though the installation may take some time and effort, it can be worth it because you will be rewarded with an updated, modern look and feel.
Before installing, take precautions like unplugging power sources, or turning off the water lines and shut off valves. Lastly, make sure to read the instruction manual that accompanies your soft close hinges, as they vary greatly in design, installation techniques, and mounting hardware.
How do you change a regular hinge to a soft close?
Changing a regular hinge to a soft close hinge typically requires replacing the existing hinge with a new one. First, you’ll need to attach the new hinge to the door and the door frame using screws. Depending on the design of the hinge and the setup, you may also need to first use a template for the correct placement and spacing of the hinges.
Once attached, you’ll be able to snap the soft close mechanism into place and affix it to the hinge. The time required to replace and adjust the hinges will vary depending on the type of hinges and the complexity of the door frame.
Finally, if necessary, you will need to adjust the spring tension on the new hinge to the appropriate weight of the door, otherwise the soft-close feature will not work properly.
How do you replace old cabinet hardware?
Replacing old cabinet hardware is relatively simple and can be done using a few basic tools. To begin, you will need to remove the old hardware. This can be done by using a screwdriver to unscrew the hardware, or a drill if the screws are stripped or too tight.
Once the hardware is removed, use a cloth and some cleaning solution to wipe down the area where the new hardware will be installed, and then select the screw hole pattern and size of the new hardware.
To install the new cabinet hardware, use a pencil to mark the position of the screw holes where the hardware will be placed, and then use a drill to drive in the screws for the hardware. Make sure to drive the screws in slowly, and to not over-tighten them.
Once the hardware is secure, you can now enjoy the updated look of your cabinets.
What are the different types of cabinet door hinges?
Cabinet door hinges come in several different types, depending on the type of door and use. Decorative hinges are used to create a certain look and are usually surface-mounted on the exterior of the cabinet.
Self-closing hinges are designed so the door will automatically return to a closed position. Concealed hinges are designed to be hidden within the door itself, providing a cleaner look. European hinges are commonly used on framed cabinets and are usually overlaid onto the face frame.
Full overlay hinges are designed to allow an overlay door to cover the entire opening. Partial overlay hinges are used when the cabinet door does not completely cover the opening and the edge of the face frame remains exposed.
Finally, butt hinges are the most basic type of hinge and are used for flush doors and face frame cabinets.
How do you remove cabinet door hinges?
Removing cabinet door hinges is a relatively straightforward process and can be completed relatively easily.
The first step is to locate the screws used to attach the hinge to the surface of the cabinet. Most cabinet hinges are secured with two screws, so locate both screws and use a screwdriver to remove them.
Determine whether the hinge is held in place with dowels or clips as well — if so, you’ll need to also remove these.
Next, grab the edge of the hinge closest to the cabinet and gently pull it away from the surface. It’s important to be gentle with this, as if you pull too hard you could cause damage to the hinge or cabinet.
Work your way around to the other edge of the hinge, unhooking any clips or dowels along the way. Once you’ve removed the hinge from the cabinet you can set it aside.
Finally, inspect the surface of the cabinet where the hinge was attached and make a note of any holes or defects that need to be filled or covered. Depending on whether or not you plan to reuse the hinge, you may need to fill these holes with some wood putty or patching compound in order to keep the surface of the cabinet looking smooth.
Can regular hinges be converted to soft close?
Yes, regular hinges can be converted to soft close. One option is to use adjustable hinges with built-in soft-close mechanisms. You can also retrofit existing hinges with special add-ons that will make them soft close.
Depending on your budget and the type of hinges that you have, you may need to purchase new soft-close hinges specifically designed to fit your current setup. When purchasing these, it is important to make sure they are the correct size and shape to fit into the same hinge holes.
If you opt to add a soft-close mechanism to your existing hinges, you will need to either adjust the spring tension to increase the speed at which the door closes, or install a special accumulator kit that will pull the door closed slowly.
In addition, you may need to use a shim to ensure that the door opens and closes smoothly. Installing these components can be a bit tricky, so it’s best to consult a professional to make sure the job is done correctly.
Do you need to replace all hinges with soft close?
Whether or not you need to replace all hinges with soft close hinges will depend on the type of cabinet and the desired look and feel you are aiming for. If you are looking for a smooth, quiet closing action then soft close hinges are a great choice.
They are designed to prevent the cabinet door from slamming shut and also reduce the sound of the door closing. Soft close hinges are great for a more modern look as they fit flush against the cabinet door, as opposed to traditional hinges which have a more visible aesthetic.
Replacing all of your existing hinges with soft close hinges may be costly, so it’s worth considering whether some of your existing hinges can simply be replaced with new, more updated hinges. Alternatively, if you’d like the soft close action but need to save on costs, look for converter kits which allow you to convert your existing standard hinges into soft close hinges without the need for replacement.
Can you convert regular drawers to soft close?
Yes, it is possible to convert regular drawers to soft close drawers. You will need to purchase special parts, such as soft-close drawer slides or a drawer adapter that will convert the drawer to a soft-close version.
You will also need some basic tools and knowledge about woodworking to complete the installation of the soft-close drawer slide.
To get started, you will remove the current standard drawer slides from the drawer and then measure and cut the new drawer slides to fit the drawer’s width. Make sure to purchase the correct size of the soft-close drawer slide, as it should match the drawer width.
After the new drawer slides are cut and ready, you can begin to install them onto the drawer and cabinet. Attach the slide to the drawer first, then to the cabinet. Once the drawer slides are securely attached, you may need to adjust the soft-close feature to ensure that it will properly operate.
Once the soft-close drawer slides are installed and adjusted, your drawer is now converted to a soft-close drawer. This conversion is a relatively straightforward process and will not take long to complete.
With the help of the correct tools and parts, you will have a newly converted soft-close drawer in no time.
How do you retrofit a soft close drawer?
To retrofit a soft close drawer, you will need some materials such as soft-close drawer slides, a screwdriver, and a drill with a 1/8 inch drill bit. Start by locating the opening in the cabinet where the drawer slides will fit.
Make sure the drawer slides are adjustable to the cabinet opening. Next, take off the existing drawer slides and remove the screws that hold the drawer side panels in place. Then measure and cut the soft-close drawer slides to fit the existing opening.
Once the slides have been cut to fit, use the drill to make holes in the existing drawers for the screws. Place the drawer slides in the openings and attach them with the screws. Finally, test the drawers to make sure they are securely attached.
Is it easy to install soft close drawers?
It can be relatively easy to install soft close drawers, depending on the type of drawer and your level of experience with home improvement projects. If you are replacing an existing, non-soft close drawer, you’ll need to make sure that you purchase a compatible drawer slide.
Specifically, the weight of your drawer will determine the size of the slide you need. Depending on the existing space, you may also need to measure for drawer slides that can be mounted onto the sides of the cabinet.
For the average DIYer, installing a soft close drawer is typically a straightforward process. You’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely and be sure to measure twice and cut once. You’ll also need basic hand tools such as a drill and screwdriver.
These drawer slides typically come with the necessary screws and mounting hardware, including the soft close mechanism. You’ll also need to know the basics of how to remove and replace cabinet drawers in order to ensure successful installation.
If you don’t feel comfortable attempting the installation yourself, it is also possible to hire a handyman or a local cabinetmaker to install the soft close drawers for you.
Why is my soft-close hinge not working?
There are a few possible explanations why your soft-close hinge might not be working.
First, make sure the hinge is the correct size for the door. If the hinge is too large or too small for the door, the door could be striking the jamb and not allowing the door to soft-close. Secondly, make sure the door and the frame are aligned and properly spaced.
If the door is not closing flush against the frame, the hinge won’t be able to close it properly.
Thirdly, make sure the hinge is installed and connected correctly. If the mechanism isn’t connected properly, the hinge won’t be able to provide enough resistance to soft-close the door. Additionally, if the hinge is installed upside down, it won’t activate the soft-close feature.
Finally, make sure the hinge isn’t clogged with dirt and debris. If dust, dirt and grime accumulate, the hinge won’t move properly or at all. Check for dirt and clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, if necessary.
If none of these solutions resolve the issue, you may need to consider replacing the hinge or seeking out a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
Can I use concealed hinges on partial inset doors?
Yes, you can use concealed hinges on partial inset doors. The best way to do this would be to order partial inset cabinet doors specifically designed for use with concealed hinges. The doors should be made to accommodate the specific types of concealed hinges that you plan to use.
If you try to put them on any generic door, the hinges may not line up correctly and the door may be crooked or won’t close properly. Installing the hinges correctly is important if you want to achieve a finished look that is aesthetically pleasing.
It is also important to use the right screws and mounting plates for the type of concealed hinge you have chosen. When in doubt, it is best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a professional for assistance with the installation process.
How do I convert my old cabinets to soft close?
Converting your old cabinets to soft close is a relatively simple process, but it does require the purchase of the necessary hardware. Before you begin, make sure to measure the cabinets and get the appropriate hardware for your cabinets.
The first step is to remove the cabinet doors, pull out the drawers, and unscrew the hinges from the back of the doors. Next, you will need to install the new soft close hinges that you purchased and screwed into the edges of the doors.
Then, carefully place the doors back onto the cabinets.
You will then need to install the soft close sliders and dampers that will be attached to the drawers. These pieces of hardware ensure that each drawer is soft and quiet when it is closed.
Once everything is installed, all that is left to do is adjust the amount of pressure it takes for the doors and drawers to close. This can be done by turning the adjustment screws on the hinges and dampers.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully convert your old cabinets to soft close, thus making them quieter and more enjoyable to use!
Are soft close hinges worth it?
Soft close hinges are definitely worth it for those who want a touch of luxury and convenience for their home. Soft close hinges help prevent slamming doors, which is much better for preventing injury and ensuring the longevity of furniture.
They also provide a smoother, quieter and more seamless closure, which adds a nice modern twist to your furniture. Additionally, soft close hinges are more aesthetically pleasing since they usually come in a variety of different finishes to choose from and can give furniture a more high-end look.
Most of these hinges are also designed for easy installation and do not require any additional hardware. So if you’re looking for a touch of luxury and convenience in your home, soft close hinges are definitely worth it.