Drilling through a concealed hinge requires patience and a bit of skill. First, you will need to locate the screws and determine which side of the hinge needs to be drilled first. Be sure to mark the screws so you don’t get them mixed up once you take the hinge off.
Next, unscrew the screws on the hinge and remove it from the door. Then, use a drill bit to carefully drill a hole through one side of the hinge. Make sure to drill in straight, so your hole will be cut evenly.
Once you have all the holes drilled, you can reattach the hinge to the door and check the alignment to make sure it is working correctly. If everything is still in order, you can reinstall the screws and the hinge will be installed correctly.
How do you change cabinet doors to hidden hinges?
Changing cabinet doors to hidden hinges is a fairly straightforward process, but it does require some basic tools and a degree of patience. Before you begin, you should research and decide on the type of hidden hinge you would like to use.
And each requires slightly different installation procedures. Once you have chosen the hinges, you will need to remove the existing hinges from the cabinet door. To do this, you will need a screwdriver or drill and a pry bar.
After the hinges have been removed, it’s time to fit the hidden hinges. Start by attaching the hinges to the door first. Make sure they are level and in the correct position. Then secure them to the door with screws.
Once complete, the hinges should securely hold the door in place. Now use the template that comes with your chosen hinges and place it over the drilled holes on the cabinet frame. Double-check the measurements and then securely attach the hinges to the cabinet frame.
Finally, make sure that the door is level and aligned with the cabinet frame and that it opens and closes smoothly.
Can you put hidden hinges on old cabinet doors?
Yes, you can put hidden hinges on old cabinet doors. Hidden hinges, also known as European hinges, are designed to be installed on the inside of cabinet frames, making them invisible from the outside.
Installing hidden hinges on existing cabinet doors requires removing the old hinges and attaching the new ones with specialized mounting plates. Depending on the size and style of hinges you choose, the installation process can be relatively simple.
Start by removing all of the old hinges and screws. Clean the inside of the cabinet door and frame to ensure the mounting plates will adhere properly to the wood. It is important to precisely measure where the hinges will be positioned on the door and frame for accurate installation.
Most hidden hinge sets come with the necessary mounting plates, screws, and installation instructions. Make sure to read the instructions and take your time during installation to ensure an ideal fit.
What is the difference between overlay and inset hinges?
The main difference between overlay and inset hinges is the level of exposure they offer. Overlay hinges are normally used with cabinetry that has doors that open away from the frame, and they partially expose the hinge so it can be seen—generally about ½-inch of the hinge is visible.
Inset hinges are used with cabinets where the doors are flush with the frames, making the hinges completely concealed and not visible when the door is closed. Inset hinges are more difficult to install than overlay hinges, however, because they require exact measurements and perfect alignment.
What are the different types of concealed hinges?
Concealed hinges, also known as invisible or “European” style hinges, are a type of hinge designed to be almost completely invisible when the door is closed. This type of hinge is popular for its visual appeal and ability to provide a cleaner, sleeker look to cabinetry and furniture.
There are three main types of concealed hinges, including full overlay, half overlay, and inset hinges.
Full-overlay hinges are a type of concealed hinge that provides a full flush mount, allowing a door to be completely overlaid and almost completely hidden when the door is shut. These hinges are typically used for cabinets with a standard overlay door and a face frame.
Half-overlay hinges are a type of concealed hinge designed to provide only half of the doorway with a flush mount. The other half of the door remains visible when the door is closed. These hinges are most commonly used when the cabinetry opening is not wide enough for a full overlay door.
Inset hinges are a type of concealed hinge that insets the hinge into the cabinet frame to create a flush mount. The door is then inserted tightly against the frame, providing a nearly seamless look.
These hinges are typically used for inset cabinetry and furniture.
Can I change my cabinet hinges?
Yes, you can change your cabinet hinges. Whether you’re replacing old cabinet hinges or installing new ones, it’s a job you can complete with a few simple steps. Before you begin, decide whether you need to replace the entire hinge or just the moving parts, like the screws, dowels, and knuckles.
Make sure you’ve got the right type of hinges for your cabinets. For example, multiple hinges are required for larger doors, such as pie-cut corners, so choose the correct style. You might also want to spray the hinges with lubricant or consider soft-close hinges for easier access.
Lay out the hinges, screws and any other hardware from the new hinges before you begin. Remove any existing hinges from the cabinet door and the frame. If you are keeping the same hinges, you’ll just need to remove the screws that hold them in place.
Then, take your new hinges and attach it to the door, making sure you drive the screws in flush. If needed, you may need to drill the holes for the screws. Finally, attach the other end of the hinge to the cabinet frame, place the frame over the door and attach the screws.
Once you’ve checked all the hinges, you’re finished and can reinstall the door.
Can you replace old cabinet hinges with soft close?
Yes, it is possible to replace old cabinet hinges with soft close hinges. Soft close hinges are an excellent choice for cabinet doors that open and close with ease, without the loud bang associated with traditional cabinet hinge hardware.
Soft close hinges will reduce the noise of opening and closing cabinet doors and drawers, making it easier to operate them in quiet settings. To replace old hinges with soft close hinges, you will need to first remove the old hinges from the cabinet frame and doors.
Make sure to take note of the position of the screws before removing them. After removal, you can then install the soft close hinges in the same positions as the old hinges. Once they are secured in place, you can then attach the cabinet doors and drawers and check to make sure they are properly aligned and open and close smoothly.
If installing new hardware, make sure the screws are firmly secured and the hinges are tightly closed.
What is a self closing cabinet hinge?
A self-closing cabinet hinge is a type of hinge typically used for cabinets, cupboards, and cabinets that automatically swings the door shut after it is opened. It helps to keep doors securely closed and reduce the likelihood of them being left open.
Some self-closing cabinet hinges have a spring loaded mechanism that causes the door to close quickly, while others only close when the door is pulled closed at an angle. They are typically made of a durable metal material and are designed to provide years of reliable service.
Self-closing cabinet hinges are often available in various sizes and finishes to suit different decorative styles, so they are an ideal option for those looking to add a professional and aesthetically pleasing look to their cabinets.
How do you fix a cabinet hinge that won’t close?
Fixing a cabinet door hinge that won’t close properly can be a tricky problem to solve, but with the right tools and some patience, it can be done. Some of the most common causes of a cabinet hinge not closing correctly are worn hinge pins, misalignment of the hinge, or damaged hinge parts.
To fix a cabinet hinge that won’t close properly, first inspect the hinge to determine if any of these issues are present.
Begin by checking to see if the hinge pins are outdated and should be replaced. If so, insert a new one into the hinge body and tighten it securely. Make sure the pin is sitting flush in the frame of the hinge before continuing.
Next, if the hinge is properly aligned but won’t close, check for any damaged parts. Damage can be caused by age, wear, or poor installation of the hinge. If any parts are damaged or missing, replace them with the precise materials needed for the job.
Finally, if neither of those issues is present, try adjusting the screws on the hinge locks by turning them slightly either clockwise or counterclockwise. Doing this can help adjust the tension of the hinge, correcting any misalignment and helping it to close more easily.
With the right tools and some patience, fixing a cabinet hinge that won’t close properly is a fairly straightforward task. Just remember to inspect the hinge for any worn or damaged parts before attempting to adjust the screws or replacing the pins.
How far should concealed hinges be from edge of door?
Concealed hinges should generally be placed between 4” and 6” from the top and bottom edges of the door, somewhere in the center of the door panel. The exact measurement used will depend on the size of the door, so it’s best to consult with a professional when installing the hinges.
Additionally, it is important to make sure the hinge is installed in the same position on either side of the door to ensure proper alignment when the door is opened and closed.
How many hinges do I need on a cabinet door?
The exact number of hinges you need for a cabinet door will depend on the weight of the door, the material it is made out of and the size of the door. Generally speaking, you should use at least two hinges per door.
If the door is larger or heavier, you may need to use three or more hinges. The hinges should be evenly spaced along the edge of the door. If the door is an overlay hinge or a surface mount hinge it should be placed no more than three inches apart.
If you are using concealed hinges, the correct spacing is even less. For best results, it is also important to install the hinges on the correct side of the door and make sure that they are properly aligned so the door closes properly.