Cabinet hinges need to work well in order to keep doors closed and secure. But, as time passes, they can become damaged or rusty. Replacing these hinges will allow you to restore the original door functionality.
Knowing the type of cabinet hinge you have will help you decide on a replacement. This is particularly important for the face frame hinges that are used in framed cabinets.
Surface Mounted
Whether it’s due to wear and tear or poor maintenance, a damaged hinge needs to be replaced. It’s important to assess the level of difficulty, cost, and type of hinge that will work best in a particular situation before beginning to repair it. Knowing the correct techniques will ensure that the newly installed hinge functions well and avoids further damage in the future.
Surface mount cabinet hinges are installed on the face of the frame and the door, making them visible and part of the decor. They are commonly used for face frame cabinets and partial or full overlay cabinet doors.
They are available in a variety of styles, from the quintessential traditional hinge to decorative options that can add a contemporary touch. These hinges are a good choice for those who want a simple installation and a traditional look.
There are several different types of concealed hinges, including Euro-style hinges that have a mounting plate that secures to the cabinet and a cup that seats in a circular mortise drilled into the back of the door. They are popular on frameless European-style cabinets but can be used on face frames as well.
Blum also offers a range of “non-mortise” hinges, known as the INSERTA or tool-free hinge mounting type. These have holes that are bored using a template or jig and ribbed dowels that are pre-attached to the hinges and expand into place when screwed in with a manual screwdriver. These are a great option for those who want the look of concealed hinges but don’t have the time or resources to make a traditional mortise.
Mortised
The cabinet hinge types you choose play a big role in the way your cabinets look and function. They affect both alignment and design, so it’s important to understand what each type has to offer before you make a purchase. Choosing the right hinge for your needs can help you avoid damage to your doors and cabinets and save money on repairs down the line.
When it comes to mortised cabinet hinges, there are several types to consider. The most common is the butt hinge, which requires a mortise in both the door and cabinet frame so it can sit flush against the frame when closed. Another option is the free swing hinge, which doesn’t close or latch mechanically and leaves a gap between the door and frame. Finally, there are semi-concealed hinges that sit flush with the cabinet opening but leave a small portion of the knuckle exposed on the outside of the frame or door.
While determining which type of hinge is right for you depends on your specific situation, some factors to consider are the material the hinge is made of, whether it’s metal or plastic, and what kind of wear it will receive from the constant opening and closing of the doors and cabinets. For example, metal hinges are durable and strong but can rust over time. They also need to be secured with the proper length screws.
The right cabinet hinges can help you achieve the perfect balance of design and function while keeping your kitchen looking great for years to come. By understanding the different cabinet hinge types and how to repair them, you can be sure that your cabinets will continue to serve you well into the future.
Inset
Cabinet hinges come in a variety of styles, and selecting the right one can be challenging. You’ll also want to consider the style of your door and other hardware to ensure you have the perfect fit. Fortunately, there are a few techniques that can help you choose the correct hinge and successfully install it.
Surface mount hinges, which resemble traditional butt hinges, are a popular choice. They attach to the frame and the door without requiring a mortise to be cut into the frame or door, making them a good option for simple installation. However, the flat design of these hinges makes them exposed and easy to see, which may not suit every taste.
The other type of hinge is a concealed hinge, which lays flush to mask the location of the hardware and prevents it from being seen when the door is closed. This type is commonly used in face frame cabinets but can also be found on some frameless Euro-style cabinets as well.
There are several types of concealed hinges, including full overlay, partial overlay, and insert. The latter is the most common, and it allows the door to overlay the frame completely. Full overlay hinges are slightly different, as they sit back a bit more than the inset to allow the door to partially overlay the frame.
Another popular type of concealed hinge is the European style, which is similar to the American style but includes additional features. These include side adjustment, which regulates the gap between doors and cabinetry for perfect parallel alignment, and height adjustment, which brings the doors into alignment with the vertical front of the cabinets. This type of cabinet hinge is a great choice for those who like the look of a clean, modern kitchen.
Overlay
Cabinet hinges are available in many different variations that differ in their function and appearance. The type of hinge that is best for you will depend on your preference and the style of cabinet doors you have. Some cabinet hinges are visible, whereas others are hidden from view. Some are made from materials that are more durable than others, and some have different features that make them easier to install or repair.
When choosing the right cabinet hinge, you need to consider the overlay of your door as well as the mounting plate of the hinge. The overlay refers to how much of the frame of your cabinet door is covered by the hinge when it is closed. The size of the hinge will also impact how it functions. For example, some hinges have side adjustment that regulates gaps between cabinets and walls for perfect parallel alignment. They also have height and depth adjustment that enables the door to be set precisely at the top and bottom of the cabinet.
There are several different types of cabinet door hinges, but the most popular is the butt hinge, which consists of two flat plates with a barrel in between them. These are ideal for face frame cabinets with overlay doors. A similar type of cabinet hinge is the semi-concealed hinge, which hides most of the mechanism but leaves a slight portion of the hinge exposed on the frame or door edge. This is a great option for people looking to maintain a traditional look with their new cabinet hardware. Another alternative is the European hinge, which has a slimmer profile and can be used on face frame cabinets with full-overlay doors.
Concealed
Cabinet hinges come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes. Understanding the different options and how to properly install them will ensure the proper function of your cabinet doors. For most homeowners, selecting the right hinge type comes down to style and practicality.
Whether you’re looking to restore a broken or worn-out cabinet hinge or replace it altogether, it’s important to understand what types are available and how they differ from one another. There are a number of different factors to consider when choosing your replacement hinge, including size, visibility, and level of difficulty. With careful consideration and attention to detail, you can find the perfect hinge for your needs.
Surface Mounted Hinges
A popular option, surface-mounted hinges are attached directly to the door without any cuts in the frame or door. These hinges can be used with either a full overlay or inset door and are suitable for both face frames and Euro-style frames. They also offer the added benefit of being able to be adjusted in two and sometimes three directions, helping to ensure the door is perfectly centered when closed.
Probably the most traditional of hinges, butt hinges consist of two pivoting plates with interlocking fingers that form a barrel. One plate is attached to the cabinet, the other to the door. Depending on the style of the door, butt hinges may require a mortise in both the frame and door to prevent an excessive gap.
