2024-08-30
How Can I Tell Which Hinge I Have In My Kitchen Cabinet?
When replacing kitchen cabinet hinges, several factors must be considered to ensure you choose the right replacement. This can make it difficult to determine which hinge is the correct fit. This page is here to guide you through the process, providing all the information you need to make an informed decision as you explore our extensive selection of eccentric hinge.
Door Opening Angle
The door's opening angle refers to how far it swings out from the cabinet. The most common angles range between 95° and 110°. However, for corner units, the angle can be as wide as 170°, while half doors that close into a corner may have a smaller angle of 40° to 50°.
Cup Hole Diameter in the Door
It's essential to measure the diameter of the hole in the door where the hinge is installed. Common diameters are 26mm, 35mm, or 40mm for larger hinges. Be sure to measure the hole itself, not the hinge, as the hinge might be slightly smaller than the hole.
Hinge Overlay Options
There are three common types of hinge overlay:
Full Overlay: The door fully covers the cabinet carcass end when closed.
Half Overlay: Two doors are positioned on either side of a single cabinet carcass.
Inset Overlay: The door sits flush with the front edge of the cabinet carcass when closed.
Hinge Mounting Plate Connection
It's important to check how the hinge attaches to the cabinet carcass. Most hinges connect in one of two ways:
Clip On: Common in kitchens, these hinges easily 'clip' onto the mounting plate on the cabinet side, requiring no screws for attachment.
Slide On: These hinges 'slide' onto the mounting plate and then need to be secured with screws to hold them in place.
Carcass and Door Thickness
It's important to consider the thickness of both the door and the cabinet carcass, as this will determine the appropriate size of the mounting plate. Standard thicknesses are usually 15/16mm or 18/19mm, but other sizes are available, including specialized plates for glass and plastic doors.
Understanding Hinge Terminology
The world of woodworking, especially when it comes to cabinets and hinges, is filled with specialized terminology. Our goal is to clear up any confusion that might arise from unfamiliar terms. We hope this directory helps you gain a better understanding and increases your knowledge on the subject.
270 Degree Hinge
A 270° hinge enables the cabinet door to swing open a full 270 degrees, allowing it to fold completely against the outside of the cabinet wall. This range of motion is possible only with a frameless full overlay cabinet design.
Architectural Hinge
Architectural hinges are typically made from heavier materials to withstand frequent use without wearing down. They are commonly used in commercial construction projects.
Butt Hinge
A Butt hinge is recessed into both the door and the door frame, allowing it to sit flush with the surfaces. It connects the edge of the door to the edge of the door frame.
Clip on Hinges
Clip on hinges attach to the base plate by snapping into place, unlike slide on hinges that are pushed onto the base plate and secured with a screw along a channel. Clip on hinges are a feature of some concealed European hinges and are typically found in higher quality cabinetry, while slide on hinges are more common in budget-friendly furniture.
Concealed Hinge
A concealed hinge is designed so that no parts are visible when the door is closed, providing a clean and seamless look.
Continuous or Piano Hinge
A continuous hinge, also known as a piano hinge, is a sturdy hinge that runs the entire length of the moving part to which it is attached, offering even support along the entire length.
Double Acting Spring Hinge / Double Action Spring Hinge
A double acting spring hinge allows a door to swing in both directions and automatically returns it to a closed position after being opened.
Free Swinging Hinge
A free swinging hinge allows the door to move freely from open to closed without any spring or self-closing mechanism.
Knife Hinge
A knife hinge is a pivot hinge that resembles the blades of a knife, with one hinge placed at the top edge and another at the bottom edge of the door.
Knuckle of a Hinge
The knuckle is the enlarged part of a hinge where the pin is inserted, holding the two halves of the hinge together.
Leaf of a Hinge
The leaf refers to one of the two movable plates of a hinge. When fastened together by the hinge pin, they form a complete hinge.
Loose Pin Hinge
A loose pin hinge features a removable pin, allowing the two leaves of the hinge to be separated.
Piano Hinge
A piano hinge, also known as a continuous hinge, extends the full length of the moving part to which it is attached. It is often used for piano benches, chests, or boxes requiring full-length support.
Pie Cut & Kidney Hinges
Pie cut and kidney hinges are specialized hinges designed for folding doors in cabinets with a Lazy Susan. These hinges allow smooth opening and closing of the folding doors.
Residential Hinges
Residential hinges are typically used in housing developments for lightweight doors. Made of thinner material than architectural hinges, they are available in fewer types, sizes, and finishes.
Slip on Hinge
Slip on hinges are concealed hinges where one part of the hinge is fastened to the other by sliding them together and then securing them with a screw.
Wrap Around Hinge
Wrap around hinges provide additional attachment strength by wrapping around and attaching to the back edge of the door and/or the face frame. The number of bends in the hinge determines whether it is a full wrap or partial wrap around hinge.
Filta offers an impressive range of 2 way hinges and clip on cabinet hinges designed to accommodate diverse entry systems. If you're considering the benefits of incorporating soft close clip on cabinet hinges into your setup, explore Filta for a myriad of options. Your future adjustable self closing hinges is within easy reach with just a click!
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