Tallsen Hinge Features

Cabinet Door Hinge Installation: A Guide on How to Install Hinges

Cabinet door hinges, also known as hinges, play a crucial role in connecting our cabinets and cabinet doors. They are essential hardware accessories that experience significant pressure as we open and close the cabinet doors multiple times a day. However, many people find it challenging to install cabinet door hinges after purchasing them. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing cabinet door hinges.

to Cabinet Door Hinge Installation Method:

Before we delve into the installation process, let's familiarize ourselves with the different installation methods and techniques:

1. Full Cover Installation:

This method involves the complete coverage of the side panel of the cabinet body by the doors. There should be a small gap between the doors and the side panel, ensuring safe opening and closing.

2. Half Cover Installation:

When two doors share a cabinet side panel, they require a minimum gap between them. In this case, the coverage distance of each door is reduced, and a hinge with a bent hinge arm is needed. The bending curve typically measures 9.5MM.

3. Inside Installation:

This method places the doors inside the cabinet, adjacent to the cabinet's side panel. It also requires a gap for safe door opening. To achieve this, hinges with highly curved hinge arms measuring 16MM are necessary.

Hinge Installation Procedure:

1. Hinge Cup Installation:

Begin by fixing the hinge cup using screws. Make sure to use self-tapping screws with flat countersunk head chipboard. Alternatively, you can opt for tool-free installation. Press the eccentric expansion plug into the pre-opened hole on the entry panel using your hands. Then, twist the decorative cover to secure the hinge cup. The same steps should be followed when uninstalling.

2. Hinge Seat Installation:

To install the hinge seat, you can use screws, preferably particleboard screws or European-style special screws. Alternatively, utilize pre-installed special expansion plugs for a more secure fitting. Another installation option involves the press-fit method. Use a specialized machine for hinge seat expansion and press it directly into place.

3. Cabinet Door Hinge Installation:

For a tool-free installation, connect the hinge base to the hinge arm's lower left position. Then, snap the hinge arm in place and press it gently to secure it. To open the door, lightly press the empty space on the left side, and the hinge arm will release.

Over time, cabinet door hinges may encounter rusting or affect the tight closure of the door. In such cases, it is recommended to replace the hinge with a new one for enhanced confidence and functionality.

Tips for Cabinet Door Hinge Installation:

1. Minimum Door Margin:

Determine the minimum door margin required between the cabinet doors to prevent them from clashing. The minimum door margin should be selected based on the hinge type, hinge cup margin, and door thickness.

2. Number of Hinges:

The number of hinges required for the door panel depends on its width, height, weight, and material. Conduct installation experiments to determine the appropriate number of hinges. For instance, a door panel with a height of 1500mm and a weight between 9-12kg should typically have three hinges.

3. Hinge Adaptation to Cabinet Shape:

Cabinets with built-in rotatable pull baskets require hinges that can securely attach the door panel and the door frame. Additionally, hinges for such cabinets must have sufficient curvature to allow the door to open to an appropriate angle for easy access to items.

4. Hinge Installation Method:

Different door panel and side panel configurations call for specific installation methods. Full cover doors entirely cover the side panels, while half cover doors share a side panel and embedded doors are set inside the cabinet.

Door Hinge Classification:

Door hinges can be classified based on several factors:

1. Base Type:

Hinges can be detachable or fixed, depending on the base type.

2. Arm Body Type:

Hinges can have slide-in or snap-in arm body types.

3. Door Panel Coverage Positions:

Hinges are categorized as full cover, half cover, or built-in based on the position of the door panel concerning the side panel.

4. Opening Angles:

Hinges have different opening angles, including 95-110 degrees (commonly used), 45 degrees, 135 degrees, and 175 degrees.

5. Hinge Types:

Different hinge types include one-stage force hinges, two-stage force hinges, short-arm hinges, 26-cup miniature hinges, marble hinges, aluminum frame door hinges, special angle hinges, glass hinges, rebound hinges, American hinges, damping hinges, etc.

6. Usage Areas:

Hinges are used in general applications, spring hinges, door hinges, and other specialized hinge categories.

Hinge Installation Tips:

Here are some tips to keep in mind during hinge installation:

1. Minimum Clearance:

To avoid interference, determine the minimum clearance required for the door's side when opened. Consider the door thickness, hinge model, and hinge cup hole edge distance.

2. Minimum Gap for Half-Cover Doors:

When two doors share a side panel, the total gap should be twice the minimum gap, allowing both doors to open simultaneously.

3. C Distance:

The C distance refers to the distance between the door edge and the plastic cup hole. Each hinge has a maximum C distance, affecting the gap size. Wider C distances result in smaller gaps.

4. Door Coverage Distance:

Door coverage distance refers to the distance covered by the side panel when the door is closed.

5. Clearances:

In the case of full cover doors, the gap refers to the distance from the outer edge of the door to the outer edge of the cabinet. For half cover doors, the gap is the distance between the two doors. In inner doors, the gap measures the distance from the outer edge of the door to the side panel of the cabinet's inner side.

In conclusion, the installation of cabinet door hinges is a relatively simple process. With the right guidelines and tools, you can confidently install hinges without professional assistance. However, if you feel unsure about the installation steps outlined above, it is advisable to seek professional help to avoid any issues or complications that may arise from improper installation.