Learning how to install cabinet hinges is an important DIY proficiency that will save you a lot of money. With the right tools and careful alignments, installing hinges for cabinet doors becomes a breeze. After a couple of routine hinge installations, attaching cabinets to doors becomes a breeze. So, without prior knowledge of carpentry or woodwork, this beginner’s guide will help you nail that cabinet installation.
However, there are a couple of things to decide before proceeding with a cabinet installation. One is the type of hinge to use for the cabinet installation. The common hinge types are traditional and concealed. The traditional hinge serves a dual aesthetic and door alignment purpose, while the other type is usually hidden.
Something to note about the two hinge types is that the concealed variant requires some woodwork, consequently, more effort. Meanwhile, the traditional hinge type is relatively easier to install.
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Materials and Tools Needed for the Installation of Cabinet Hinges
Without the right tool, every task seem difficult. However, we want to make the cabinet hinges installation easy for you. So, we shall hereafter point out some non-negotiable tools to have when thinking of installing a cabinet door fitting.
A drill set, complete with driver and bits is very important as you would need to drill holes for screw placement. Screwdrivers are equally important, but can be either power-driven or manual. Tape measure will also be needed for measurements while level and rafter square sill ensure door alignment and professional mounting techniques.
For materials, the cabinet hinges are non-negotiable, then wood fillers, painter’s tape and cabinet paint are needed for a sleek finish. If you find that any of these items is lacking in your tool or material kit, get them from local home improvement stores.
When Do You Need to Install New Cabinet Hinges?
You don’t just change hinges for the fun of it, or for the lack of productive activities. So, we shall highlight some circumstances that may warrant the installation of new cabinet hinges or the replacement of old ones.
They include the following:
- Cabinet door fitting for a new installation
- Replacing the mounting plate of a hanging cabinet
- One too many hinges are broken and need replacement
- Your cabinet door alignment is out of place
- Cabinet doors don’t close snugly.
The Differences Between Hinge Replacement and New Hinge Installation
There are considerable differences in the installation process of replacement hinges for existing cabinet doors relative to new ones. For existing cabinet doors, your capability of identifying and measuring hinges will be put to the test.
It is crucial that the damaged or crooked hinge is replaced with a similar or compatible one. For example, it becomes much easier to replace a concealed hinge type if you get a new replica of the old or damaged hardware. Indeed, it is possible to maintain the same dimensions and drill holes for screw placement. In the end, the tools needed for this installation may be no more than a screw driver.
On the other hand, when installing hinges for new cabinet doors, you need to deploy every relevant tool in your arsenal to get the job done. In this instance, you would need to drill holes and determine how measuring hinges can aid smooth alignment of the door and cabinet.
How to Install Cabinet Hinges for Doors
Since the installation of traditional hinges are quite straightforward, we shall highlight the general steps for installing concealed cabinet hinges. During the installation of any cabinet type, particularly hanging cabinets, it is always advisable to ask some someone to help hold the cabinet door.
Here are the generic steps to take for a cabinet hinge installation:
- Using a screwdriver, carefully remove all cabinet doors with defective hinges.
- Remove the old hinges attached to the cabinet.
- Install new adjustable hinges on the door. If the door is too damaged to go back on the cabinet, use a new door.
- Mark the hinge location on the cabinet, and on the door if a new one is coming on.
- Attach the door with the new hinges to the cabinet.
- Add door hardware, like handles, and other necessary or aesthetic accessories.
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How to Determine the Number of Hinges Needed for Different Door Sizes
Hinges often have documentation specifying the number of hinges you need to mount a cabinet door. The door weight and size will help determine the appropriate mounting techniques to adopt for the cabinet door.
To have a rough idea of the number of adjustable hinges required to install a cabinet door, scan through the tips below:
- For a 50 lbs door that spans 92 inches, use five hinges for each door.
- For a 37 lbs door that spans 80 inches, use four hinges for each door.
- For a 26 lbs door that spans 58 inches, use three hinges for each door.
- For a 13 lbs door that spans 36 inches, use two hinges for each door.
In conclusion, if you want to perfect hinges installation without wasting money, materials and precious time, the wise choice is to follow this guide.
