Wishing to change your cabinets but you have no idea where to start? How about learning how to install cabinet hinges. Cabinet hardware’s primary purpose is function, however these small details are key for its correct performance. Therefore it is vital for you to learn how to install cabinet hinges.
Cabinet hinges are the unsung heroes of kitchen cabinetry. Every time you open and close the doors of the cabinets in your kitchen, these hinges make sure the process is smooth and efficient.
Installing cabinet hinges can be an intimidating task, especially if this is your first time doing so. But it is a skill that you’ll be glad you know how to do. With the right tools and the correct procedure, anyone can learn how to install cabinet hinges. Once you know how to install cabinet hinges, you can change again and again the style of your cabinets until you are completely satisfied.
How to Install Cabinet Hinges FAQs
Where should cabinet hinges be placed?
The cabinet door hinges should be placed at least 1 1/2 inches to two inches from the top of the edge of the cabinet. Alignment with the edge of the cabinet will greatly depend on the type of hinge. They could be set flush with the edge of the cabinet face or 1/4 inch from the edge.
Which way do you install hinges?
Install them on the right-hand side if you want the door to open outward with the knob on the left-hand side of the door. Right-hand hinges get installed on the left-hand side of the door if you want the door to open outward with the knob on the right side of the door.
Do you put cabinet hinges on the door or frame first?
If you are working with hinges that stay together as one piece, attach them to the door before you attach them to the cabinet. Some hinges will come into two pieces and you’ll attach one to the door and one to the cabinet itself.
How to install soft close hinges?
Soft close hinges are installed the same way as all European hinges. The only difference is the type of hinge you’ll choose. Head over to our catalog for soft close hinges to choose the best one today. We also do hinge customizations.
How many hinges per door do you need?
Generally, cabinet doors that are 24 inches tall will need two hinges, each installed 5 inches from the top and bottom. Taller or thicker doors may need an additional middle hinge to give the door stability.
How to measure hinges?
You can measure cabinet and wardrobe hinges using the length/width method or by measuring the cabinet overlay.
How to prepare cabinets and doors prior to installing hinges?
- Determine the size and number of cabinet hinges you need by measuring the size of the hinges already installed on the door. If it is a new door/cabinet, its size should give you an idea of what kind and size of the hinge you need.
- Prepare the door for installing the new cabinet hinges by removing the doors from the cabinet. To do this, simply unscrew the existing hinges and lift the door off the cabinet.
- Remove all the hinges already present on the door by unscrewing them off.
- Fill the old screw holes with dowels or toothpicks glued inside the hole. Once the glue is dry, cut the dowels or toothpicks flush with the surface of the door and sand the area smooth.
- If you want to refurbish or paint the door, do this now before installing the new hinges.
How to Install Cabinet Hinges
Mark the Door and Place the Hinges
Use a pencil and tape measure to mark the areas of the door where you want to install the hinges. Once the marks are in place, lay down the hinges on those marks so they are flush against the inside and outside of the cabinet.
LEXIVON 25Ft/7.5m AutoLock Tape Measure
Firm grip Anti-skid high impact rubberized ABS case. AutoLock mechanism controls blade retraction.
1 Inch wide nylon coated blade resists rust & corrosion. Dual side matte finish white & yellow scale print.
With true zero multi-catch hooks for both internal and external accurate measurements. It is easy to read fractional graphics, stud center markings every 16″ and 19.2″
Features:
- Heavy-duty
- Precision
- Durable
Adjust the Spacing Between the Hinges
Make sure the space between the two (or three) hinges placed on the cabinet and the distance between the hinges and the edge of the cabinet is even. This step is crucial in ensuring the proper functioning of your cabinet door. Make sure to write the measurements down so you can replicate them for other similar doors.
Brushed Nickel Self Closing Cabinet Hinges for Kitchen Cabinets
These cabinet hinges are suitable for your overlay cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms.
DecoBasics Overlay Hinges provide long-lasting durability, a soft closing, and the reinforced strength to outlast even the roughest kitchens or bathrooms.
These are overlay hinges, not inset hinges. Overlay means your cabinet door “overlays” (or overlaps) the cabinet frame and thus the door is perfectly flat on both front and back.
Features:
- Iron
- Semi-concealed
- Self-closing
Tape the Hinges in Place
Use painter’s tape to tape the top end of the hinges so they stay wrapped around the edge of the cabinet as you attach the screws.
ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape
ScotchBlue Original Painter’s Tape is the tape that DIY painters and pros have loved for more than 30 years.
Whether you’re protecting your wood trim, painted walls, tile floor, or glass windows, this versatile multi-surface tape can stay on surfaces for up to 14 days and then removes easily without leaving any sticky residue behind.
Help protect your surfaces while bringing your creative vision to life with the help of ScotchBlue Original Painter’s Tape.
Features:
- Versatile
- Blue
- Medium adhesive
Drive Screws on the Cabinet-Side of the Hinge
Use a power drill to install screws to the cabinet side of the hinge. Make sure the screws go all the way into the door.
AVID POWER 20V MAX Lithium lon Cordless Drill
Perfect for tasks around the home, garage, garden and workshop, including drilling holes in wood, plastic, metal and drywall as well as driving in/out screw.
Pick up an Avidpower Tool and get started on your masterpiece today. With a cordless drill/driver that has a compact lightweight design to fit in tight spaces.
The 15+1 position clutch provides the performance needed for ultimate drilling and screwdriving control.
Features:
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Glue the Door to the Hinge
Now flip the door side of the hinge on top of the screwed-in cabinet side and add a line of hot glue on the top. Place the cabinet door on top of the screw, adjust to align the door, and then keep it in place till the glue dries.
AdTech Mini Hi-Temp Hot Glue
AdTech High-Temperature Mini Glue Gun for fast bonds to virtually all materials including paper, metal, plastic, wood, fabric, ceramic, and more.
AdTech Hot Glue Sticks work in high, low, dual, and multi-temperature hot glue guns. Use high temperature glue guns to bond porous and heavier materials like glass and metal.
dTech Crystal Clear Glue Sticks are perfect to use at home, office, or school. Ideal for scrapbooking, crafting, DIY, and school projects.
Features:
- No harsh chemicals
- Acid-free
Drive Screws on the Door-Side of the Hinge
Open the door and power drill screws into the door-side of the hinge. Open and close the door a few times to check its alignment, and you’re done.
Hinge Outlet Oil Rubbed Bronze Wood Screws
Flat head, Phillips Screws are made of high quality steel in Satin Nickel Finish. A perfect aid in aligning doors if needed.
Features:
- Alloy Steel
- Falt-head
