How To Install A Concealed Cabinet Hinge

How to Install a Concealed Cabinet Hinge

Cabinet hinges might not seem like a big deal, but they’re crucial in ensuring that the doors of your cabinet function properly. One common type of hinge used in cabinets is the concealed or European hinge. It provides a sleek and modern look to your cabinetry, as it’s mounted on the inside of the door and the cabinet, making it invisible when the door is closed. Installing a concealed cabinet hinge isn’t difficult, but it does require some attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install a concealed cabinet hinge.

Tools and Materials You Will Need:

Before you start anything, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

- Concealed hinges

- Cabinet doors

- Cabinet box

- Electric drill

- Drill bits

- Screws

- Screwdriver

- Measuring tape

- Pencil

- Square

Step 1: Measure and Mark the Hinge Position

The first step when installing concealed hinges is to determine where you need to position them on your cabinet door. Start by measuring the width of your cabinet door and divide it by three. This will give you the distance from the edge of the door where you’ll position the hinge. Then, measure down about 100mm from the top and up about 100mm from the bottom of the door. Mark these measurements on both the top and bottom of the door with a pencil.

Step 2: Make a Hole for the Hinge Cup

Next, you need to drill a hole in the door to insert the hinge cup. Take your drill and a drill bit that matches the size of the hinge cup, and drill a hole at the marking made in Step 1. The depth of the hole should be the same as the depth of the cup. Make sure to drill perpendicular to the door’s surface.

Step 3: Install the Hinge Cup

Insert the hinge cup into the hole you just drilled. You’ll need to make sure that the cup is flush with the door’s surface. Use a hammer to gently tap the cup until it’s flush. Once the hinge cup is installed, you should be able to see only the small hinge arm attached to the cup.

Step 4: Measure and Mark the Hinge Position on the Cabinet

After you’ve installed the hinge cups on the doors, it’s time to determine the position of the hinge plates on the cabinet box. Take your measuring tape and measure 3mm in from the front edge of the cabinet box. This will be the distance from the edge where you’ll place the hinge plate. Then, measure in 22mm from the top and bottom of the cabinet box, marking the measurements with your pencil.

Step 5: Make a Hole for the Hinge Plate

Using the drill and drill bit that matches the size of the hinge plate’s screw holes, drill a hole at the marking you made in Step 4. You’ll want to make sure that the drill bit is at a right angle to the cabinet’s surface.

Step 6: Install the Hinge Plate

You can now install the hinge plate into the hole you just drilled. Use the screws provided with the hinge kit to attach the plate securely to the cabinet. Once all the hinge plates are installed, you can attach each door to its corresponding hinge plate.

Step 7: Adjust the Doors

Once you’ve hung all the doors, you’ll want to make sure that they’re properly aligned and functional. To adjust the height of the doors, use the screw on the hinge cup. Turn it clockwise to lower the door or counterclockwise to raise the door. To adjust the depth of the door, use the screw on the hinge plate. Turning the screw clockwise moves the door closer to the cabinet box, while turning it counterclockwise moves the door further away from the cabinet box.

Conclusion:

Installing concealed cabinet hinges requires patience and attention to detail, but it’s worth the effort. They give your cabinets a modern and elegant look while ensuring smooth operation. So, gather your tools and materials, take your time, and with this guide, you’ll soon have your hinges installed and your cabinets looking great.