Important Measurements for Replacing Cabinet Hinges

Brand-new cabinets make over an entire kitchen; they can take it from drab to fab in the blink of an eye. But before you choose a new cabinet style and break out the tools, let’s talk about the hinges. It doesn’t matter if you want to install new ones or replace old ones. Everyone needs to measure hinges to ensure they will fit the kitchen cabinets. Here are some important measurements for replacing cabinet hinges.

Width and Length

Naturally, you need to measure the width and length of the hinges first. Remove the hinges from the cabinet with a Philips screwdriver to get the exact measurements. Measure across the entire hinge to determine its open width.

Hinges have two sides separated by a vertical pin in the middle. Open the hinge all the way to lay both sides flat. Stretch a tape measure between the outer edges and measure the hinge at its widest point. Measure the length of the hinge from top to bottom. Then hold the tape measure parallel to determine the height.

Opening Angle

You also want to measure the angle of the open door. Ignoring this factor could result in a cabinet door that doesn’t fully close or open. Think about the current kitchen cabinets in your home. The doors don’t open at a perfect 90-degree angle, nor do they wrap all the way around.

The most common opening angles are between 95 degrees and 110 degrees. Some go up to 170 degrees for corner units, and others stop between 40 and 50 degrees. Use the angle measurement to determine how wide you want the new hinges to go.

Hinge Overlay

Hinge overlays are another important area. Full, half, and inset are the three most common hinge overlays. A full overlay covers the cabinet carcass end in the closed position. A half overlay is two doors fitted on either side of one cabinet carcass. An inset overlay sits flush with the front edge of the carcass end.

Close the cabinet door to measure the overlay. Then apply a piece of tape to the hinged side door. Open the door to measure from the tape to the edge of the frame. Make sure you measure the lip if you have a partial inset door. The overlay will help you determine the hinge size you need for the door.

Carcass Connect

Finally, you must pay close attention to how the hinge connects with the carcass. Your cabinets either have a clip-on or slide-on hinge. Clip-on hinges are very common with kitchen cabinets. They are preferable because they don’t require screws. The hinge clips to the mounting plate when you attach the cupboard side.

Slide-on hinges slide on the mounting plate to attach the cupboard side. But this hinge does require screws and a screwdriver. Once you’ve determined the measurement of your hinges, you can start to shop. Here at Craft Supply Corp, we sell kitchen cabinet hinges in bulk.

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