How to Replace Kitchen Cupboard Hinges
Replacing a kitchen hinge or cupboard hinge is easily achievable. Here's how to do it:
Tools you'll need:
- Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead depending on your screw type)
- Possibly a drill and drill bit (if the new hinge doesn't use the
existing screw holes)
- Pencil (for marking)
- Optional: tape (to mark screw depth on drill bit)
Steps:
- Remove the door: If
the kitchen hinges are clip on then press in the clip to remove the hinge
from the hinge plate. If the hinges
are screw on then unscrew the hinges from the hinge plate on the cabinet
frame, allowing the door to be lifted off.
- Remove the old hinge from the door: There might be screws holding it or a mechanism for detaching it.
Look for any retaining screws or clips and detach the hinge.
- Match the new hinge: Get a
replacement
kitchen hinge that matches the old one in size and
type (Full overlay, half overlay or inset). Ensure you check the cup size as
well. 26mm and 35mm cup size are
standard. Also consider the opening
angle and hinge style. If in doubt
contact Unico for further information.
This ensures proper fit and easier installation.
- Use existing holes (ideal scenario): If the new cupboard hinge uses the same screw placements as the
old one, simply line it up on the door and screw it in place using the
existing holes.
- New hinge, new holes: If
the screw holes don't match, use the new hinge as a template to mark the
screw positions on the door with a pencil.
- Drill pilot holes (optional): For a
stronger hold and to prevent the wood from splitting, pre-drill pilot
holes slightly smaller than the screw size. You can use masking tape on
your drill bit to mark the desired drilling depth.
- Attach the new hinge to the door: Screw
the new hinge into the marked positions on the door.
- Attach the hinge plate to the cabinet (using existing holes): If the hinge plate uses the existing screw holes, line it up and
screw it back in place.
- Attach the hinge plate to the cabinet (drilling new holes): If the screw holes on the hinge plate need to be adjusted, mark
them based on the hinge plate placement and drill pilot holes before
screwing the hinge plate in place.
- Reattach the door: Lift
the door and align the hinge are and plate, snapping them together or
screwing them in depending on the hinge type.
- Test and adjust: Close
and open the door to check for smooth operation. You might need to
slightly adjust the screw placements for proper alignment and door
closing. You can also adjust the
screws on the hinge to ensure a better door closure/fit.
Here are some additional tips:
·
Match hinge manufacturer: If you are replacing a hinge with a one from
another manufacturer, we recommend replacing all the hinges on the door. This will ensure that all the hinges move in the same manner when opened and
closed.
·
Match the hinge type: Full
Overlay hinges close onto the edge of the carcass and overlay the carcass
side. Half Overlay hinges close onto the
edge of the carcass and overlay half of the carcass side. Inset hinges allow the door to close within
the frame of the carcass.
·
Cup size: Select the correct cup size for your
replacement concealed kitchen hinges.
26mm and 35mm are standard but other sizes are also available.
·
Opening angle: Standard kitchen hinges and cupboard hinges
have opening angles between 95° and 110°.
Anything in this range will be a suitable replacement for most kitchen
hinges. If in doubt try and match the
style of the hinge or contact Unico for further details.
·
Upgrade: You can also upgrade your kitchen hinges or
cupboard hinges with Soft
Close Hinges to provide a smooth door closing with reduced noise and
effortless closure.
By following these steps, you should be able to replace your old cupboard
hinges or broken kitchen hinges with new ones and enjoy your doors opening with
ease again!