Asked on Jul 09, 2017

Can't find proper cabinet hinges, what to do?

Coni
by Coni
My kitchen cabinets were refaced many years ago and the installer installed new doors with the wrong hinges. This causes a problem with bruising when reaching into deep parts of cabinet. I tried to find 1/2" face frame hinges that are suitable for the thickness of the wood face frame but none exist. Was told my choices are to notch out the wood, or grind down the hinges to make them fit. Neither option is appealing. Any suggestions?
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  9 answers
  • Sorry to say they are not installed incorrectly. They could have been installed in a different manner more to your liking, but it also depends on the quality of the cabinet door itself. There are many factors to consider when hanging cabinet doors that no one thinks of until they perceive a problem. What you have been told to "fix" the problem is correct. To satisfy yourself, go visit a proper showroom and inspect the myriad of hinge options and installation. Then make your decision as to how to proceed. Chances are you just may also need a stepstool to access the back of the cabinets since they are so deep. This is not the contractors fault. I know this is not what you want to hear, and not intending to be mean in any way. Just want to provide you with accurate information. Many cabinet makers and contractors will do a mock up on one door to make sure the client is satisfied before installing the entire kitchen. As you have found out the hard way, choosing cabinet hardware IS a big deal. I feel bad for you as even refacing can cost a lot of money and a great investment in your home, and if you are not happy it is very disappointing.

  • I am a bit confused by what you mean when you say that it causes bruising when reaching into deep parts. Do you mean that you are applying pressure to the door that is causing it to push against the hinge? (as in door binding)? If so, try adjusting the hinge to increase the door depth.

    Door depth is controlled by the screw at the very back of the hinge. Loosen both of those on the top and bottom hinges just a bit, and you will be able to pull the door away from the frame a bit. This will relieve door binding. tighten it back once you get the correct position.

    Other than that, these hinges are normal for your cabinet type. However, if you are still not happy, look into getting a different type of hinge. The ones in the second picture are called "zero protrusion" hinges.

    And, it looks like the old cabinets are framed. The new cabinet looks like it has a flush frame. It's hard to tell by the pictures, but if you have flush frames now, the old hinge would not work. The new hinges are correct, but probably just need to be adjusted. Another option is to get hinges with a 170 degree swing. Or you could get Blum's 95 degree thick door frameless hinge. Any of these are available at rocker.com Hope that helps.

    • See 1 previous
    • Oh, I see. I thought you were referring to the cabinet door rubbing.

      In your case, you could switch to a partial wrap hinge. It won't utilize the hole from the old hinge, though. So, if you are concerned about the looks of the inside of the door, that would be something to consider. They also have the look of a non concealed hinge. But, a partial wrap would set flush and not scrape your arms.

  • Sharon Sharon on Jul 09, 2017

    There are alot of videos on YouTube on how to adjust cabinet hardware, hope one works for you.... https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+adjust+cabinet+doors

    • Coni Coni on Jul 10, 2017

      I have watched every YouTube video on the subject prior to posting my question here. They all reference adjustments (up/down, in/out) that do not apply to my problem. My problem is there are no face frame hinges that can adjust to the wood thickness of the frame itself. This is probably why the installer used the wrong (frameless) hinges. They work but look ugly and restrict my ability to reach deep into cabinets without bruising.

  • Pat Thornton Pat Thornton on Jul 10, 2017

    May be possible to find older hinges at a "Restore" - not sure where you are, but in Canada, Habitat for Humanity runs the "Restore" where you can sometimes find older items like this. Good luck!

  • Den13695589 Den13695589 on Jul 10, 2017

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    Product Info

    • Bore Diameter: 35MM
    • Boring Pattern Spread: 45MM
    • Cup Depth: 7/16"
    • Overlay: 1/2"
    • Product Type: Hinge: European Face Frame

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  • Den13695589 Den13695589 on Jul 10, 2017

    Additional info:

     Salice Excenthree Face Frame Hinge 1/2" OverlaySH-CSP37XR - Salice CSP3799XR - Starting at $2.67Bore Diameter: 35MM. Cabinet Application: Face Frame. Closing Type: Self Closing. Cup Depth: 7/16". Degree of Opening: 106. Includes: (1) Hinge & Plate Assembly. Material: Steel. Mounting Type: Screw On. Overlay: 1/2". Product Type: Hinge & Plate: European Face Frame.  Salice Excenthree Face Frame Hinge 1/2" Overlay W/DowelSH-CSR37XR - Salice CSR3799XR - Starting at $2.77Bore Diameter: 35MM. Cabinet Application: Face Frame. Closing Type: Self Closing. Cup Depth: 7/16". Degree of Opening: 106. Includes: (1) Hinge & Plate Assembly. Material: Steel. Mounting Type: Dowel. Overlay: 1/2". Product Type: Hinge & Plate: European Face Frame.

    • Coni Coni on Jul 16, 2017

      Thank you so much for the excellent advice. I ordered the Salice Excenthree Face Frame hinges as you suggested and they appear to be exactly what is required. You, my friend, are a godsend.

  • Sharon Sharon on Jul 10, 2017

    I had a problem with a bathroom vanity cabinet where the hinges would repeatedly break. I took the door off with the hinge still attached and took it to two cabinet makers to advise me on what hinge could I use to replace. The second one came up with the hinges, and I had a contractor I knew install them. Been working great.

    Did you ever have the cabinet refinisher who did this work come out to solve the problem? Until you get it fixed, I would get a grab bar to reach the back of the cabinet.

  • D7623335968 D7623335968 on Jul 10, 2017

    Same type of hinges on my cabinets. www.HardwareSource.com. Provides excellent customer service, email photos, and measurements to identify. Never knew so many different hinges were available. Help is on the way.

  • Coni Coni on Jul 16, 2017

    I found what appears to be appropriate hinges at cabinetparts.com. I only purchased four to start but I'm confidant they will work and I'll purchase more next week. Whew ... this task will finally be remove from my To-Do list!