Hinges aren’t used exclusively with doors. Another common application for these mechanical bearings is cabinetry. You can them to open cabinets and cupboards. Here are six facts about cabinet hinges and how they work.
#1) Easy to Install
You don’t need any special tools or equipment to install cabinet hinges. While available in different types, most cabinet hinges only require threaded fasteners. To install cabinet hinges, you just need to drive a set of threaded fasteners through the holes and into the cabinets.
#2) Available in Different Gauges
Cabinet hinges are available in different gauges. Like most types of hinges, cabinet hinges feature leafs. The term “gauge” is used to describe the thickness of the hinges. High-gauge cabinet hinges have larger, thicker leafs than their low-gauge counterparts.
#3) Available in Self-Closing and Soft-Closing Styles
There are soft-closing and soft-closing cabinet hinges available. They are both designed to close automatically. Normally, cabinet hinges will only close if you push them shut. Self-closing and soft-closing hinges, however, feature a spring or mechanism that pulls them shut. The difference is that soft-closing hinges will typically only close automatically after being pushed partially shit.
#4) Not Always Visible From the Outside
Not all cabinet hinges are visible from the outside of the cabinet. Some of them are designed specifically to be concealed. Known as hidden or concealed cabinet things, they allow for a cleaner appearance. Concealed cabinet hinges feature thin leafs that allow them to sit inside of cabinetry frames.
#5) Multiple Finish Options
You can choose from over a dozen finish options when ordering cabinet hinges. Stainless steel is a popular choice for cabinet hinges. With its chrome-like tone, it exhibits a modern style that many people prefer. Other finish options for cabinet hinges include black paint, yellow zinc, satin brass, polished brass, bright brass, oil rubber. bronze, satin nickel, zinc plated and more.
#6) Surface Mount vs Moirtise
Cabinet hinges typically require either a surface mount or mortise. Surface mount means the cabinet hinge sits directly on top of the cabinet’s surface. Mortise, in comparison, means the cabinet hinge is installed in a recessed groove.
In Conclusion
Whether they are industrial storage cabinets or kitchen cabinets, most cabinets feature hinges. Cabinet hinges function as bearings by allowing cabinets to open. They are easy to install, available in different gauges, not always visible from the outside, support multiple finish options and offer surface and mortise.