Cabinet hinges are an essential component of any cabinet, providing the necessary support and movement for doors to open and close smoothly. However, when it comes to replacing or installing new cabinet hinges, it’s crucial to ensure that you have the correct measurements to ensure a proper fit.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of measuring cabinet hinges, specifically overlay cabinet hinges, so you can confidently choose the right size for your cabinets.
Why is Measuring Cabinet Hinges Important?
Measuring cabinet hinges is crucial for several reasons:
- Ensures a proper fit: Measuring your cabinet hinges ensures that you choose the right size for your cabinets, preventing any issues with installation or functionality.
- Saves time and money: By measuring your cabinet hinges beforehand, you can avoid purchasing the wrong size and having to return or exchange them, saving you time and money.
- Improves the overall look and functionality of your cabinets: Properly sized cabinet hinges will ensure that your cabinet doors open and close smoothly, improving the overall look and functionality of your cabinets.
What are Overlay Cabinet Hinges?
Overlay cabinet hinges are a type of hinge that sits on the outside of the cabinet door and frame, covering the gap between the two. They are commonly used in modern cabinets and are available in various sizes and styles.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Cabinet Hinges
Step 1: Measure the Cabinet Door
The first step in measuring overlay cabinet hinges is to measure the cabinet door. To do this, follow these steps:
- Close the cabinet door and measure the width and height of the door in inches.
- Record the measurements.
Step 2: Measure the Cabinet Frame
Next, you’ll need to measure the cabinet frame. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the cabinet door and measure the width and height of the frame in inches.
- Record the measurements.
Step 3: Calculate the Overlay Measurement
The overlay measurement is the distance that the cabinet door overlaps the cabinet frame. To calculate this measurement, follow these steps:
- Subtract the cabinet door width from the cabinet frame width.
- Divide the result by two.
- Repeat the process for the height measurements.
- Record the overlay measurements.
Step 4: Determine the Hinge Size
Now that you have the overlay measurements, you can determine the size of the hinge you need. To do this, follow these steps:
- Measure the width of the hinge in inches.
- Multiply the hinge width by two.
- Compare the result to the overlay measurements you recorded in step 3.
- Choose a hinge size that is slightly larger than the overlay measurement to ensure a proper fit.
Here are quick rundowns on measuring the hinge size:
- Remove the Hinges From the Door
Use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts from the hinge. If the hinge is stuck to the doorway due to paint build-up, carefully peel it from the sides using a knife. Subsequently, use a screwdriver to remove the hinges from the doorway.
- Evaluate the Width of the Hinge
Once you’ve removed the hinge, place it on a level platform with both ends flat to ensure the hinge is open. Next,using a measuring tape, determine the width of the hinge from one end to another.
- Measure the Hinge’s Length
Now that you’ve measured the width of the hinges, it’s important to estimate the height. Calculate the height of the hinges lengthwise from one side to the other with the measuring instrument.
- Evaluate the Radius of Corner
If the hinges aren’t square, you’ll need to calculate the diameter of the hinge’s corners to ensure you get the proper size. Place the ruler along the hinges to determine the corner diameter. Ensure that the hinge is not on the pin’s tip. Now calculate the distance between the start of the curvature and where the corner will be if it were square.
- Opening the Cabinet Door
Overlay refers to the level of contact a door has with a cupboard. In this case, when selecting new hinges, many people consider overlay assessment. To begin measuring using a measuring tape, shut the cupboard door. This Step is only applicable for overlay cupboard doors.
- Hinge Measurement on the Door Sides
On the cupboard, there must be no residual marks. So masking tape is a suitable choice. After closing the gate, vertically position the tape near the edge, placing it above the bottom hinge and pressing it against the framework. Stretch it to keep it in place. You can evaluate the overlay by marking the door’s border. Simply draw a line down the hinge’s edge. A pen will assist you in making an erasable mark.
- Reopen the Door for Measuring
You should ensure there is a piece of tape hanging out when you open the gate. It must be on the cupboard door, someplace below. It is the inner side of the tape. You need to adjust the tape on a removed door to make it visible. Put a ruler from the protruding section to the inner side. The overlay is around 0.64 to 3.81 cm in length. The value for overlay length can vary based on the cabinet’s construction.
- Door with a Partial Cutout
You should start by inspecting the edges. Start at the top and work your way down. Now, with a measuring tape, determine the distance from the edge and the inner edge. In many modern-styled inset doorways, hinges are typically measured at 1.9 cm.
- Choosing the Correct Hinge Size
Your cabinets must be able to use a similar overlay type hinge. You will find the dimensions mentioned on the hinges. If there isn’t a notation, you can just evaluate the number with a measuring tape.
Conclusion
Measuring cabinet hinges, specifically overlay cabinet hinges, is a crucial step in ensuring a proper fit and functionality for your cabinets. By following the steps outlined in this guide and keeping these tips in mind, you can confidently choose the right size hinges for your cabinets.