Can you Install NEW hinges on old cabinets?

old fashioned kitchen with green cabinets and a white fridge
old fashioned kitchen with green cabinets and a white fridge

Yes, it is possible to put new cabinet door hinges on old cabinets. However, it may require some effort and skill to ensure that the new hinges fit properly and that the cabinet doors hang correctly.

Before purchasing new hinges, you’ll need to measure the dimensions of your current hinges to ensure that the new ones will fit. You’ll also want to consider the type of hinge you need. There are several types of hinges available, including overlay, inset, and offset hinges.

Once you have the new hinges, you’ll need to remove the old hinges from the cabinet doors and frames. This may require some careful work with a screwdriver or drill.

After removing the old hinges, you’ll need to install the new hinges in their place. This may require drilling new holes for the screws or adjusting the placement of the hinges to ensure that the doors hang correctly.

Overall, putting new hinges on old cabinets is possible, but it may require some effort and skill to ensure a proper fit and function. If you are not comfortable with this type of DIY project, it may be best to consult with a professional.

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What is the advantage of a concealed hinge?

Vintage cabinet with concealed hinges in room
Vintage cabinet with concealed hinges in room

Concealed hinges offer several advantages over traditional hinges that are visible from the outside. Here are some of the benefits of using concealed hinges:

  1. Aesthetics: One of the primary advantages of concealed hinges is that they provide a clean and sleek look to cabinets and doors. Since the hinge is hidden from view, it does not disrupt the appearance of the furniture or interior design.
  2. Accessibility: Concealed hinges allow doors to open up to a full 180 degrees, which can provide greater accessibility and ease of use. This is especially important in spaces that are tight or have limited room for door swing.
  3. Durability: Concealed hinges are often made from high-quality materials which make them more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They also tend to be more resistant to moisture and humidity, which can be a concern in bathrooms or kitchens.
  4. Adjustability: Many concealed hinges are designed to be adjustable, which allows for fine-tuning of the door alignment and ensures a perfect fit. This can be especially useful in situations where the door or cabinet may have shifted over time.
  5. Soft-Close: Most concealed hinges are available in either self or soft close. There is nothing nicer than a door closing quietly, especially when the kids are fast asleep and you are looking for a midnight snack.

Overall, concealed hinges offer a range of benefits that can enhance the appearance and functionality of cabinets and doors. While they may be more expensive than traditional hinges, their durability and longevity can make them a worthwhile investment in your home or place of business.

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What are the different types of concealed hinges for cabinetry?

Concealed hinges are designed to be hidden from view when a cabinet door is closed. There are several types of concealed hinges available, here are the most popular ones!

  1. European hinges: European hinges are the most common type of concealed hinge. They are designed to be used on both frameless and face-frame cabinets and feature a two-part design consisting of a mounting plate and a hinge cup.
  2. Barrel hinges: Barrel hinges are another type of concealed hinge that can be used on both frameless and face-frame cabinets. They feature a cylindrical barrel that is inserted into a drilled hole in the cabinet and are held in place by a screw.
  • Pivot hinges: Pivot hinges are a unique type of concealed hinge that is installed at the top and bottom of a door or cabinet. They allow the door or cabinet to swing open on a single pivot point and are often used on large or heavy doors.

Each type of concealed hinge has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the right one based on your specific needs and the type of cabinet or door you are working with.

The Benefits of Using Piano Hinges in Your Woodworking Projects

piano hinge with white background

The piano hinge, also known as a continuous hinge, has a long and varied history. Some sources trace the origins of the piano hinge back to ancient Egyptian times, where they were used to attach doors to tombs and other structures. Others attribute the invention of the piano hinge to Leonardo da Vinci, who is said to have designed a similar hinge in the 15th century.

Despite its ancient origins, the piano hinge as we know it today did not become widely used until the 19th century. During this time, the industrial revolution brought about new manufacturing techniques that made it possible to mass-produce these hinges. The piano hinge became particularly popular in the furniture and cabinetmaking industry, where it was used to attach doors and lids to cabinets and other pieces of furniture.

Today, piano hinges are used in a wide range of applications and have become an essential component of woodworking projects, offering a range of benefits that make them a popular choice among woodworkers. These long, narrow hinges allow doors and lids to open smoothly and stay securely in place, while also providing a sleek and unobtrusive look.

Piano Hinge Strength and Durability

I believe that one of the main benefits of using piano hinges is their strength and durability. These hinges are typically made of metal, and can handle the weight of even the heaviest doors and lids. This makes them ideal for use in applications where the door or lid will be subject to a lot of use or will need to hold heavy items. These hinges are available in pre drilled and also weld-on versions.

Versatility of the Piano Hinge

In addition to their strength, I find that piano hinges also offer a high level of versatility. Piano hinges can be cut to any length and are available in a range of sizes and styles, making them suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects. They can be used to attach doors to cabinets, drawers to desks, and lids to boxes, among many other applications.

Installation of Piano Hinges

Another benefit of using piano hinges is their easy installation. These hinges come with pre-drilled holes, making it quick and straightforward to attach them to your woodworking project.

Piano hinges also offer a sleek and elegant appearance that can enhance the overall look of your woodworking project. These hinges are typically made with a narrow profile and are designed to blend in with the surrounding woodwork, creating a seamless and cohesive appearance. This makes them a popular choice for high-end furniture and cabinetry.

Overall, piano hinges offer a range of benefits that make them a valuable addition to any woodworking project. Their strength, versatility, ease of installation, and elegant appearance make them a popular choice among woodworkers.

Concealed Cabinet Hinges: The Sleek and Modern Way to Upgrade Your Cabinets

Concealed hidden hinge by Titus brand

Concealed cabinet hinges, also known as European hinges or cupboard hinges, are a type of hinge that are designed to be hidden from view when the cabinet door is closed. This gives the appearance of a seamless, smooth surface on the cabinet and adds a clean, modern look to any kitchen or bathroom.

There are several types of concealed cabinet hinges, including full overlay, half overlay, and inset. Full overlay hinges are the most popular choice because they allow the cabinet door to completely cover the frame of the cabinet, creating a sleek, contemporary look. Half overlay hinges allow the door to partially cover the frame, while inset hinges are installed within the cabinet frame, making them completely hidden when the door is closed.

One of the main benefits of concealed cabinet hinges is their adjustability. They are designed with a small adjustment screw that allows you to fine-tune the fit of the door, ensuring that it is perfectly aligned with the frame. This is especially useful when you are installing new cabinets or replacing old ones, as it allows you to get a precise fit without having to do any additional carpentry work.

Another advantage of concealed cabinet hinges is their durability. These hinges are typically made from high-quality materials, such as steel or zinc alloy, which makes them resistant to wear and tear. They are also designed to be easy to install, with most models requiring just a few hinge screws and a drill.

Overall, concealed cabinet hinges are a great choice for anyone looking to update the look of their kitchen or bathroom cabinets. They offer a sleek, modern look and are adjustable and durable, making them a practical and stylish choice for any home renovation project. This video will explaing a little more informaition about concealed cabinet hinges and how they work.

How to Add Soft-Close to your Exsiting Cabinets

Cabinet door showing a hinge with an installed sof-close adaptor
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Soft-close cabinet doors are pretty much the new norm. If your cabinets were built without soft close doors, don’t worry, we have a solution for you! Adding soft close adaptors to your existing cabinets can be a simple and cost-effective way to upgrade. You will love the functionality of this simple upgrade to your kitchen or bathroom. These adaptors are designed to slow down the closing speed of cabinet doors, reducing the risk of damage to the doors and the cabinet itself, as well as reducing noise.

To install soft close adaptors, you will need a screwdriver, a drill, and the adaptors themselves. (The adaptors come with screws) You will also need to know if your cabinet door hinges are self-closing or free-swing. If they are free-swing, unfortunately, these adaptors will not work for your cabinets.

How-To Install Soft-Close Cabinet Door Adaptors

Here is a step-by-step guide explaining how to install soft close adaptors on your existing cabinets:

  1. Open the cabinet door and locate the hinges.
  2. Attach the adaptors to the cabinet on the side of the cabinet that the door hinges are located by screwing them in place. Make sure that the adaptors are facing the correct direction, with the soft close mechanism facing outward.
  3. Repeat the process for each cabinet door that you wish to install the adaptors on.
  4. Once all of the adaptors are in place, close the cabinet doors and test the soft close function by gently pushing the doors shut. The doors should close slowly and smoothly.

Overall, adding soft close adaptors to your cabinets is a simple and cost-effective way to upgrade the functionality of your kitchen or bathroom. Not only do they make your cabinets more convenient to use, but they also help to protect the doors from damage.

If you have any issues during the installation process, please send us a message and we will be more than happy to assist.

Here also a video showing you exactly how to install the Grass Uni-soft adaptors on your existing cabinet doors.

Mondays with Mike…8-15/2022 Edition 27

Opposites Attract-Create Harmony with Contrast.

We’ve all heard the popular saying “Not everything in life is black and white.” However, the designer of this brilliant kitchen/mudroom combo might just beg to differ whilst offering up a substitute for us all: “Opposites attract.”

Here we can see a clear delineation between the countertop/matching matte black hardware choices and everything else here, really. Starting with the matte black hardware, we can see a fabulous and flexible assortment of chosen hardware: door handles and hinges, faucets, hooks, knobs & cup pulls. Even if the flooring here was a different color, there’s no way that the black hardware isn’t the winner in this designer’s game of what ultimately looks best.

WE (www.WoodworkerExpress.com) also has the items that hold this all together organizationally (Base Cabinet Organizers, Lazy Susans, Under sink Drip Trays, Cabinet Door Racks, etc.). When it comes to style, you also have to have substance. Behind the façade, there must be function; I don’t think you can have one without the other. Funny how this all oddly sounds a bit like our initial ‘popular saying’ about black and white. And speaking of color contrast, I do notice a seemingly glowing yellow container of some of the finest hand sanitizer I’ve come across: Lemyn. After all, it’s a kitchen/mudroom, so perhaps the hand sanitizer is the final piece that helps keep the mud at bay.

Kitchen and mudroom combo finished in shades of black and white.
Photo courtesy of Houzz

Piano Hinges – Good for more than just a piano….

A piano hinge is a continues hinge of various lengths and widths. It can be brass, zinc, stainless steel and more. Many people also refer to it as a continuous hinge. Although called a piano hinge, it is actually a very versatile hinge that can be used for many purposes.

What is a Piano Hinge?

Also known as a continuous hinge, it consists of two rectangular shaped pieces of metal joined in the middle with what is called a knuckle. A pin is inserted into the knuckle which holds all the pieces together.

Parts of a piano hinge
Piano Hinge Components

Piano hinges are designed to run the whole length of the object they are used on. For example, 12″ objects such as a lid and box would use a 12″ piano hinge to join them.

What Can Piano Hinges Be Used For?

While piano hinges are often used on pianos (makes perfect sense!), they are often found in other applications. Piano hinges can be used in a number of door applications such as sheds. A piano hinge door application will be much stronger as the hinge will run the full length of the door preventing sagging over time.

Shed door installation
Shed door with piano hinge

Piano hinges can also be used in any application needing a fold down door such as a desk or storage box. They can also be used on cabinet doors. Because piano hinges come in many lengths, widths and materials they can also be used in heavy duty applications such as commercial lighting storage cases.

commercial lighting cases with piano hinges
Piano Hinges used on heavy duty commercial lighting cases

What Are The Benefits of Using Piano Hinges?

Piano hinges are easy to install and maintain

Every 6 months or so you can wipe them with mild soap and water to remove any dust that has collected around the bearings. Hinges can also be lubricated as needed with a “dry” lubricant such as graphite, silicon or Teflon.

Hinges can be easily cut to length during installation with a hacksaw. Piano hinges do not require mortising and are easily aligned by inserting enough screws to hold the hinge in position on one side of whatever object you are joining. Then simply align the other object and continue inserting your screws. Piano hinges allow for even weight distribution of the load. Unlike shorter hinges, the weight of the joined objects will not act against the hinge as it runs the entire length.

In short, although piano hinges can be used for pianos, they also have many other uses. The projects are limited only by your imagination. See the entire selection of piano hinges at WoodworkerExpress.com and let us know how we can help you in creating something with these versatile hinges.

Mondays with Mike… 1-31-2022 Edition One

Belly Up to The Bar

Who wants to belly-up to the bar….or at least the kitchen counter? To that end, isn’t this surely a nice kitchen on display here? Fantastic wood tones and great incorporation of one of my favorite hardware finishes: Oil Rubbed Bronze. That finish reminds me of colonial times….not that I’d know anything about that time period, but I will confess, I’ve been accused of sounding like I’m 100 years old with some degree of regularity…can anyone else relate? Speaking of Oil Rubbed Bronze, check out the pulls on the glass-covered cabinet to the right….it matches the stool legs to a “T”. Ditto for the round knobs on the cabinet just above it. Classy!

As I see it, this designer…or creatively talented homeowner has a real knack for “putting it all together”. As pretty as this all is, some of the details that make using it a real pleasure are hardly visible. Those things include soft-close and self-close drawer slides and hinges….and believe me, those details are nice and make a real difference! For practicality’s sake, they can help you successfully sneak a snack in the middle of the night without the loud retracting of the ‘silverware drawer’ to blow your cover — that’s never good. Semi-relatedly, all pet owners know that you’ll NEVER sneak a snack past the dog…no matter what!

Not to get off track, but I have to mention that we’ve got a great selection of kitchen sinks, faucets, and related accessories. After all, what’s a kitchen without a sink and faucet? Technically, it’d probably be considered a lunchbox/cooler combo that you can stand up and socialize in.🙃

Let me try to sum this all up before I go completely off this tangential track to nowhere…If the kitchen you own needs a thing…or ten, to get it whupped back into acceptable aesthetic shape, then WoodworkerExpress.com would be the route to go. Online or via phone, we are the advocates and support system for you and your kitchen rehabilitation. Lean on us to help you make it great!

Photo is courtesy of: www.Houzz.com

Navigating Supply Chain Issues: The Smart Way

3 Habits of Highly Frustrated Leaders | BillLeckie.com
Delayed again!

Although we are putting the COVID-19 Pandemic in the rear view mirror, many supply chain issues that started because of shut downs, shipping delays and raw materials shortages are having a dramatic impact on how businesses can quickly fulfill orders. Our industry is no exception. Many of our suppliers are experiencing longer lead times which delays product getting to our facilities and ultimately to you the end user.

Navigating the out-of-stock issues can be a pain especially if you use just one brand of hinges, drawer slides, etc. But luckily we are here to help. We have huge buying power and are always at the top of fulfillment queues, meaning we get product much faster and in bigger quantities than many other hardware suppliers. Plus, we have options for substitutes for many of your most commonly purchased items. For example, we have 8 different suppliers for just Undermount Drawer Slides! So if your favorite brand is out of stock we can help you choose the best possible replacement.

Don’t want to substitute? Take our advice and place your order now so you are in queue for when shipments are received. Many lead times are averaging only 2-4 weeks at most. In fact, you may want to stock up now and be in the best possible inventory position when orders start shipping in our normal lead time.

The long and short of it? Supply chain issues are a part of everyday life during this trying time. You want to be with a partner who has your back. With our multi-million dollar commitment to inventory, our strong supplier relationships and our diverse product mix, we are that partner. Our first priority is with you, our valued customer and we are working around the clock to ensure the fastest possible order fulfillment experience.

Woodworker Express – Your Most Reliable Supplier for ALL Your Woodworking Needs