Posts Tagged ‘blum hinges’

How To Install Blum Cabinet Hinges

August 9th, 2010

Are you considering the use of European hinges for your cabinet but is not sure how to install them? If that is the case, then you are definitely in luck! This article will provide you with a detailed and simple step-by-step guide on how to properly go about the installation process of European blum cabinet hinges. Though installing this type of cabinet hinge may seem like a complex task, the truth is, the whole process can be easily accomplished even by people who do not have experience in installing cabinet hinges. On that note, here are the instructions on how to install blum cabinet hinges.

Step one: Prepare and gather all the material needed for the actual assembly.

For this task, you will most likely need to use a tape measure, pencil, clamps, drill press, fine grit sandpaper, power drill, and Forstner drill bit.

Step two: Find a flat surface to place the cabinet door in order to mark the area where the blum hinges will be placed.

Place a towel under the cabinet door so as not to scratch its surface. With the help of a tape measure, measure 3 inches from the top and bottom part of the cabinet door and 1 ¾ inches from its edge. Mark the area where the hinge will be installed with the use of the pencil. Do the same on the cabinet where the door will be mounted. Make sure that the measurements are identical so you won’t have a problem with the installation.

Step three: Start drilling holes onto the cabinet door.

Once the measurements have been acquired, you can now begin drilling holes on the marked areas. With the use of a Forstner drill bit, drill a 1 ½ inch deep hole unto the cabinet. Do the same thing on the marked areas on the cabinet door. But this time, you only need to drill a 3/8 inches deep hole.

Step four: Proceed with the installation of the European blum hinges.

Make sure to use all the screws that come with the hinges to ensure that they will be properly secured in place. Install first all the hinges on the cabinet door before attaching them to the cabinet.

Step five: Attach the door to the cabinet.

If possible, ask someone to hold the door for you while you affix and screw it unto the cabinet. Install one cabinet door at a time and make adjustments after. Ascertain that the doors are securely fastened but do not tightly fasten the screws yet so it will be easier for you any necessary adjustments. Try closing the cabinet to check if they have been installed properly. If the door doesn’t close, adjust the hinges accordingly until you are able to easily close and open the cabinet door without any difficulty. After which, tighten all the screws to ensure that the door is secured in place.

By taking note of the aforementioned steps, installing European hinges can be done in a cinch.

Selecting European Cabinet Door Hinges

December 21st, 2009

If you are planning to use European cabinet door hinges, it is critical that you set important parameters to ascertain that you will be installing the right one. Bear in mind that European-style hinges are sold in a vast array of configurations, cabinet specifications and styles. Technically, these hinges are considered as the most modern hinge innovation. They are generally comprised of two vital parts, which are the mounting plate and the hinge itself.  Ideally, the hinge’s mounting plate must be perfectly attached unto certain areas of the cabinet door including the front and back face frame as well as its inside wall.

The clip-top and modul hinge models are the popular types of European hinges that are worth considering. Also known as blum hinges, they are the typical choice for full-overlay and inset cabinet doors. This is primarily because they are capable of supporting heavier doors plus the fact that they are relatively easy to install. Moreover, they can be conveniently adjusted to ensure that the doors are leveled and aligned. With their three-way adjustment feature, easy touch-up and cabinet leveling can be conveniently initiated even if the hinges are already installed.  Aside from that, these hinges are concealed from one’s view therefore you do not have to worry about finding a matching knob or handle that will complement your cabinet hinge.

But before you purchase your European cabinet door hinges, you have to first identify the type of cabinet to which the hinge will be mounted. Determine whether you have a face frame cabinet or a frameless cabinet. Normally, frameless cabinets make use of blum clip top hinges which are attached unto the cabinet’s inside wall, while those with face frames utilize a blum mounting plate that is affixed on the edge of the cabinet’s frame.

Apart from distinguishing the cabinet type, you also need to identify the type of the cabinet’s door. Do you have an inset, overlay or back-to-back cabinet door? Remember that the type of the door will greatly influence the mounting plate and the type of hinge that you need to use (whether it is half-cranked or straight-arm).

Decide how far you want your cabinet to be opened. Make sure to choose the blum cabinet door hinge with the appropriate opening degrees. Generally, European hinges are sold in varying opening angle degrees therefore you have to carefully assess what you really need. It is highly advised to exhaust all available options so that you can spot the most suitable European hinge for your cabinet.

For those looking for durability, versatility, and flawless hinge operation, you should always go for the widely acclaimed European cabinet door hinges.