Methods and features of installing furniture hinges
To save money, many people do not resort to professional assistance in assembling and installing furniture. In reality it is very simple and no special skills are needed. Let's consider how to install furniture hinges on cabinets and cabinets.
Varieties of furniture hinges and their features
A furniture hinge is understood as a semi-mechanical device, the main task of which is the ability to open and close the doors of furniture. The loop is not visible from the outside, so its appearance does not spoil the interior of the room in any way. Four-pivot hinges are commonly used.
The loop itself consists of the following elements:
- A base that attaches to the mounting strip. There is a screw on the base that just regulates the position of the door;
- A round-shaped cup, which is installed in a special hole drilled with a drill;
- Hinge. These are moving parts that are made up of springs.
The springs that are built into the device hold the door in one position, preventing it from moving arbitrarily. They can be adjusted so that it is convenient to use the furniture.
Four-hinged hinges are of several types: with a partial overlay (two sashes are attached to one side at once), fully overlapping (the door can be installed from either side), angular (allow you to assemble furniture at a certain angle), inverted (the sash can be opened completely, that is one hundred and eighty degrees) and internal.
But this is not the only type of hinge, in addition to four-hinged loops, others can be distinguished:
- Card. The simplest design, the essence of which is in a movable rod. Nowadays, they are quite rare;
- Pendulum. The sash can be opened 180 degrees;
- "Mezzanine" - open horizontal doors with a spring;
- Lomberts. Used for folding tables: installed on both sides;
- With a secret. Equipped with a special bracket that maintains a horizontal position;
- Adit. Attached to the doors near the wall;
- The calcaneus is great for lightweight structures, installed on both sides;
- Special for glass. Withstand even more stress, while they have an attractive appearance;
- Eight-hinged. They are an improved version of the four-joint. They are rarely used due to the complex installation.
In order for the furniture to serve for a long time without breakdowns, you need to take a responsible approach to the choice of the type of mechanism. They must be of high quality, without scuffs and rust.
Note! It is not recommended to buy too cheap models, as they are most likely made of low quality materials.
What materials and tools will be needed for DIY installation
In order to properly carry out the installation of furniture hinges with your own hands, you need to prepare the necessary materials and tools in advance.
You will need the following tools:
- Screwdriver;
- Drill;
- Ruler;
- Level;
- Triangle;
- Milling cutter;
- Pencil or marker;
- Screwdriver;
- Screws.
Depending on the type of mechanism, the number of tools may vary. When working with glass, you need to put something soft so that the material does not crack from mechanical stress.
Step-by-step instructions for attaching furniture hinges
In order to answer the question of how to install furniture hinges on a cabinet with your own hands, you need to study the step-by-step execution of the work. Let's take a closer look.
Marking
To properly install the mechanism, you need to apply the markings. This will allow you to know exactly where to drill the holes. First you need to decide on the required number of loops.
Structure weight in kg | Construction height in mm | Required number of loops |
9 | up to 1000 | 2 |
13 | up to 1500 | 3 |
18 | up to 2000 | 4 |
22 | up to 2500 | 5 |
It is recommended to mark with a pencil, and then mark it over with a marker. This will help avoid errors.
Step back about 2.5 centimeters from the edge of the product, while the distance between the loops should be at least 50 centimeters. Mark with a pencil or marker. Using a self-tapping screw, drill holes for future installation.
Important! Carry out all the work as carefully as possible, as the hinges can be easily broken, despite the fact that they are made of metal.
Hole preparation
Now you can start preparing the hole. To do this, you need to drill a thin hole with a drill and drill. To make it easier to carry out the work, you need to put the structure on the floor or other flat surface. The hole should be about 1 centimeter deep.
Note! In order for the loop to hold for a long time and not loosen in the tree, you need to drill a hole strictly perpendicularly.
You need to drill slowly and carefully so as not to spoil the furniture by drilling through the door.
Loop fastening
In the bowl of the structure, you need to lay a part that will be attached to the side of the cabinet. Insert the hinges into the grooves, it is important to do this carefully. For a more even installation, adjust the hinge position using the level and triangle. Screw the screws into the mechanism with a screwdriver.
Now you need to check the strength of the installation. Start loosening the structure a little. If it holds on tightly, then you can continue with the installation.
Hanging the door
At this stage, you need to focus as much as possible and do everything slowly and carefully. To simplify the work, you need to lay the furniture on a flat surface.
Make the markings on the door in the same way as on the frame. Using self-tapping screws, install the hinge and connect the door to the frame. Adjust the position as it is comfortable. Pay attention that there are no gaps. Ready.
Possible nuances with the adjustment of furniture hinges
During the work, some problems may arise, the possibility of which can be foreseen in advance.
Vertical adjustment
There are several ways to hang the door, one of which is vertical. This method is most common, since it is easier to open a cabinet or cabinet to the right or left than to the top.
Installation in this way is carried out by twisting the holes in the shape of an oval. It is necessary to tighten the bolts regularly, as over time they begin to loosen. This should not be neglected, as problems may arise that cannot be fixed.
Adjustment for horizontal misalignment
Another type of hanging is horizontal, which can often be found on kitchen cabinets. It is also necessary to regularly tighten the bolts. This design most of all requires maintenance, since when the bolts are loosened, the cabinet can open arbitrarily.
Door depth adjustment
The depth adjustment should be checked. To do this, you need to press the hinges to the body and facade. Loosen the mount with a screwdriver and then tighten as much as possible. Ready.
The answer to the question of how to properly install the hinges on kitchen cabinets and other structures depends on the type of mechanism and the material from which the frame is made. Observe the basic rules and nuances of installation and carry out all the work carefully, then there will be no problems.
Video: marking and fastening furniture hinges