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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/replacing cabinet hinges

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Expert: - 11/21/2008


Question
I purchased new automatic close face mounted 3/8 inset hinges to replace the (30 yrs)old ones on my kitchen cabinets.  They look exactly the same but when I install them,  the cabinet doors are pushed too close together and overlap. I tried mounting them more to the outside so the doors will meet in the middle but then they won't close flush anymore.  thinking the hinges were defective, I purchased another set to see if they would work but still the same problem.  Why won't my new hinges fit the same as the old ones and what can I do about it?

Answer
Hi Billiejo, this can be frustrating, I know, but if they are identical in the closed position, they should mount exactly the same with the same outcome. The new hinges may use different geometry and different pivot points in their design to accomplish the opening movement, but in the closed position, they should be the same, if they are in fact, identical. Most of these hinges have several adjustment points built in that allow all these parameters to be adjusted,side to side, in and out, etc., but I assume you're aware of that and have tried to adjust them. There are MANY different manufacturers and types and styles of these hinges, but without seeing them it's difficult to advise you on how to fix your issue. Perhaps you could take a door and the two hinges to a cabinet shop or kitchen retailer and have them examine the differences with you and figure out why this issue is happening. Wish I could help more from here, post back if need be- regards- Greg

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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