Fasteners and Hardware — FAQ
What's the difference between full and half overlay hinges?
Full overlay hinges cover the entire cabinet face, creating a seamless look with minimal gaps. Half overlay hinges leave a reveal between adjacent doors, typically used when doors share a single partition stile.
Do I need a jig for installing concealed hinges?
Yes. A quality 35mm drilling jig ensures precise cup placement and prevents costly door replacements. Freehand drilling risks misalignment that can't be corrected with adjustment screws alone.
Can I replace old hinges with soft-close models?
Absolutely, provided the cup hole spacing matches. Most modern soft-close hinges use standard 45mm mounting plates. Verify your existing hole pattern before ordering to avoid drilling new holes.
What's the standard cup size for cabinet hinges?
The industry standard is 35mm diameter with an 11.5mm depth. Some compact hinges use 26mm cups, but these are rare in professional cabinet making. Always check manufacturer specs.
How many hinges do I need per cabinet door?
Use two hinges for doors under 40 inches tall. Add a third hinge for heights between 40-60 inches, and a fourth for doors over 60 inches. Heavier solid wood doors may require additional support.
What's the difference between face frame and frameless hinges?
Face frame hinges mount to a front frame stile and typically use overlay plates. Frameless hinges attach directly to the cabinet side panel. The mounting plate offset differs—face frame uses 3-6mm, frameless uses 0mm.
