Hinge Drilling Pattern (e.g. 45/9.5 or 48/6) — Technical Term Explained

The drilling pattern on a concealed cup hinge describes the exact spacing of the fixing holes on the hinge cup, specified in millimetres. The first value defines the distance between the two screw holes, whilst the second value indicates the distance from the centre of the cup hole to the drilling axis of the screws.

What exactly is the drilling pattern?

When replacing or installing concealed cup hinges / cabinet hinges, the drilling pattern is the crucial technical parameter for compatibility. Much like a mechanical key that must fit the lock precisely, the hole pattern determines whether a new hinge can be inserted into the existing drillings of a furniture door without having to bore new holes.

The hinge cup itself almost always has a diameter of 35 mm on standard furniture. Matching this, the door features one large recess as well as two smaller drill holes for the fixing screws. The exact geometry of these three holes in relation to one another is referred to as the drilling pattern.

Common Dimensions and Standards

Over the years, various standards have become established across the furniture industry, varying by manufacturer. The distance is best measured precisely using callipers.

• Drilling pattern 45/9.5 mm: The distance between the fixing screws is 45 mm. The distance from the centre of the 35 mm cup to the imaginary line between the screw holes measures 9.5 mm.
• Drilling pattern 48/6 mm: The screw spacing is 48 mm, and the distance to the cup centre is 6 mm.
• Drilling pattern 52/5.5 mm: The screw spacing measures 52 mm, and the distance to the cup centre is 5.5 mm.

For the installation of concealed cup hinges 35 mm, wood screws with a diameter of 3.5 mm or 4 mm and a PZ (Pozidriv) drive are generally used. Alternatively, there are tool-free fixings (clip-on mechanisms) or pre-mounted expanding dowels that are pressed into 8 mm fixing holes.

Application & Selection When Replacing Hinges

If a defective hinge needs to be replaced, the drilling pattern on the old fitting must be measured accurately. If the dimension deviates, the screws cannot be driven in straight, resulting in a misaligned door or tearing out the chipboard.

In addition to the drilling pattern, the mounting type must strictly be considered when making a selection. This determines how the door rests on the cabinet carcass:

• Concealed cup hinges full overlay: The door completely covers the carcass side panel.
• Concealed cup hinges half overlay: Two doors share a central partition (dual overlay).
• Concealed cup hinges inset: The door closes flush inside the cabinet carcass.

Those wishing to upgrade their furniture fittings can, provided the drilling pattern matches, opt directly for concealed cup hinges / cabinet hinges with soft close. The integrated damper mechanically slows the door down and closes it silently.

Related Terms

• System 32: The standardised hole line pattern in the cabinet carcass with a grid pitch of 32 mm. This is relevant for the cruciform mounting plate onto which the concealed hinge is mounted inside the cabinet.
• Opening angle: Specifies how far the door swings open. A typical standard specification for standard cabinets is concealed cup hinges / cabinet hinges 110 degrees.
• Cup hole: The large circular recess routed into the door that accommodates the hinge cup.

Matching Categories

• Concealed cup hinges / cabinet hinges
• Concealed cup hinges 35 mm
• Concealed cup hinges / cabinet hinges with soft close