How to Fit Cabinet Hinges: Step-by-Step Guide

Fitting concealed cupboard hinges may seem daunting, but with the right measurements and basic tools, it is a straightforward joinery job. Whether you are replacing old hardware or hanging brand new cupboard doors, mastering how to fit cabinet hinges ensures smooth operation, even gaps, and a professional finish across your kitchen or bedroom units.

Essential Tools and Preparation

Before beginning, gather the correct equipment. Using dedicated tools prevents damage to the cabinet carcase and door panels:

• Cordless drill and a 35 mm Forstner bit for drilling standard concealed hinge cup holes.
• Combination square and tape measure for accurate alignment.
• Centre punch or bradawl to mark screw locations.
• Pozi screwdriver (usually PZ2) for fixing and fine-tuning.
• Wood screws (typically 3.5 mm x 15 mm or 16 mm, ensuring they do not breach the door face).
• Clamps and scrap timber to hold the door steady while drilling.

Marking and Drilling the Hinge Cup Holes

Concealed hinges sit inside circular recesses drilled into the back of the door. Precision here is critical.

1. Determine vertical positions: As a general rule, the centre of each hinge cup is marked roughly 70 mm to 100 mm from the top and bottom edges of the door. For taller doors requiring three or more hinges, space the middle hinges evenly between the top and bottom.
2. Set the edge distance: Standard concealed hinges usually require the edge of the 35 mm hole to sit 3 mm to 5 mm from the door edge (making the centre mark roughly 21.5 mm to 22.5 mm in from the side). Always verify the drilling tab distance specified on your hinge diagram.
3. Drill with care: Place the point of your 35 mm Forstner bit on the marked centre. Drill down slowly to a standard depth of 11.5 mm to 12.5 mm. Use a depth stop or a piece of masking tape wrapped around the drill bit to avoid drilling through the front of the door.

Securing the Hinges to the Door

Once the recesses are clean and free of dust, press the hinge cups into the holes. Use a set square or a straight edge across the hinge arms to ensure they are perfectly parallel to the door edge before fastening. Once square, pilot the screw holes with a bradawl and fix the hinge securely using suitable wood screws.

Mounting Plates and Hanging the Door

To fit cabinet hinges onto the carcase, you must attach the mounting plates to the internal cabinet side.

• Line up standard spacing: On standard 32 mm system carcases, pre-drilled system holes are often located 37 mm back from the front edge. If drilling fresh holes, measure carefully so the plate lines up exactly with the hinge arm height on the door.
• Fix the mounting plates: Screw the mounting plates securely into the carcase side.
• Attach the door: For clip-on hinges, align the front of the hinge arm onto the mounting plate and press the back until it clicks firmly into place. For slide-on hinges, slide the hinge arm over the plate and tighten the fixing screw loosely.

Fine-Tuning and Micro-Adjustments

Once hung, cabinet doors rarely sit perfectly level right away. Concealed hinges feature three-way adjustment screws to achieve consistent shadow gaps: