Replacement for Grass Hinges: Correctly Fitting System 32 Cruciform Mounting Plates

May 19, 2026

System 32 is a standardised hole-spacing system in furniture construction with a continuous drilling distance of 32 mm, enabling the universal installation of cruciform mounting plates and concealed hinges from various manufacturers.

When old fittings on cabinet doors fail, fitters and ambitious DIYers often face the task of finding a suitable replacement. A direct 1:1 swap is not always possible with older models, as the drilling patterns of hinge cups have evolved over the years. However, thanks to standardised dimensions in carcass construction, defective fittings can be replaced with modern alternatives. The key to a successful replacement lies in understanding the overlay types, cup dimensions, and the correct fixing of the mounting plate.

This guide provides the technical specifications required to determine the correct replacement and install the new components professionally.

Key Buying Criteria for Replacement Hinges

To select a functional concealed hinge / cabinet hinge as an alternative to an existing system, three central dimensions must strictly match or be adapted using new drill holes.

Cup Diameter and Drilling Pattern in the Door

The concealed hinge cup sits in a round recess on the inside of the cabinet door. The standard diameter for this hole across nearly all common hinges is 35 mm. For very small furniture doors or specialised bathroom furniture, mini hinges with a diameter of 26 mm are occasionally used.

Alongside the cup diameter, the spacing between the two fixing screws next to the cup is crucial. This dimension varies depending on the manufacturer and series. Common centre distances are 45 mm, 48 mm, or 52 mm. If the old drilling pattern does not match the new fitting, the screws must be driven into the timber slightly offset.

Hole Spacing of the Cruciform Mounting Plate

The cruciform mounting plate connects the hinge to the carcass side panel. For industrially manufactured furniture, System 32 applies here. This means:

The distance between the two fixing screws of the mounting plate is exactly 32 mm.
The distance from the front drill hole to the front edge of the carcass is standardly 37 mm.

This grid ensures that you can screw mounting plates from different brands into the same positions within the cabinet, provided System 32 was used.

The Correct Overlay Type

The position of the door relative to the carcass side defines the overlay type. An incorrect fitting will prevent the door from closing properly.

Full overlay: When closed, the door sits almost completely over the front edge of the carcass side panel. This is also referred to as a standard surface-mounted door. The hinge arm for this variant is straight (cranked 0 mm).
Half overlay: Two doors share a single central carcass divider (twin doors). Each door covers only half of the front edge, typically with an overlay of around 7 mm to 9 mm per door. The hinge arm has a visible bend (cranked).
Inset: The door does not sit on the carcass side, but closes flush inside the carcass walls. The front edge of the carcass panel remains completely visible when the door is closed. The hinge arm is heavily cranked.

Overview of Types and Options

Once the basic mechanical requirements are determined, the choice depends on the required opening angle and closing mechanism.

110° opening angle: This is the standard for conventional cabinet doors in kitchens, wardrobes, and bathroom furniture. A concealed hinge / cabinet hinge 110 degrees is sufficient for most everyday applications.
Wide-angle hinges (155° / 165°): These fittings open the door well beyond a right angle. A concealed hinge / cabinet hinge 155 degrees is known as a zero-protrusion hinge. The door swings completely clear of the internal carcass opening.
Special angles: For constructions such as corner cabinets with face frames or corner posts, specialised angles are needed, such as a concealed hinge / cabinet hinge 90 degrees.
Closing mechanism: Modern systems integrate soft-close damping directly into the hinge arm. A concealed hinge / cabinet hinge with soft close catches the momentum of the door and closes it silently over the final few centimetres.

Which Hinge for Which Application?

The choice of the exact fitting depends on the specific installation scenario.

When repairing a standard kitchen cabinet: Choose a hinge with a 110° opening angle and full overlay. Check beforehand whether the door fully overlays the side panel. For enhanced convenience, a version with soft-close is recommended.

When retrofitting internal drawers in a cabinet: If you are planning internal pull-outs, the open cabinet door must not obstruct the drawer path. A hinge with 155° or 165° is mandatory here. This is the only way to ensure a full-extension drawer runner can be pulled out of the carcass without colliding.

When two doors are fixed to a centre divider: In wardrobes with multiple sections, two doors often share a vertical centre partition. Here, half overlay must be chosen for both doors; otherwise, they will block each other when opening.

Installation Note: Fitting System 32 Cruciform Mounting Plates

Replacement requires precise workmanship. Just like a well-matched puzzle, the hinge arm and mounting plate interlock during final assembly, which is why hole preparation must be exact.

Required Tools

Cordless drill/driver
Forstner bit 35 mm (if new cup drill holes are needed)
Wood drill bit 5 mm (for Euro screws)
Cross-head screwdriver (PZ 2)
Folding rule or bevel gauge
Pencil and centre punch

Step-by-Step Installation

Removal and inspection: Unclip or unscrew the old door. Remove the old cruciform mounting plate from the carcass. Measure the centre distance of the existing holes. If it is 32 mm, you can reuse the holes.
Attaching the mounting plate: Screw the new mounting plate to the carcass side panel. Use dedicated Euro screws (often pre-fitted) that engage with the 5 mm drill holes of the System 32 grid. Alternatively, for chipboard panels without pre-drilled holes, standard chipboard screws (Ø 3.5 mm or 4 mm) are used.
Inserting the hinge cup: Press the new hinge into the 35 mm hole on the door. Align it at an exact 90-degree angle to the door edge. Secure the cup with two wood screws.
Hanging the door: Guide the hinge towards the mounting plate. On modern systems with clip-on installation, simply press the hinge arm onto the plate until it audibly engages. Older slide-on systems must be pushed on and secured with a locking screw.
3D adjustment: Align the door reveals and gaps.

Depth adjustment: Moves the door closer to or further away from the carcass.
Height adjustment: Loosening the mounting plate screws slightly allows the door to be shifted up or down by approx. 2 mm.
Side adjustment: Changes the lateral overlay of the door and regulates the gap between two doors.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Hinge Replacement

Can I replace old fittings with fittings from other brands? Yes. As long as the cup diameter (35 mm) and the overlay type match, the fitting can be swapped regardless of brand. The cruciform mounting plate usually needs to be replaced at the same time, as clip mechanisms are not compatible between different manufacturers.

What does System 32 mean in practice? It is an international standard in furniture manufacturing. The hole rows in the side panels of cabinets have a spacing of 32 mm from one another. The front row of holes is situated exactly 37 mm from the front edge of the cabinet. This enables universal use of mounting plates and shelf supports.

Why is my soft-close door no longer closing properly? If the damping mechanism no longer works, the integrated hydraulic piston in the hinge arm is often defective or has developed a leak due to wear. Repairing the piston is not possible; the hinge must be replaced entirely.

Which screws should I use for the mounting plate? If there are already 5 mm holes in the carcass, use Euro screws. These have a blunt thread that grips securely into chipboard. If no holes exist or if they are stripped, use chipboard screws (countersunk head, PZ drive, Ø 4 mm) and drive them directly into the solid material.

How do I determine the correct mounting plate height/distance? Mounting plates come in various heights/spacers (D = 0 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm). The spacer regulates the distance of the hinge from the carcass wall. For standard overlays (e.g. 15 mm to 16 mm on 19 mm thick panels), a mounting plate with a 0 mm spacer is typically used.