Zero-Protrusion Hinge: Definition & Advantages for Internal Drawers
A zero-protrusion hinge is a specialised concealed hinge where the opened cabinet door does not protrude into the internal clear width of the carcase. This leaves the entire interior fully accessible, which is essential for pulling out internal drawers or pull-out trays without colliding with the door edge.
What exactly is a zero-protrusion hinge?
Standard hinges often leave the cabinet door protruding by a few millimetres into the cabinet opening (the clear width) when fully open. With normal shelving, this does not cause an issue. However, if drawers are to be fitted behind the door, this protruding edge blocks the pull-out path.
The zero-protrusion hinge resolves this problem using a specialised kinematic system. The articulated mechanism acts like a multi-part extension arm in a workshop, swivelling the component completely clear of the linear movement axis when opened. From an opening angle of just 90°, the door completely clears the interior space of the carcase. The protrusion (the encroachment into the cabinet) is exactly 0 mm.
Typical Dimensions and Standards
For planning and installation by a joiner or fitter, specific technical parameters apply to these hinges:
- Cup hole diameter: The standard for the hinge cup is 35 mm. Matching concealed hinges 35 mm are industry-standard and compatible with common drilling jigs.
- Opening angle: To achieve zero protrusion, these fittings are technically designed mostly as wide-angle hinges. Concealed hinges / cabinet hinges 155 degrees or concealed hinges / cabinet hinges 165 degrees are typical.
- Cup depth: Usually between 11 mm and 13 mm, which requires a minimum door thickness of 15 mm to 16 mm (e.g. for chipboard or MDF).
Types and Mounting Options
When configuring larder units or kitchen cabinets with internal pull-outs, the correct mounting style must be selected.
- Full overlay: The most common variant for single cabinets. The door covers the carcase side panel completely. This is where full overlay concealed hinges with zero protrusion are used.
- With integrated soft-close: For silent closing, modern versions are often designed as concealed hinges / cabinet hinges with damping (soft close). The damper is usually integrated invisibly inside the hinge arm, gently braking the door.
Application & Selection During Installation
When retrofitting or building cabinets with internal drawers, the choice of concealed hinges / cabinet hinges is vital for the smooth operation of the runners.
If a conventional standard hinge with 110° is used, the internal drawer must be spaced out on the hinge side using a spacer strip (usually 25 mm thick) so the pull-out can glide past the door. This wastes valuable storage space. A zero-protrusion hinge eliminates the need for this spacer strip. The ball-bearing runner or undermount runner of the drawer can be screwed directly to the internal carcase wall.
During installation, keep in mind that wide-angle hinges swing further into the room due to their large opening angle. If the door collides with an adjacent wall or another piece of furniture at 155°, an opening angle restrictor (e.g. to 90° or 110°) can be clipped into the hinge. Zero protrusion remains fully maintained at 90°.
Related Terms
- Clear width: The exact internal dimension of a carcase between the two side panels.
- Wide-angle hinge: Hinges with an opening angle of more than 120°, often serving as the foundation for zero-protrusion mechanisms.
- Cruciform mounting plate: The counterpart to the hinge, which is screwed to the carcase wall (typically in the System 32 grid).
- Internal drawer: A pull-out drawer positioned entirely behind a continuous cabinet door.