Adjusting the soft close cabinet hinges to fit perfectly is important to ensure that the door closes at the right speed and alignment, depending on the size and weight of the door. Adjust the hinge to prevent problems like the door closing too fast or too slow, hitting the frame or the next door, or being bent or not horizontal. The soft close hinge is a type of hinge that allows the door of the cabinet to slowly and quietly close without making any noise. It is convenient for cabinets to prevent damage to doors and frames, reduce wear on hinges, and realize smooth and quiet closing.
This article shows you how to perfectly adjust soft close cabinet hinges in five simple steps. In addition, we will explain how to fit a soft close hinge to the cabinet door and important tips and tricks to follow and prevent any damage. By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of soft close hinges and improve the functionality and appearance of the cabinet.
How to adjust soft close cabinet hinges?
Before you start adjusting the soft close hinge, you need to check the door alignment and hinge settings. It is necessary to check whether the door is not bent, not horizontal, or not loose. In addition, it is necessary to check the autism speed of the hinge and decide how quickly you want to close it or slow it down. Then proceed to the next step:
Step 1: Decide the type of hinge
The first step is to determine the type of hinge on the cabinet door. There are two types of hinges: inset and overlay. The inset hinge is the type that flies inside the cabinet frame, and the overlay hinge is the type that covers the cabinet frame. The hinge type affects the position and orientation of the adjustment tab or lever that controls the soft close function.
To distinguish the type of hinge, look at the gap between the door and the cabinet frame. If there is no gap, it is an inset hinge. If there is a gap, it is an overlay hinge. Also, notice the shape and size of the hinge cup, which is attached to the door of the hinge. The inset hinge is small and rounded, and the overlay hinge is large and square.
Examples of the hinge model and the position of the adjustment mechanism:
Bloom Clip Top Bull Motion:
A popular soft-close hinge model that can be used both for the entrance door and overlay door. The adjustment tab is located on the side of the hinge arm, near the hinge cup. To access the adjustment tab, you need to open the door and see the hinge from the inside.
Saris Smoeve:
This is also a common soft close hinge, which can be used for both the entrance door and overlay door. The adjustment lever is on the back side of the hinge cup and the back side of the door. To access the adjustment lever, you need to remove the hinge cup cover cap and press the lever with the driver. But if you are suffering from being locked out of your house’s deadbolt lock of front door, then you should have to take serious action to solve this problem. You must learn how to open a deadbolt lock with a screwdriver or call Patriot Locksmith.
Glass Tiomos:
A new type of soft close hinge that can be used for both the entrance door and overlay door. The adjustment tab is located at the front of the hinge cup and under the door. To access the adjustment knob, you need to close the door a little and slide the knob with your fingers.
Step 2: Check and fix the bent door
The second step is to check, and fix bent and non-horizontal doors that interfere with soft-close functions and hinge adjustment. Bent doors and non-horizontal doors cause the hinges to work stronger or slower than necessary, resulting in variations in the closing speed and no longer satisfactory. To solve this problem, you need to use the driver to tighten or loosen the screw attached to the door and cabinet frame. You can also measure horizontal and vertical doors using horizontal instruments and rulers.
To fix a curved or non-horizontal door:
Start with the top hinge and lower to the bottom hinge. By doing this, the weight of the door is distributed evenly and supported by hinges.
To raise and lower the door:
Modify the screw of the hinge plate attached to the cabinet frame. To move the door to the left and right, adjust the screw of the hinge arm attached to the door.
To adjust the depth of the door:
Adjust the screw of the hinge cup attached to the door. If the door is still bent or not horizontal after adjusting the screw, the door must be removed and re-installed. To do so, press the hinge arm button or clip to remove the hinge from the hinge plate. After that, adjust the position of the door and re-attach the hinge to the hinge plate.
Step 3: Measure the current and desired automatic closing speed of the hinge
The third step is to measure the current and desired autism speed of the hinge. This is the time to release your hand from a certain angle and close the cabinet door without permission. The autism speed depends on the size and weight of the door and the setting of the hinge. Even if it is too fast or too slow, it can cause problems such as noise, damage, and incomplete closing.
To measure the current automatic closing speed, you need to use a stopwatch or timer. Open the door to a 90-degree angle and release it. After that, start the timer and stop when the door reaches the closed position. It is necessary to repeat this process three times and calculate the average time. This is the current autism speed. But if going to choose locksmithing as your profession, then you should have a complete guide about how to become a locksmith in Missouri.
The following guidelines must be taken into account:
Small and light doors:
The best automatic closing speed is 2-4 seconds. This ensures that the door closes smoothly and quietly without closing or bouncing with the butane.
Large and heavy doors:
Speed of an Ideal is 4-6 seconds. This ensures that the door closes quietly and securely without falling or slamming.
Medium and medium-weight doors:
Ideal automatic closing speed is 3-5 seconds. This allows the door to close with a balanced constant force, without being too fast or too slow. To calculate the difference between the current autism speed and the desired autism speed, you need to draw the current speed from the desired speed. Now you can see how much speed you need to adjust the hinge. For example, if the current speed is 5 seconds and the desired speed is 3 seconds, the hinge speed must be reduced by 2 seconds.
Step 4: Find the adjustment tab and move the lever
The last step is to find the adjustment tab and move the lever to change the speed of the hinge. The adjustment tab is a small piece of metal protruding from a cylinder or screw. This tab shows the current hinge speed settings.
Here are some important tips:
- To increase the speed of the hinge, move the tab towards the plus (+) sign.
- To reduce the speed of the hinge, move the tab toward the negative (-) sign. Turn the cylinder or screw with the driver or hex wrench.
- To test the speed of the hinge after adjustment, close the cabinet door and observe the closing condition. You may need to repeat the process until you get the desired result
How to Fit Soft Close Hinges?
If the soft close hinge is not attached to the cabinet door, it is recommended to install it to enjoy its benefits. Installing soft close hinges is not so difficult but requires the right tools and materials. You also need to take several steps to install it properly and safely. Here are the steps to attach a soft close hinge to the cabinet door:
Step 1: Collect Tools and Materials
The first step is to collect the tools and materials needed to attach soft close hinges. What you need
- Soft close hinges of type and size suitable for cabinet doors
- Drills and Drill Bits
- Driver
- Pencil
- Roll Scale
- Horizontal or ruler
- Hammers and nails (optional)
Soft Close Hinges can be found in your local hardware store or online. You can also contact Patriot Locksmith in Kansas City, a trusted service provider for the installation and coordination of soft close cabinet hinges. They help you choose the right hinge for your cabinet door and provide professional installation and coordination services.
Step 2: Remove the old hinge and door
The second step is to remove the old hinge and door from the cabinet frame. Use the driver to remove the hinge from the door and cabinet frame. Be careful not to damage the door or frame. In addition, screws and hinges must be stored in a safe place in case they are reused later. But if you are going to buy best access control system for your home or apartment, your business. You should check out top 10 access control systems in the market and then make a firm-decision.
Step 3: Mark the position of the new hinge and drill the hole
The third step is to mark the position of the new hinge on the frame of the door and cabinet and make holes. Use pencils, scrolls, horizontal instruments and rulers to mark hinge cups, hinge arms, and hinge plates. Make sure that the marks are aligned, horizontal, and symmetrical. You also need to follow the instructions and specifications of the hinge maker.
Next, use a drill and drill bits to make holes in the hinge cups, arms, and plates. Make sure you use the right size and depth of drill bit for each hole. If the hole is too deep or too wide, it will damage the door and frame, so be careful. It is also necessary to clean away dust and garbage in the holes.
Step 4: Screw the hinge to the door and cabinet frame
The fourth step is to screw the hinge to the door and cabinet frame. Use screws attached to the driver and hinge. Start with a hinge cup attached to the door. Insert the hinge cup into the hole of the door and screw it firmly. Next, attach the hinge arm that connects the hinge cup and the hinge plate. Apply the hinge arm to the hinge cup and screw firmly. Finally, attach the hinge plate, which is the part to attach to the frame of the hinge. Insert the hinge plate into the hole of the frame and secure it firmly with a screw.
Step 5: Hang the door and adjust the hinge
The last fifth step is to hang the door and adjust the hinge. Combine the hinge arm and hinge plate. Ensure the door is securely secured to the frame and opened and closed smoothly. It is also necessary to check the door alignment, horizontal and autistic speed and adjust the hinge accordingly. To fit the soft close hinge perfectly, you can adjust it according to the steps set out in the preceding paragraph. Usually, when someone changes the house door lock, they simply call for an assistance. But if you are going to change the lock then you should check out the how to change a house door lock a complete guide by Patriot Locksmith
Tips and Notes
Here are some tips and precautions for adjusting soft close hinges:
- When adjusting soft close hinges, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use tools suitable for your hinge.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from dust, debris and sharp blades.
- Work with partners to avoid dropping or damaging doors and hinges.
- Do not tighten or loosen the screw or dial too much as it may damage the hinge or soft close mechanism.
- Causes hinge damage or failure.
- Do not use oil, grease or lubricant for hinges or soft close mechanisms.
Video Guidance:
Here is a video guidance for you:
Conclusion
To adjust the soft close cabinet hinges, you need to measure the overlay and the weight of the door, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and product specifications, and change the settings using the appropriate tools. You also need to test the door and make sure it works correctly. Following these steps, you can quickly enjoy the benefits of soft close cabinet hinges. Also, if you decide to test the adjustment process yourself, please share the experience and results with us.
If you have any problems with installing, repairing, replacing or other locksmith services, we recommend that you consult with Patriot Locksmith in Kansas City. They are professional and reliable locksmiths in Missouri that provide a wide range of services for residential, commercial and automotive clients. They are available 24/7 and have a quick response time. You can trust them to offer the best service and the best price.