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How to install soft-close cupboard hinges?

Emma5B

Hi there, I’m hoping someone can help me please.

I’m updating my kitchen cupboard hinges to soft close, and the issue I’m having is the previous hinges had expanding dowels in the screw holes, but the fat expanding screws that were in won’t go into the new hinges.

Previous holes in the door for the screws are 10mm so standard screws in the packet are too small. I can’t think of how to fix this.

What kind of screws and expanding dowels do I get to install the hinges please?

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EricL

Hello @Emma5B

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about installing kitchen hinges.

My teammate suggested using https://www.bunnings.com.au/turbo-175ml-builders-bog-flexipack_p1670144 . Mix up a good batch and fill the screw holes until they are full. My best advice is to make sure that the builders bog is fully cured before screwing into its surface. Please make sure not to add too much activator or you will not have enough time to handle and mould the bog. In regard to the screw, please use the ones provided in the hinge packet.

I also suggest having a look at this discussion - How to fill holes from cabinet hinges? by @Mark270481.

Here is a handy guide -

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/222732/how-to-replace-kitchen-cabinet-door-hinges

Let me call on our experienced members @JoeAzza, @TedBear, @DIY4Knuckleheds, @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

JoeAzza

Hi @Emma5B, I have also had to change these hinges recently, I ended up using a piece of wooden dowel rod glued in place , slightly oversized, then cut flush to the door face once the glue has dried, then just place the hinge in place, pre drill hole to suit screws. Just make sure the hinge is square to the edge of the door.

Nailbag

Hi @Emma5B

I would use the builders bog to fill the holes and allow 24hrs to fully cure as @EricL has suggested. Then pilot hole for the smaller standard screws without the need for an expansion plug. This is a method I have used myself many times to fix customers broken hinge setups.

Nailbag

Dave-1

Good Evening @Emma5B

I was going to suggest a piece of dowel as well, Very much like @JoeAzza has described :) I have used the builders bog that @EricL and @Nailbag have suggested on seats and found it extremely easy to use. Just follow the instructions closely as @EricL has said.

Dave

MitchellMc

Hi @Emma5B,

It looks like the other members have already provided some excellent suggestions for repairing the oversized mounting holes.

One other option to consider is whether the mounting holes in your new hinges line up with the holes from the original hinges. If they do, you may be able to carefully drill out the holes in the new hinge plates slightly and reuse the original srews and expanding fixings.

Provided everything aligns correctly, this could save you from having to fill the existing holes and re-drill them. I'd just recommend checking that the enlarged holes don't interfere with the hinge operation and that the original fixings still clamp the hinge securely in place.

Mitchell

Emma5B

Thank you for all your help. I’ve decided to go with the dowel option. Fingers crossed it works for me.

Noyade

"drill out the holes in the new hinge plates slightly and reuse the original screws and expanding fixings."

@MitchellMc

That would be my thought as well, and save a lotta work. Diameter wise it must be so, so close…