Measuring a cabinet hinge typically involves identifying key dimensions depending on the hinge type and what information you need (e.g., for replacement or installation). One of the most crucial measurements, especially for modern concealed hinges, is the cabinet overlay.
According to the provided reference video, a "bird's-eye view of what that will go in quarter inch overlay signifies" helps illustrate this measurement. This refers to how much the cabinet door edge overlaps or sits over the cabinet frame or opening when the door is closed.
Understanding Cabinet Overlay
Overlay is the distance the cabinet door edge extends over the cabinet opening on the hinge side. This measurement is critical because different overlay distances require different hinge types or mounting plates.
How to Measure Overlay
- Close the Cabinet Door: Ensure the door is fully closed in its standard position.
- Mark the Cabinet Frame: Open the door just enough to access the cabinet frame on the hinge side. Use a pencil to draw a line on the cabinet frame right where the edge of the door sits when closed.
- Measure the Distance: Close the door again. Measure the distance from the inside edge of the cabinet opening (or the edge of the cabinet frame before the door overlaps it) to the pencil line you just drew (which represents the door's edge).
This measured distance is your overlay. For instance, if the distance is 1/4 inch, you have a quarter-inch overlay, as described in the reference.
Why Overlay Measurement Matters
Knowing the overlay is essential when replacing existing hinges or installing new ones to ensure the doors align correctly with the cabinet openings. Hinges are manufactured to accommodate specific overlay amounts (e.g., full overlay, half overlay, or specific inch measurements like 1/4", 1/2", 1-1/4").
Other Potential Hinge Measurements
While overlay is a key measurement highlighted by the reference, measuring a cabinet hinge might also involve:
- Cup Size: The diameter of the circular hole drilled in the cabinet door for concealed hinges (commonly 35mm).
- Cup Depth: The depth of the hole for the hinge cup.
- Bore Distance (Tab): The distance from the edge of the door to the edge of the hinge cup hole.
- Screw Hole Spacing: The distance between mounting screws on the hinge or mounting plate.
- Hinge Type: Identifying if it's a concealed (European) hinge, face frame, frameless, inset, surface mount, etc.
However, based on the provided reference, the focus is clearly on understanding and measuring the cabinet overlay.
