I'm working on a cabinet project and have a question about hinge size. Basically, I bought 2 sizes of hinges and I am wondering which one to use.
Hinges (Brand/Vertex): Hinge A: 2" x 1-1/8" (1/2") Hinge B: 2-1/2" x 1-3/8" (5/8") *The numbers in the parentheses is the part that overlaps with door.
I was originally going to use Hinge B but if I use it, it has only 1/16" of a room on the edge and I worry about the edge can break too easy as I use the cabinet. However, Hinge A looks too narrow (Only 1/8" difference but that means Hinge B has 25% more width...).
Though the door isn't heavy, I've never used these hinges so I also wonder if both can handle the weight of the door. I looked for the weight capacity info but I wasn't able to find it.
I'm probably installing it in a few days and as I'm working on it for the next few days from the early morning to the really night (I want to finish it sooner!), I may not be able to respond but hopefully, I can read your helpful advice.
They'll be mortised into the door stile I assume? I really doubt that that 1/16" edge will break during use since the hinge leaf should not be moving. It could break while cutting the mortise, but given your skills I really think you could go veneer thin and make it work without breakage 🤠
You just want to avoid the hinge leaf putting pressure on that edge which can happen if the screw holes are a bit off center and shift the leaf slightly as you tighten the screws into any countersunk holes they may have.
The main stresses are the screws. You want the leaf holes as far from the edges as possible, which is probably best centered with the 5/8" leaf hinge.
No idea about the application strength, but I'd guess that they are just plated steel so general strength is not too bad. Main difference is the fit with the knuckle and pin. Some hinges are sloppy here and if the door is inset, it could begin to drag if the hinges are too sloppy.
The main reason that hinges are mortised is to make them flush so that there is not a gap when the door is closed. The screws do most of the holding so I would not worry about about their being only 1/16" as long as you can accurately cut it, which based upon your previous work, I have no doubt you can. On the other hand, as long as the smaller hinge is robust enough for the weight of the door and well made, the slightly smaller hinge should be fine as well.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
Thank you, guys! I'll probably go with the wider one.
I actually made the door snag fit to where it's going in so now I have to shave 1/8" on all 4 sides before using the hinge but hopefully I can complete the hinge installation tomorrow.
It's still a long way to finish the project though...
