How do I identify a cabinet hinge to order replacement?

January 25, 2016 7:53 AM

I have a broken cabinet hinge that I've tried to identify via serial numbers on the hinge and by comparison to other hinges online, but everything I've found so far has been slightly off. Is there any reliable method to describe and locate a hinge that exactly matches the broken one? (Same spacing of screw holes, angle of opening, etc.)
posted by tobascodagama to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

Check out the McMaster-Carr website. They've got a really great, browsable layout with images and clear, specific specs that should help you figure out exactly what you have.
posted by phunniemee at 7:58 AM on January 25, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I would poke around on McMaster-Carr's website.

Once you narrow down your search, you can click on "product detail" and get a detailed drawing of your hinge, including thickness, hole diameter, and hole placement, like this one for example.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:59 AM on January 25, 2016 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks, guys. The detailed diagrams there are awesome. Way better than trying to eyeball it on Amazon.
posted by tobascodagama at 8:04 AM on January 25, 2016

Just to warn you, if you've got an older house, hinges were manufactured to pretty much no standard back in the day. If you can get something with the right overall dimensions, but the wrong hole locations, that might be your only hope.

If you *do* have to set up different holes, make sure to drill pilot holes in the cabinet for the new locations.
posted by notsnot at 8:38 AM on January 25, 2016 [1 favorite]