To accurately measure a soft close hinge, you need to determine both the cup size and the overlay.
Measuring the Cup Size
The cup size refers to the diameter of the hinge's cup, which is the part that attaches to the cabinet door. You can easily measure this using a ruler or calipers:
- Remove a hinge: Carefully unscrew and remove one of the soft close hinges from the cabinet door.
- Measure the diameter: Measure the diameter of the cup using a ruler or calipers. Common sizes include 25mm, 26mm, 35mm, and 40mm. The measurement should be taken across the widest part of the cup.
Measuring the Overlay
The overlay is the amount the cabinet door overlaps the cabinet frame when closed. This measurement is crucial for selecting the correct hinge. Follow these steps:
- Close the cabinet door: Ensure the cabinet door is completely closed.
- Measure the overlap: Measure the distance between the edge of the cabinet door and the edge of the cabinet frame. This distance is your overlay measurement. Typical overlays are 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, or 1 inch.
Determining Hinge Size
Once you have both the cup size and overlay measurements, you can select the appropriate soft close hinge. The overlay measurement is particularly important as it dictates the type of hinge needed (e.g., full overlay, half overlay). Many retailers provide guides or charts linking overlay measurements to appropriate hinge types.
Example: If you measure a 26mm cup and a 1/2 inch overlay, you would need a soft close hinge with a 26mm cup designed for a 1/2 inch overlay.
Remember to check the specifications of the hinge you're considering to ensure compatibility with your cabinet and door. Videos and online resources offer further visual guidance on this process.
