When dealing with kitchen door hinges, the term "drill out" can sometimes refer to preparing the door for a new hinge by creating the necessary recess for the hinge cup, rather than removing existing, possibly stripped, fasteners. Based on the provided information, the primary drilling task related to installing a new kitchen door hinge involves creating this specific hole for the hinge cup to sit flush within the door.
This process requires precision to ensure the hinge functions correctly and the door hangs properly.
Preparing the Door for a New Hinge Cup
If you are installing a new kitchen door hinge, you will need to drill a specific hole on the back of the door to accommodate the hinge cup (the circular part of the hinge that fits into the door).
Here’s how to perform this crucial drilling step:
- Select the Right Tool: You will need a drill equipped with a correctly sized hole cutter attachment designed for drilling hinge cup holes (often called a Forstner bit or a specific hinge-boring bit).
- Measure the Placement: Precision is key. You should measure 21.5mm inwards from the edge of the door. This measurement ensures the hinge sits correctly relative to the door's side, leaving the hole approximately 4mm from the very edge of the door itself.
- Set the Depth: The depth of the hole is critical for the hinge cup to sit flush with the door surface. The hole will need to be 12mm deep to achieve this. Many hole cutter attachments have depth stops or indicators you can use, or you can mark the drill bit itself.
- Drill the Hole: Carefully drill straight down into the door at the marked position, ensuring you reach the required 12mm depth without going through the other side.
Following these steps using the correct measurements (21.5mm inwards, 12mm deep) ensures the hole is properly sized and positioned for the new hinge cup to sit flush, allowing for a smooth and functional hinge installation.
Summary of Hinge Cup Hole Measurements:
| Measurement | Value | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Inwards from door edge | 21.5mm | Positions the hole correctly |
| Distance from edge | ~4mm | Resulting edge clearance |
| Hole Depth | 12mm | Ensures hinge cup sits flush |
This drilling process is a standard part of installing new kitchen door hinges, preparing the door accurately for the hardware.
