Taking Care of Cabinet Hinges

The kitchen cabinet hinge is probably the most neglected and terribly underestimated part of the whole cabinet. This stems partly from the fact that it is the least seen of all parts. However, you have to realize that the kitchen cabinet hinge is probably one of the most crucial parts of the structure.

Without the kitchen cabinet hinge, the door would not be able to move. Once the kitchen cabinet hinge goes, the cabinet door goes down with it. Because of this, it is important to learn how to take proper care of the kitchen cabinet hinge. Here are a few pointers:

1. Oil

You should never underestimate the usefulness of a good lubricant. Proper oiling of the kitchen cabinet hinge ensures its smooth action. This means that you will be able to prevent that irritating creaking noise that happens when you open the kitchen cabinet door. Oil also prevents rust from accumulating as it prevents moisture from accumulating in the surface of the kitchen cabinet hinge.

How often should one oil the kitchen cabinet hinge? Well, you should do it as often as possible in order to make sure that no rough spots are exposed which could eventually damage the hinge. The kitchen cabinet hinge should be well oiled in the middle part where the two sides of the hinge are joined.

2. Right pressure direction

One of the most common causes of broken kitchen cabinet hinges stems from the fact that most kitchen cabinets are built low in the ground. Whenever people open these types of kitchen cabinets, they tend to pull them with a force that is directed slightly upwards.

This means that the proper direction of the kitchen cabinet hinge is not followed. In turn, this means that undue stress is placed on the hinge. It may not seem obvious at first, but the kitchen cabinet hinge is slowly becoming bent out of its proper structure.

3. Keep it dry

You should remember that the hinge is only as strong as the wood that it supports. For this reason, you also have to learn how to keep the wood itself dry. This helps make sure that you avoid the wood from rotting and thus, letting go of the hinge.

These three tips ought to help you take care of that seemingly insignificant yet truly important kitchen cabinet hinge.