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SPEC

Hinges for Thin Door and Drawer Fronts

Blum Expando T hinges have a unique pressure-fit mounting system that only requires 1/4-in. penetrations into cabinet doors and drawer faces.

Issue 286 - Oct/Nov 2019
thin door hinges
Thin grip. Rather than wood screws, thin-door hinges attach via short, expanding prongs.

To accommodate designers and cabinetmakers looking to incorporate thin doors and drawer fronts into their designs, Blum has introduced a new line of hinges, lifts, and drawer-box hardware. The thin-front hardware relies on the company’s line of expansion fittings, which they call Expando T, to establish a firm mechanical connection. Rather than the usual hinge cups, the prongs of these hinges drop into holes that are just under 1/4 in. (6 mm) deep and are then tightened with a screwdriver. The hardware has been tested and approved for use with doors and drawer fronts between 8 mm and 14 mm thick, made from particle board, MDF, HDF, granite, ceramic, porcelain, and more. A pair of thin-door, 110°, soft-close hinges sells for about $35 online.

blum.com

installing a hinge
Hinge installation

—J.F.

From Fine Homebuilding #286

More about cabinet hardware

Video: Build a Simple Jig to Drill Cabinet-Handle Holes Perfectly

What’s the Difference: Cabinet Door-catch Mechanisms – The choice comes down to aesthetics, function, and cost for these essential pieces of hardware.

Low-Profile Cabinet Door and Drawer Pulls – These modern classic brass and aluminum edge pulls are some of the most popular products from California architectural hardware manufacturer Doug Mockett & Company.

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