How to Install Hinges

Hinges are normally installed on doors, boxes and kitchen cabinets to facilitate movement. The various types available can also help you determine the extent to which you want the door to open. Beautiful and innovative styles of hinges can also enhance your home decor to a great extent. Installing them is not a very complex procedure and can be easily done on your own.

Installing Hinges

Step 1


Before you start installing hinges on your door, you must decide which way your door will open, to determine their placement. Some of them work both ways as they are reversible, while some of them will have specific left or right markings on them.

Step 2


Normally hinges are installed at 5 inches from above the door frame and 10 inches from below it. You will need to mark these positions on the door frame where you will be installing them. Remove already present hinges in case you are replacing them.

Step 3


Place the hinge on its position and trace it’s outline on the door frame. Use a pencil or an erasable marker for this. Ensure that you trace the exact height and width of the hinge. As you will be attaching it to the door frame with screws, mark those places as well.

Step 4


Pick up a chisel and hammer to jab the marked outline area on the door frame. This will form a depression for you to install the hinge. Remove any wood splinters in this area to clear it for the hinge to fit in.

Step 5


Take the hinge, and with help of screws, fix it at its determined place. If it is done properly, you will notice that the hinge is level with the door frame and is fixed firmly in its position. Attach the other half in its position(following steps 2, 3 and 4), all the while referring your instruction manual, in case there are any particular directions you need to follow. Use a hinge pin to connect the two halves.

Installing Hinges on a Box

Step 1


Hold the wood box and lid in such a way that you can easily access all points in the box and lid. Keep the lid on the box in the way it would appear when the box is closed.

Step 2


Take your hinges and keep them on the box like you would want them to be installed. Their position should, ideally, be 4 inches from ends of the lid. Bear in mind, the top leaf of the hinge should be straight in line with the top of the lid. Make markings for screws with pencil through the top leaf holes on hinges.

Step 3


Keep the hinges aside and with the help of a drilling machine, drill holes at the screw markings you just made. The holes should not be bigger in diameter than the screws you are going to fit through them. Put the hinges back in position, insert screws through the holes and tighten them with a screwdriver.

Step 4


For the bottom leaf of the hinge, make hole markings with a pencil. Remove the hinges, drill holes, fix the hinges and tighten them with screws. You have successfully installed hinges on a box.



After learning hinge installation, you should definitely give it a shot. You should be able to perform the task, at the most, in an hour. However, if you want to install hinges which are a little more complex in structure, call for a carpenter to help you out.

How to Install Hinges