It’s a world with all work and no appreciation for the cabinet hinge. Day after day it’s expected to stay in the same place and tirelessly open and close a door. It’s not a completely lonely world, as the cabinet hinge is usually rather close to another hinge, but they always have to keep their distance and can never get close.
There’s no love for them when things go right, but there is anger and resentment when things go wrong. You expect it to open perfectly, day after day, no creaking, no sticking. In return what do you give it? Nothing, unless you consider your children using it as a way to swing in a circle, causing more strain.
When the hinge makes those squeaking noises or sticks, you don’t wonder what’s causing it to have a problem, you just blame it for the lack of cooperation. But it’s time to realize, you are the one at fault. You have caused the hinge to have to cry out in pain or shuffle it’s feet opening the door, because you didn’t give it the love it needs.
It’s time you stopped the tyranny over the cabinet hinge and became a more giving hinge owner.
You may be wondering what will cause this relationship to be more cooperative? The answer is simple. Lubrication. Your hinge doesn’t really want a lot. Just a little bit of oil tossed its way from time to time will generally do the trick. Think of all the dirt, dust, water, grime, and other things that are getting stuck in a kitchen. The oil will help it be able to more easily push those irritants away and continue it’s job.
Periodically, your cabinet hinge is going to need a little more attention. It could be from the kids swinging on it, or from you pulling a little harder than you should have, but whatever the reason, the hinge may come a bit loose from the cabinet. That will make it feel wobbly in your hand and could lead to the door opening on it’s own or just acting a little differently than it is supposed to. The remedy for this ailment, pull out a screwdriver. Often the screws have just come out a little bit and need to be tightened.
If this condition has been left untreated for too long, you may have a bigger problem on your hands and have to do minor surgery on the cabinet door. If the screw hole has been stripped, you may have to fill that hole with a piece of dowel, and wood glue, and once dry, re-drill a hole where your hinge can hang comfortably.
A relationship is only as good as what you put into it. While your cabinet hinge is willing to give 100% to you, in order to always get that 100%, you need to be willing to do your part and give back to the relationship.
As the owner of many online sites, author Jennifer Akre, shares her insight on how to make your indoor living space more usable with charming cabinet hinges, decorative door hinges and concealed hinges.
Tags: Cabinet Hinges