How to Install European Hinges

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By Michelle Goldman
eHow Contributing Writer

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European hinges, or Blum hinges, are a technologically advanced method for installing concealed cabinet hinges. Some advantages of using European hinges are they are completely invisible when the door is closed, they're inexpensive and are quickly installed with proper understanding of the technique. The biggest disadvantage to using this style of hinge is that the average person does not typically have the personal knowledge of the various installation configurations, such as terminology, various overlay options, cabinet type and mounting placement.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Drill
8mm eyelet
35mm eyelet
European hinge with screws
2 dowels
Phillips or flathead screwdriver

Step 1

Drill the back of the cabinet door with two 8mm holes and one 35mm hole for the hinge and mounting screws.
Step 2

Lay the cabinet door on a steady, flat surface with the inside of the cabinet facing up.
Step 3

Place the screws through the holes on the hinge. Press the dowels up onto the tips of the screws.
Step 4

Align the screws with the 8mm holes in the cabinet door. Press the hinge into the 35mm hole in the cabinet door while simultaneously pushing the screws into the 8mm holes.
Step 5

Tighten the screws in place using the proper screwdriver to the stop position.
Step 6

Lay the mounting plates on the cabinet. Screw the mounting plate onto the cabinet. Reattach the door to the cabinet.

Tips & Warnings

The typed of hinge and mounting plate used is determined by the the type of door. European hinges come in varying open-angle degrees, such as 110 degrees, 120 degrees and 170 degrees.
Before attempting to install European hinges, understand the terminology: face frame, frameless, overlay door, inset door and twin doors (Glossary listed in Resource section).