How to Install a Piano Hinge on Corner Cabinet Doors

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Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure

  • Hacksaw

  • File

  • Masking tape

  • Drill

  • 1/16-inch drill bit

  • Phillips screwdriver

Corner cabinets usually use a two panel, bi-fold door. The key to a successful cabinet installation is placing hinges on the door that allow the it to operate with hitting the cabinet frame. The best way to accomplish this goal is to install a piano hinge. A piano hinge is one continuous hinge. The hinge has two leaves, one to attach to each door. The trick is getting the spacing correct when installing the hinge. The quickest way is to install the hinge with the doors upside down.

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Step 1

Measure the height of one door panel with a tape measure. Subtract 2 inches from the measurement. Transfer the adjusted measurement to the piano hinge and cut it to size with a hacksaw. Remove any burrs on the cur end with a file.

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Step 2

Lay the two door panels face down, side by side to each other. Place 2-inch-long pieces of wide masking tape over the seam between the doors, placing them near the top, bottom and center of the door seam.

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Step 3

Place the end of the tape measure over the seam at the top of the doors. Find the 1-inch mark, and place a pencil mark on the doors.

Step 4

Fold the doors up to resemble a tent, with the inside of the door panels facing out. Ask a helper to hold the doors while you mark the hinge mounting holes.

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Step 5

Put the piano hinge over the the two door panels, lining up the end of the hinge with the 1-inch mark. This 1-inch mark allows room for the hinge to close without hitting the cabinet frame. The barrel of the piano hinge should face away from the door panels.

Step 6

Mark the mounting holes onto the cabinet doors with a pencil. Remove the piano hinge.

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Step 7

Drill pilot holes at the marks with a 1/16-inch drill bit. Do not drill through the cabinet doors, just enough to attach the screws.

Step 8

Place the piano hinge back onto the door and align the mounting holes with the pilot holes. Attach the hinge to both door panels with the securing screws and a Phillips screwdriver. The bi-fold corner cabinet door is now ready for installation.

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