How can I convert my old 38 inset lipped cabinet doors to have a hidden soft close hinge without breaking the bank like the expensive Rockler versions?
Asked by Frida Poulsen 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 4, 2024
I found a cool hack for those old cabinets with the 3/8 inch inset lipped doors that a lot of us have in our older homes. Instead of splurging on the pricey Rockler hinges, I bought the same kind and DIY-ed a mounting block.
Just one soft close hinge per door is all you really need. The other hinges can be the more affordable snap close kind. I went with the Blum zero protrusion, 155° half crank hinge with a 3 mm mounting plate. Works like a charm!
Thanks a lot for sharing! I’m just about to start working on this project. I’m gaining knowledge about hinges, angles, and different types of cabinets!
Were those doors inset? I’ve done a similar setup with inset doors and face frames.
Are you unable to locate a frame kitchen cabinet hinge?
The challenge lies in the 3/8” partial inset. If you attempt different hidden hinges, either the door or the hinges will collide with the frame
Oh yeah I just saw the door offset
Could you please show me the exterior? I’m curious to know if this is a project I could tackle with my cabinets.
Could you send me a photo showing how your doors are hinged?
Hey , I have a few types myself—I’ll post some pictures once I have them. Thank you!
One soft close hinge should be enough for each door. That’s a great idea, it never crossed my mind. I think having just one soft close hinge on a kitchen cabinet door would work just fine.
I ended up spending $20 more than necessary. The soft close hinge costs $2.50 more than the snap close. In the end, I disabled the feature on most of them.
The soft close 155° Blum is 71B7650. The self close Blum is 71T7650. The 3mm mounting plate I utilized is 175H7130. In case you need to limit the opening angle, there is a 110° clip, 70T7553 and also a 92° clip, 70T7553.09. If you opt for the Salice 110° hinge, the hinge model is CBP2AE9 for the soft close and CBP2AC9 for the self close. It requires a 6mm mounting plate, BAR3R69. I acquire all of these from woodworkerexpress dot com. Their prices are unbeatable.