Installing cabinet hinge

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dowlinj

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Hi I'm looking at installing a hinge on to a kitchen cabinet door. I have the door (without holes for hinge), the hinge and the necessary drill bit (35mm hinge bit [broken link removed]) but I'm not sure if my drill is up to the task. I'm new to this DIY lark so I'm being fairly cautious before drilling the holes, as I only get one chance. I have a small 12v B & D cordless drill and I was testing it out on a bit of timber but it didn't seem to do the job. Does anyone know if I need a better drill or should this bit and drill combination do the job? I'm just wondering is it the drill or am I using the bit correctly? I'm basically just going at the wood straight off with the bit and it's just not penetrating the timber. Any ideas?
 
To be honest this is really a job for a dedicated drill press or al least a DIY press that will take a corded drill.
 
Was waiting for Carpenter's reply before commenting :)

I watched a very good carpenter attempt this job once and the screw came through the front of the door despite his best efforts to avoid this.

Just wonder if somewhere like http://www.woodworkers.ie/ might help or give you some advice as to where to get this job done professionally.
 
You'd need to remove the door, clamp it. Then have a drill in a fixed stand with the depth gauge set to the correct gauge. But ultimately if you don't know all this you shouldn't do it as the chances of ruining the door are high IMO and getting someone else to do it, isn't going to be expensive.
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'll leave this one to the pros. Don't think the Black and Decker is up to the job. As you say, it shouldn't be an expensive job so better off.
 
Hi there. Would anyone be able to recommend someone in the Maynooth area to install an integrated washing machine door? I got quoted €150 which is far too expensive IMO. I basically just need 2 holes bored for the hinges. Alternatively, would someone know where I could go to get the holes made and I can do the rest myself?
 
go ahead and do it yourself. you have the right bit and any corded drill would be up to the task and unless you are stupid like sueellens carpenter and use screws that are too long, you will not come through the other side. get a few offcuts to practice on first and take measurements for the centre points from one of your existing doors. if you dont have clamps etc, put it flat on the floor up againts a corner and get someone to stand on it while you are drilling. i really dont know why everyone is trying to put you off. the worst case scenario is that you ruin a 40€ door and even that is extremely unlikely
 
I'd agree with Carpenter that you really need a drill press to do this reliably... trying to do it freehand is quite difficult as the drill bit may tend to wander about.. a cordless drill would usually be turning too slowly for that bit so a corded drill would be better.

Bring the door and drill bit to a cabinet making shop or an engineering shop and I'd say they'd do it for free, or maybe 5 or 10 euros..

The hole should be centered about 23mm from the edge of the door, there are adjustments in the hinge so it doesn't have to be exact.

Cheers
Joe
 
dowlinj said:
I basically just need 2 holes bored for the hinges. Alternatively, would someone know where I could go to get the holes made and I can do the rest myself?
Click to expand...

Have you tried ringing somehwere like the company that I mentioned above to see if they can do it or if they can recommend someone else?
 
the panelling centre will pre-drill doors for you - maybe if you went into shop (trade side) and asked one of the guys they might do it for you - they have all the equipment already setup.
 
To be honest I haven't tried a cabinet maker yet. I was trying to get the guys who installed the kitchen to do it as they're usually around the site (new development) every few weeks. I had no joy there as they weren't around on the day they were meant to be!! Was also trying to get someone else to do it but they didn't have the right tools. So I think I'll hit the cabinet maker. Thanks for all the replies.
 
i have drilled hundreds of these holes with my cordless drill. check the depth of the drill compared to the hinge and with due care and attention you cant go wrong
 
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