I need hinge help!!!

[adowden]

I went to install the maple face frame and doors tonight and the hinges didn't fit. I paid the Hardwood Co of NC to predrill for hinges and provide the hinges because the customers were in a hurry. I have used European hinges before, but not like this. The 35mm part fit, but the two plastic pieces were way too tight. Is there an installation trick or am I missing something? Here is a picture of the hinge.

 

[toolferone]

Are there screws on the other side of the white plastic?

 

[adowden]

Yes, Tom. Here is a picture. Sorry for the bad quality. This is just like they delivered them to me. The screws were already there. I was worried that they are like wall anchors and that once you insert the screws, the plastic is forever changed. I just can't believe they would deliver it like that if that was the case.

 

[NCPete]

I had an old Arabic instructor who would often say "Awjeeb wa hareeb". Still not sure what he meant, but that sure seems awjeeb wa hareeb.... Looking for your thoughts, too, Tom.

 

[toolferone]

I think that all you should need to do is pop the plate in the 35mm hole and tighten the screws. The screws should expand the plastic. The holes might have been drilled for the screws only and not the white plastic anchors. Have you tried removing the screws and see if the plastic fits in the holes? Does the plastic come off if the screws are removed?

 

[NCPete]

kind of what I was expecting to hear. Thanks!

 

[adowden]

Yes, I held the plastic with a pair of pliers and removed the screw. The plastic would still not easily fit in the hole. The customer and I held the door and he hammered the plastic pieces in. In fact he had to hammer so hard that the maple was starting to split. :crybaby2: We fought throught it to install one door, but it took so long. I can't imagine that it should be this hard. :-x And just when I thought I was home free after it stained up so well. I am stumped. :eusa_thin

 

[Dutchman]

Can you use the hinges without the plastic inserts? What about boring the holes for the plastic inserts larger?

 

[toolferone]

It sounds like the holes have been drilled the wrong size. The plate should pop in with a very light tap of your hand, the screws tightened, and you are done. Sorry you are having trouble. I would stop trying to force them, it will only cause problems later.

 

[adowden]

I'll give Jeff a call tomorrow at the Hardwood Store and see what he says. It is just disappointing to pay more for something that only gives me problems (and is embarrassing in front of the customer although he was very understanding). Thanks for your help and reassurance that it shouldn't be this hard. Worse case senario, I will glue plugs in the small holes for the plastic and buy hinges that only use screws.

 

[adowden]

Mystery solved! What you have to do is press in the hinges with a clamp. It really takes quite alot of pressure. I put cork on the outside of my door and a piece of wood over the hinge to equalize pressure and then kept squeezing a ratcheting clamp until it popped in flush. Thanks for everyone's help!

Amy

 

[Bernhard]

Can tell from the pictures, but.....
Some of those hinges have a cam lock, only requires a 1/4 turn to tighten. Generally the cam lock require an 8mm hole. If there is actual screw in there that expends the plastic dowel, it may be a 5mm or an 8mm diameter plastic dowel.

Did you by any chance use a 1/4" bit? That would be only 6.35mm and the 8 mm dowel will bind.

Good luck
Bernhard

 

[junquecol]

Mystery solved! What you have to do is press in the hinges with a clamp. It really takes quite alot of pressure. I put cork on the outside of my door and a piece of wood over the hinge to equalize pressure and then kept squeezing a ratcheting clamp until it popped in flush. Thanks for everyone's help!

Amy

I guess thats why they are called press in's. They are designed to press in. The screw is loosened to remove them only. Most hinge manufacturers have a hinge boring/ knock in machine, which is actualy a press. The Wurth group only sells this style of hinge. If you don't have a press, you remove "dowels" and replace them with hinge screws.