Requesting Advice with Concealed Hinge Droop

[Steve-Rice]

I'm requesting some advice regarding concealed hinges.

I built two of the credenzas pictured below.  Each credenza has four doors and each door is made from 3/4" plywood, approximately 19" wide and 31" tall.  Piano hinges were used to join pairs of doors creating bi-fold doors.

Considering the weight of these double doors, I used four pairs of Blum inset concealed hinges, purchased from Lee Valley.  Unfortunately the weight of these solid double doors causes the hinges to droop and, as you can see from the last photo, the doors are touching at the top, but there is about 1/8" space between them at the bottom.

At this point, I'm considering shimming the hinges by using no shim at the top, one shim on the second hinge, two shims on the third hinge and three shims on the bottom hinge.  I'm wondering if any of you might have a better alternative.

I haven't mounted the doors on the second credenza as yet and I'm wondering if any of you might know of a more heavy duty hinge available here in the U.S.

Any constructive advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[atomicmike]

Do you know which model of Blum hinge that is? From my calculations, each door panel should only weigh around 10 pounds, for 20 total on each set of hinges, and Blum's specs say that 3 hinges can handle that load. Do they have any adjustments you can use to bring the doors back to level?

In an ideal situation, I would want some kind of alignment pin or landing spot near the center of the credenza that would take the weight off of the hinges when the doors are closed. That would also serve to lift them up into the right position. Something like a small wedge of UHMW plastic on the back of the doors near the center of the credenza, and a matching piece on the bottom shelf for it to land on. Hope that makes sense.

Personally, I'd worry that shimming is just a temporary fix, since you're then forcing the hinges to operate at a slight angle, which is only going to accelerate their wear.

 

[Scott in San Diego]

Do you know which model of Blum hinge that is? From my calculations, each door panel should only weigh around 10 pounds, for 20 total on each set of hinges, and Blum's specs say that 3 hinges can handle that load.

Besides the weight calculations, Blum also has a note in their specs...

NOTE: The distance between the top
and bottom hinges must be greater than
the width of the door

These doors are wider than they are high.

 

[jimbouk]

Fit the 2 uppermost hinges closer together say 1 inch gap between them. This effectively locks them in position once adjusted and they shouldn't drop.

cheers
   

 

[tiralie]

Might be too late but some knife hinges or hinges that pivot may be better than euro hinges. Lots of leverage from that weight of that door.
Tim

 

[Steve-Rice]

It appears I owe you gentlemen an apology – apparently I’m a bit of a knucklehead…

I was preparing to mount the hinges on the second credenza when I actually took the time to read the instruction sheet that came with the hinges. 

Lo and behold, there is an adjustment screw which moves the hinge closer or further from the adjacent cabinet wall.  Within five minutes, I was able to adjust the doors into perfect alignment and totally eliminate the “droop”.

Thanks to all of you who made an effort to provide a solution for me and again, my apologies.

Steve

 

[semenza]

  I could see the possibility that you end up with problems down the road due to the 38" width compared to the  31" height. Having more to do with the amount of leverage hanging out on those than the weight. But glad you found the adjustment screw. Hopefully the range of adjustment won't run out.

  I think that idea of having the top hinges both near the top is a good one.

Seth

 

[tiralie]

  I could see the possibility that you end up with problems down the road due to the 38" width compared to the  31" height. Having more to do with the amount of leverage hanging out on those than the weight. But glad you found the adjustment screw. Hopefully the range of adjustment won't run out.

Agreed.
Tim

 

[Gene Davis]

They're gonna sag again, and you will eventually run out of adjustment.

Not your way, but there is a way to do what you want.  Look into Hafele hardware.