Glossary of Terms for Cabinet Hinges

Cabinet Hinge Glossary
No-Mortise Classic Brass Hinge Collection at Rockler.comNo-Mortise Classic Brass Hinge Collection at Rockler.com
Rockler has proudly teamed with Classic Brass to offer hinges in 6 styles and 5 finishes to perfectly match our Classic Brass knobs and pulls collection...

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Welcome, to our Glossary of Terms for Cabinet Hinges, we have provided not only descriptions of many types of hinges, but this page will also include links to pricing information for hinges described. We have the Hinge information you are looking for, you can also order hinges from this page for your Kitchens, Bathrooms, Office cabinets hardware and door hinges - Enjoy! Please use this Cabinet Hinge Glossary presented compliments of the good folks at Rockler.com.

What is a Concealed Hinge?
Concealed Hinges are hinges that are hidden from view and allow you to see only the surface of the door. They are sometimes called European-style hinges 
Read More Here! Guide to Choosing a Concealed Hinge From Rockler.com .

GLOSSARY of TERMS for CABINET HINGES

Return to Hinge Category at rockler.com

0 Clearance

Exposed Hinges

No-Mortise

270 Degree Hinge

Face Frame

Overlay

3/8 inch Inset

Finial Tip

Pin Hinge

Ball Tip

Frameless

Pivot Hinge

Barrel

Free Swinging

Reverse Bevel

Butt Hinge

Full Overlay

Self Closing

Clip On

Fully Concealed

Semi-Concealed

Concealed Hinges

Half Overlay

Slip On

Cup

Inset

Snap Closing

Degree Of Opening

Knife Hinge

Soss Hinge

European Hinges

Lipped

Surface Mounted

European Style Cabinets

Mounting Plate

Wrap Around

Ball Tip Hinge

An exposed tip of the pin of a butt hinge that is shaped like a ball.
Ball Tip Extruded Solid Brass HingesBall Tip Extruded Solid Brass Hinges
These ball tip hinges are sturdy and well crafted hinges measuring a generous 1/16'' thick. Choose from Polished Brass, Antique Brass or Satin Nickel finish. Price per pair...

Ball Tip Extruded Solid Brass Hinges

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Barrel Hinges

The part of butt hinge where the two halves come together and are joined with a pin.
Long Barrel Finial Hinge SetLong Barrel Finial Hinge Set
Great for armoires with large doors or small cabinets...

Long Barrel Finial Hinge Set

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Butt Hinge

A hinge composed of two plates attached to abutting surfaces of a door and cabinet and joined by a pin.
Brass Butt HingesBrass Butt Hinges
Butt hinges are for every application and budget...

Brass Butt Hinges

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Clip On Hinge

A concealed hinge that allows you to attached the two parts of the hinge together by simply snapping them together. Makes finishing the doors a breeze!
26mm Mini Blum Clip-On Hinge26mm Mini Blum Clip-On Hinge
Improved Clip-on mounting plate adjusts easily and accurately with parallel movement. See optional Blumotion Soft Close System for silent and cushioned door closure...

26mm Mini Blum Clip-On Hinge

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Concealed Hinges

This refers to any hinge that does not show from the outside of the cabinet.
Sepa Solid Brass Concealed HingesSepa Solid Brass Concealed Hinges
These unique, easy-to-install solid brass hinges offer another great alternative for concealed hinges. Seven pins and multiple components create a stable and smooth functioning hinge. With 180° opening..

Sepa Solid Brass Concealed Hinges

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Cup Hinges

This refers to the door portion of a concealed hinge(such as the Blum hinges) that requires a hole to be drilled in the back of the door. The cup portion of the hinge is inserted into this hole.
BLUM 120° Clip Top 3-Way Face Frame HingesBLUM 120° Clip Top 3-Way Face Frame Hinges
Get three-way adjustability in face frame applications! See optional Blumotion Soft Close System for silent and cushioned door closure...

BLUM 120° Clip Top 3-Way Face Frame Hinges

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Degree Of Opening

This refers to how far or to what angle a door will open. Some hinges will allow the doors to open farther allowing for better access to the contents of the cabinet.
Blum 2-Way Nickel-Plated Face Frame HingesBlum 2-Way Nickel-Plated Face Frame Hinges
Specifically designed for use with face frames. These fully concealed 35mm face frame hinges offer 2-way height adjustments and side adjustments. Hinges are fully concealed and have 105° openings..

Blum 2-Way Nickel-Plated Face Frame Hinges

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270 Degree Hinge

This refers to a hinge that allows the door a full movement of 270 degrees which allows it to open all the way to the outside side of the cabinet wall. This can only be achieved on a frameless full overlay cabinet design.
270° Overlay Hinge270° Overlay Hinge
Overlay hinge swings the door completely around to the exterior side of the cabinet wall...

270° Overlay Hinge

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European Style Cabinets

Frameless cabinets which use a concealed hinge.

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European Hinges

Hinges that are concealed and which use a hole bored into the back of the door.
Blum 2-Way Nickel-Plated Face Frame HingesBlum 2-Way Nickel-Plated Face Frame Hinges
Specifically designed for use with face frames. These fully concealed 35mm face frame hinges offer 2-way height adjustments and side adjustments. Hinges are fully concealed and have 105° openings..

Blum 2-Way Nickel-Plated Face Frame Hinges

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Exposed Hinges

Hinges that show on the outside of the cabinet. Hinges that are not concealed or hidden.
Butterfly HingesButterfly Hinges
Butterfly hinges are made of solid brass...

Butterfly Hinges

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Face Frame

A cabinet is in essence a box. A face frame is a narrow piece of wood, usually about 2" wide that is attached to the front of this box, framing the opening where the doors go.

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Finial Tip

An exposed tip of the pin of a butt hinge that has a fancy turned shape.
3/8'' Inset Finial Hinge3/8'' Inset Finial Hinge
Create and elegant full inset look for 3/8'' inset cabinet doors with hinges that feature a narrow knuckle finial tip design...

3/8'' Inset Finial Hinge

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Frameless cabinet

A frameless cabinet is one that does not have a face frame. A frameless cabinet is made like a simple four sided box. This is sometimes called European style.

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Free Swinging

This means the hinge can move freely along its path from open to closed. There is no sort of catch feature to keep the door shut.
Cafe Door HingesCafe Door Hinges
Swings both ways...

Cafe Door Hinges

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Fully Concealed Hinges

Will not show at all from the outside of the cabinet.
175° Fully Concealed Hinges175° Fully Concealed Hinges
Hinge swings the door out of the way for pullout shelves...

175° Fully Concealed Hinges

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Full Overlay

In frameless cabinet construction the box is typically made from 3/4 inch thick stock. A full overlay will cover the complete front edge or just slightly less than this stock. A full overlay hinge (such as Nr. 55793) is typically used on the outsides or ends of a cabinet.
120° Blum Clip Top Hinges120° Blum Clip Top Hinges
This 120° opening hinge is ideal for the majority of applications. Use the snap closing hinge for cabinets and the free swinging hinge for furniture applications. 35mm cup. See optional Blumoti..

120° Blum Clip Top Hinges

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Half Overlay

In frameless cabinet construction the box is typically made from 3/4 inch thick stock. A half overlay is commonly used in the middle of a run of cabinets where the doors share a common single partition wall. This hinge (such as Nr. 55801) will allow the door to cover up half of the partition wall (or approximately 3/8"). Not to be confused with 1/2 inch overlay (such as Nr.55910) which will allow a door to cover up the cabinet or face frame by 1/2 inch.
Blum 2-Way Nickel-Plated Face Frame HingesBlum 2-Way Nickel-Plated Face Frame Hinges
Specifically designed for use with face frames. These fully concealed 35mm face frame hinges offer 2-way height adjustments and side adjustments. Hinges are fully concealed and have 105° openings..

Blum 2-Way Nickel-Plated Face Frame Hinges

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Inset

A door that sits within the cabinet opening such that the front face of the door is flush with the front of the cabinet or face frame.

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3/8 inch Inset

This is a door that has a 3/8" x 3/8" rabbet cut all the way around the door on the back edge. This cut allows half the thickness of the door to go back into the cabinet and leaves the front half of the door overlaying the cabinet or face frame. It is also sometimes called a lipped door.
Surface-Mount 3/8' Inset HingeSurface-Mount 3/8' Inset Hinge
Decorative, self-closing hinges. Plated steel. Overall height is 2-3/4". ..

Surface-Mount 3/8' Inset Hinge

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Knife Hinge

Shaped like scissors. One half of hinge mounts to top edge (or bottom edge) of door. Other half mounts to horizontal cabinet member directly above (and below) door.
Precision Knife HingesPrecision Knife Hinges
Hinges disconnect for easy installation.Precision knife hinges are made of solid, polished brass. 1/8'' thick. Straight style for overlay doors. Price per pair...

Precision Knife Hinges

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Lipped door

This is a door that has a rabbet cut all the way around the door on the back edge. This cut allows part of the door to go back into the cabinet and leaves the remaining part overlaying the cabinet or face frame.

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Mounting Plate

The part of a concealed european style hinge (such as a Blum hinge) that mounts on to the cabinet or face frame.

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No-Mortise hinge

A style of hinge that can be mounted directed to the cabinet and the door without any mortises or special cuts being made into the wood surfaces.
No-Mortise Classic Brass Hinge CollectionNo-Mortise Classic Brass Hinge Collection
Rockler has proudly teamed with Classic Brass to offer hinges in 6 styles and 5 finishes to perfectly match our Classic Brass knobs and pulls collection...

No-Mortise Classic Brass Hinge Collection

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Overlay

A door which sit in front of the cabinet and covers or overlays a portion of the cabinet or face frame.

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Pin Hinge

A hinge that pivots on a single point. Offers a very low profile as only the pivoting knuckle is visible from the outside of the cabinet.
Narrow Cabinet Hinges - Fixed PinNarrow Cabinet Hinges - Fixed Pin
Unique hinges for the exacting craftsman. Choose from Polished Brass or Antique Brass Finish. Full 1/16'' thick. Sold in Pairs...

Narrow Cabinet Hinges - Fixed Pin

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Pivot Hinge

A concealed hinge for inset doors which uses a bushing placed into the horizontal cabinet members above and below the door, with a pin coming down from the hinge into the bushing.
Pivot HingesPivot Hinges
Resists rust, operates smoothly and has strength to spare!..

Pivot Hinges

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Reverse Bevel

A door edge that is angled backwards allowing the door edge to serve as the pull. This gives a much simpler,cleaner looking design of cabinets.

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Self Closing hinge

This type hinge will have a design feature to help pull the door shut and keep it closed when the door is brought within a few inches of being closed. Sometimes called snap-closing.

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Semi-Concealed Hinges

This term is applied to a hinge where some of hinge shows on the outside of the cabinet, but a portion of it is hidden behind the door.
Surface-Mount 3/8' Inset HingeSurface-Mount 3/8' Inset Hinge
Decorative, self-closing hinges. Plated steel. Overall height is 2-3/4". ..

Surface-Mount 3/8' Inset Hinge

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Slip On

A concealed type hinge where the two parts of the hinge are fastened together by slipping one half on the other and then tightening a screw.

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Snap Closing

This type of hinge will have a design feature to help pull the door in and keep it shut when the door is brought within a few inches of being closed. Sometimes called self-closing.
Snap Closing HingesSnap Closing Hinges
Snap closing, low profile and no catch required...

Snap Closing Hinges

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Soss Hinge

A specialty concealed hinge used for inset doors. Requires mortises into the door and cabinet for the bodies of both hinge halves.
Concealed Soss HingesConcealed Soss Hinges
Allows for flush doors. New Now in black finish...

Concealed Soss Hinges

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Surface Mounted Hinge

A hinge that does not need a hole or mortise drilled in the door or cabinet in order to mount it. In a concealed hinge it simple mounts with screw. In an exposed hinge it also means the entire hinge will show on the outside of the door and cabinet.
Surface Mounted Hinge.Surface Mounted Hinge.
Hinge doubles as a lid support...

Surface Mounted Hinge.

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Wrap Around Hinge

A style of hinge where the plates of the hinge are formed around the back edge of the door and/or the face frame. A partial wrap around hinge will wrap around the door and have a plain flat leaf for the cabinet so it can be used on a frameless cabinet. A full back-to-back wrap around hinge with wrap around on both halves of the hinge so it can be used on a face frame cabinet.
Full Back To Back Wrap-Around HingesFull Back To Back Wrap-Around Hinges
A face frame hinge with exceptional strength...

Full Back To Back Wrap-Around Hinges

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Zero Clearance Hinge

A hinge that allows unobstructed access for pullout shelves or drawer when a door is open to 90 degrees or more. This means that the door will not protrude into the area of the cabinet opening when open. This is only possible in a full overlay door layout.
Blum 165° Zero Clearance Slip-On HingesBlum 165° Zero Clearance Slip-On Hinges
Allows unobstructed access for pullout shelves and drawers when door is open from 90° to 165°. 35mm cup. See optional Blumotion Soft Close System for silent and cushioned door closure...

Blum 165° Zero Clearance Slip-On Hinges

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