Overhead Cabinet Hinges

[GoingPlaces]

I never really liked the way the overhead cabinet doors don't stay open while you are getting stuff out of them. I thought about pistons but did not want all of the hassle. Our traveling friends installed them and since they did not come with instructions, he had to drill way too many holes to make them fit properly.

While I was at the RV show, two weeks ago, I saw hinges that hold those doors open until you are ready for them to close. I've looked in multiple places and at multiple vendors with no luck. The hinges are mortised on the door and the cabinets have a face frame.

Do any of you folks have ideas of where I might try?

 

[chuckster57]

These?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZYZRSV..._r=ebf41d0f-e02d-4404-955c-fda451c1e444&psc=1

 

[GoingPlaces]

Thanks,

Those look like the same size and fit as the hinges I have, with the added feature of soft close. But I'm unsure whether they would hold the door open.

That is mainly what I've found so far. Maybe I should buy a set and try them. At least the door would not slam closed.

 

[foldbak]

I used these. Works great but not soft close. Easy install.
https://www.amazon.com/RV-Designer-...locphy=9032484&hvtargid=pla-491685897827&th=1

 

[sourdough]

Try these guys;

https://www.rockler.com/hardware/cabinet-hardware/hinges

I just picked that section but they sell all kinds of stuff.

 

[mtmiller302]

I've seen the same things lately and can't find them either. Most of the above ideas are for soft close hinges but they don't hold doors open. They must be out there somewhere and if they're on an RV they can't be expensive. Following this thread...

 

[DAMILLER_SR]

Magnetic

I had the same situation with one of my cabinets, I just put the magnetic holes that are commonly used for outdoor cabinets on the ceiling and it holds it open. Just perfectly.
CALPALMY (2 Pairs) Magnetic Baggage Door Catch and Holder Kit - Black RV Storage Door Latch Perfect Alternative for Plastic Spring Clips for Use in Campers and Motor Homes https://a.co/d/dutHeXl

 

[sourdough]

And here's a link to hinges for overhead doors;

https://www.rockler.com/overhead-bi...MIt6qaq9n1iQMVEznUAR1T2BS0EAQYAiABEgKOq_D_BwE

 

[mtmiller302]

And here's a link to hinges for overhead doors;

https://www.rockler.com/overhead-bi...MIt6qaq9n1iQMVEznUAR1T2BS0EAQYAiABEgKOq_D_BwE

Saw those - would be great for new construction but they're not the concealed hinge style that hopefully can drop in place of existing hinges like the OP showed.

 

[sourdough]

I don't think you will find any hinge that will drop into those existing recesses that will hold the door up. Each type of hinge usually has a different design including attachment to the door.

 

[popsshopga]

I just moved those hinges to the sides and put closures on them I purchased at a big box store.
Works great for us.

 

[mtmiller302]

I already added some closers as well (see pic of mine) but the hinges the OP is referring to (I think) would be a super clean set-up... swear I saw them on a YouTube video, probably of a new RV review. Probably a Josh the RV Nerd vid...

 

[GoingPlaces]

Thanks for all of the input/ ideas. I was hoping to find a drop in hinge essentially the same fit as I have now. It would be very clean looking install without extra work and hardware.

I've seen the Rockler hinges and those have the exact feature I was looking for, that being able to hold the door open. But they will not drop into the mortise holes drilled in my cabinet doors. I'd have to buy a set to see if there is enough meat on the door to install those hinges over the mortise holes. It also appears as if they attach to the cabinet top not the face frame. I have no idea how hefty the tops of the cabinets are. I'm guessing flimsy plywood; I'll have to check that part out.

I'll continue to look until spring. If I come up dry, I'll install some of those closers some of you have used.

 

[sourdough]

With a router you can cut mortise holes any way you want.

 

[GoingPlaces]

That or a Forstner drill bit. I my situation the hole is already there. I may need to fill it in if they are too wide for those hinges from Rockler.

 

[chuckster57]

I have a jig that uses a Forster bit. Home Depot had it, used it a few times and it works good.

 

[GoingPlaces]

I found the installation instructions for those Rockler hinges. The top (non-door side) of the hinge mounts to the inside of the face frame. That'll would be a "fun" install. I can't even fit my head in those cabinets.

https://go.rockler.com/tech/Overhead-Hinge-Instructions.pdf

 

[KevKt]

I used a length of chain and a hook attached to the ceiling positioned to catch both doors. I can release the hook by lifting the door slightly

 

[rlh1957]

This is a very nice, affordable and functional upgrade you’ll enjoy.
Easy to install with minimal craft skills required.

 

[mtmiller302]

I found the installation instructions for those Rockler hinges. The top (non-door side) of the hinge mounts to the inside of the face frame. That'll would be a "fun" install. I can't even fit my head in those cabinets.

https://go.rockler.com/tech/Overhead-Hinge-Instructions.pdf

I feel your pain! I'm 6'3" and enjoy doing this kinda work (just finished a reno on a '98 HiLo) but I'm not 29 anymore and it's a real challenge to get stuff done sometimes. That's why the drop-in concept would be so sweet.

I wonder if new cabinet doors are pre-drilled for the stock concealed hinges or if they're blanks? Probably blanks is my guess? That might be an option, though likely not a cheap / desirable option.

I'll stop back here if I ever identify the right hinge, and I'm sure you'll do the same. Happy Thanksgiving!