Testing and adjusting opening force and closing force of furniture hinges

Introduction

Furniture hinges play an important role in ensuring the proper function of cabinets, doors, and other furniture pieces. Properly adjusting the opening and closing force of hinges is crucial for the safety and durability of the furniture. In this article, we will discuss the steps to test and adjust the opening and closing force of furniture hinges.

Testing the Force

The first step in adjusting the opening and closing force of furniture hinges is to test the current force. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the furniture piece and place a bathroom scale on the edge of the door or cabinet.
2. Gently close the furniture piece until the scale shows the force required to close it.
3. Repeat the process with the door or cabinet in the fully open position to test the opening force.

Adjusting the Force

Once you have tested the force, you can adjust it to the desired level. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Locate the adjustment screws on the hinge. These are usually located on the side of the hinge or on the hinge arm.
2. Use a screwdriver to turn the adjustment screws clockwise to increase the force or counterclockwise to decrease the force.
3. Test the force again using the bathroom scale to ensure it is at the desired level.
4. If the force is still too high or too low, repeat the process until it is adjusted correctly.

Final Checks

After adjusting the force, it is important to do a final check to ensure the hinge is functioning properly. Here are some things to look for:

1. The furniture piece should open and close smoothly without any resistance.
2. The door or cabinet should stay open or closed without swinging or bouncing back.
3. The force required to open and close the furniture piece should be consistent throughout the range of motion.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your furniture hinges are adjusted properly and functioning safely and effectively.