Aligning Barrel Hinges for Installation

ask WWGOA text with a man posing

“What is the best way to line up a barrel hinge from the lid to the body of the project?”

Submitted by: lvshilling

WWGOA Editor Response:

Try using dowel centers. These handy devices have a barrel that fits into a hole and a point that projects above the hole. Drill the barrel hinge holes in the body of the box first, insert the dowel centers, position the lid, and gently press down on the lid. You’ll leave small dimples in the lid where the dowel centers are located.

Many barrel hinges are metric, but don’t get thrown off. A 10-mm barrel hinge is very close in size to a 3/8″ dowel center.

George Vondriska

Managing Editor

Got a woodworking question you need answered? Comment or Email us at editor@wwgoa.com.

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6 Responses to “Aligning Barrel Hinges for Installation”

  1. CHARLES

    A wee question: Do you ever see the day that North America will join the rest of the world and metricate?

    Reply
    • Troy MacPherson

      Nope, I’m 60 years old and we tried in my junior high school days… Never took hold here. It’s like asking a Brit if they will ever drive on the right side of the road. Ain’t gonna happen lol.

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Ron. I try to center the hinge on the material whenever I can, but you’ll need to double check that position. If the material is quite thick relative to the diameter of the hinge, for instance a 10 mm hinge in 3/4″ stock, centering the hinge could cause interference with the door or lid being able to open. It’s always best to do some test set ups when using hardware for the first time to confirm the location. I would allow a wall thickness of anything less than 1/16” between the hinge and the outside face of the stock.
      Thanks
      Paul-WWGOA

      Reply
      • Robin

        Paul, in your response, did you mean that you “wouldn’t “allow anything less that 1/16 wall thickness?

        Reply
        • Customer Service

          Hi Robin. Thank you for sending this. You are correct, and my apologies. The response should be phrased as:
          “would NOT allow anything less that 1/16 wall thickness…”
          Thanks
          Paul-WWGOA

          Reply