Refrigerator lid hinges
Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 350
Forum Description: 350 Hints and Tips
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14839
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 23:50
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Refrigerator lid hinges
Posted By: Mark Pullen
Subject: Refrigerator lid hinges
Date Posted: 26 September 2024 at 17:40
|
Hi, has anyone fitted hinges to a counter top refrigerator lid? Some crew are complaining about the weight of the lid, and hinges could work. Any advice about drilling into the counter top would be appreciated - whether it has a wood backing, will a self tapping screw hold securely, etc... Many thanks, Mark ------------- Mark |
Replies:
Posted By: Yoda
Date Posted: 26 September 2024 at 23:09
|
Yes I did on my 370. The Corrian top can be machined with a router just like wood. It needed a palm router, the correct size router bit and a template making up. Mine was done by a friend experienced with a router. I used a tap to allow the use of machine screws into the Corrian. |
Posted By: landlocked
Date Posted: 27 September 2024 at 17:03
|
I added hinges to my 400e lid (2006), and it is a great improvement. The lid opens and rests against the cabinet knob which works great. I used a dremel tool with a router attachment and a small bit and just routed out a recess for the hinge hardware (I didn't recess the hinge plates because I didn't want to reduce the thickness of the countertop material, and I think it works great this way). I am attaching photos of the process but don't actually have photos of the finished product! I made a template and used double-sided tape to hold it in place while doing the routing (you can see the routed recess in one of the pictures). I carefully screwed the hinges down with self-tapping screws but I think tapping and using machine screws is an excellent alternative. The ergonomics is very much improved with hinges on the lid.   ------------- "Kerkyra" 400e #042 |
Posted By: Mark Pullen
Date Posted: 29 September 2024 at 12:30
|
Thank you for your message. Very helpful and reassuring. ------------- Mark |
Posted By: Mark Pullen
Date Posted: 29 September 2024 at 12:33
|
Many thanks for your message. Very helpful and reassuring, particularly the detail about routing only hinge mechanism and not the plates. Seems like a useful modification. ------------- Mark |
Posted By: Mark Pullen
Date Posted: 30 March 2025 at 16:48
|
Hi Landlocked, do you know the approximate thickness of the Corrian and will it take a self tapping screw? Many thanks, Mark ------------- Mark |
Posted By: landlocked
Date Posted: 31 March 2025 at 16:04
|
Hi Mark: My boat is a 400, not a 350 though I expect the thickness would be the same. I’m not near the boat now but there are places where the edge is exposed (i.e. sink openings) and I would say it’s about 1/4 inch or 7mm. Not very thick but I drilled through and used self-tapping screws (drill holes big enough to avoid cracking the material or shearing off the stainless screws). I also applied sikaflex between the hinges and corian and in the screw holes. No issues so far and it is much easier to use the fridge. ------------- "Kerkyra" 400e #042 |
Posted By: Mark Pullen
Date Posted: 31 March 2025 at 16:29
|
Perfect! Many thanks. ------------- Mark |