What screws do I use for cabinet hinges?
For wood-frame face-mount cabinet hinges, use #6 × ⅝″ or #8 × ¾″ wood screws. For European cup-style (Blum/Grass) hinges, use the #6 × ⅝″ pan-head screws that come in the package. Metal cabinet frames require machine screws.
Face-mount and surface-mount hinges (wood cabinets)
These hinges have slotted holes and mount directly to the face frame and door face:
- #6 × ⅝″–¾″ — most common for ¾″ cabinet wood
- #8 × ¾″ — heavier doors or when replacing stripped holes
The screw should seat flush with the countersunk hinge hole. A raised head will prevent the hinge from sitting flat. Use a Philips or square-drive screwdriver — a bit-driver is more accurate than a drill to avoid overdriving.
European cup hinges (concealed hinges)
Cup hinges (e.g., Blum Clip-Top, Grass Nova Pro) mount into a 35 mm Forstner-drilled cup in the door face and onto an adjustable mounting plate on the cabinet interior. Both components typically include screws:
- Cup plate to door: #6 × ⅝″ coarse-thread pan-head (included)
- Mounting plate to cabinet: #6 × ⅝″ or use built-in Euro-screw (⅜″ hex drive, 5 mm × 45 mm)
Replace package screws only with exact equivalents. Mixing screw sizes causes misalignment.
Metal cabinet frames
Metal framing requires machine screws (typically #8-32 pan-head) into tapped holes or with a matching nut behind the panel. Do not use wood screws in metal — they strip immediately.
Stripped holes
If the screw hole is stripped, fill it with a wooden toothpick or golf tee and wood glue, let dry, trim flush, then redrive the screw. Alternatively, upsize to a #8 screw and predrill to avoid splitting the rail.