Hinge bore drill bits

What is a hinge/hinge cup drill bit used for?

A hinge drill bit, also known as a hinge cup drill bit, is used specifically for producing round drill holes in which hinges are fitted, for example in kitchen installation ("cup hinges"). In Europe, cup holes are usually drilled with a diameter of 35 mm. However, diameters of 26 or 40 mm are also common sizes. A standard depth of around 12 mm is required to allow the cup hinge/cabinet hinge to be fully recessed into the hole. When purchasing, it is important to choose the correct size and quality of drill bit in order to produce a precise, tear-free hole. That is why we rely on renowned manufacturers who have long stood for high-quality tools for woodworking.

Here are the differences between an HW and a VHM cup-hole drill bit.

HW cup-hole drill bit:

• HW: carbide (often also referred to as "carbide tipped")
• The drill body is made of steel, with carbide inserts on the cutting edges (usually ground in)
• Advantage: more economical than VHM drill bits; cutting edges can be reground; robust

VHM cup-hole drill bit:

• VHM: solid carbide (the entire drill bit is made from solid carbide) --> shank and cutting edges
• Advantage: very long service life, extremely precise, ideal for soft wood-based materials (MDF, chipboard, coated boards)

Typical mistakes when drilling cup hinges - and how to avoid them

When fitting hinges, precise drilling is crucial. Even minor inaccuracies can cause doors to hang out of true, hinges to fail to hold at all, or unsightly tear-out. With the right tips, however, these mistakes can be avoided very easily.

1. Incorrect drill bit / diameter
Many people reach for a Forstner bit or choose the wrong diameter. Standard cup hinges, however, require a diameter of exactly 35mm - with smaller hinges usually 26mm and with larger doors 40mm.
Tip: Before drilling, check the hinge dimensions and select the appropriate hinge drill bit!

2. Tear-out on the surface
Unsightly tear-out often occurs at the edge of the drilling, especially in coated chipboard or MDF boards:
Tip: Ensure the cutting edges are sharp, regrind if necessary or switch to a solid carbide cup hole drill bit. In addition, choosing the correct rotational speed is very important, and do not apply too much pressure while drilling.