Broken Kabinart Kitchen Cabinet Hinges
Being an online cabinet dealer, and a carrier of Kabinart, I've received several emails and phone calls about broken hinges. I dug around, helped the customers the best way I could, and kind of let the matter drop. It's hard to tell this story without getting sued, but I'll try by leaving out names…
Back in the early 2000's, Kabinart was buying their hinges from company X. The hinges look like this, with a small plastic sleeve covering part of the mechanism. This sleeve, I believe, is what keeps the door shut. The problem arose when these pieces of plastic became brittle; I think it took about four or five years.
At that point, the plastic broke, and then the door wouldn't stay shut. No problem, right? Just get new hinges because these were covered by a warranty.
Not so fast, buster. This is where the proverbial "some stuff hitting the fan" started. Company X, realizing there was some sort of big problem, stopped production of this type of hinge, and essentially told cabinet manufacturers "We don't have to warranty them anymore because we don't make them. If you don't like it, sue us."
Rather than dork around with that whole process, Kabinart's solution has been to replace the hinges with another company's model. What you as a customer need to do is contact Kabinart. They will sell you new hinges at about fifty cents a pop (I believe they're five or six bucks usually)
The new hinges are made by Blum, and they replace the old hinges almost perfectly. The screw holes won't quite line up, but Kabinart will send something with the hinges that helps. Another option Kabinart offers for free is a set of magnetic catches that are used in conjunction with the broken hinges. Rather old school, these magnets install on the frame of the cabinet and stick to a metal plate attached to the door.
You can find Kabinart here: http://kabinart.net/ and get in touch with a local rep who will help you get through the process.
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I have Kabinart cabinets from 2004 and the hinges are failing rapidly.
I have sent an email to the Eastern Rep asking for help
Comment by Jim Moore — August 8, 2010 @ 6:52 pm
Jim, how long ago did you email the rep about the Kabinart hinges? I wouldn’t think it takes more than a couple days to resolve this, or at least start the process.
Comment by craig — August 10, 2010 @ 12:41 am