Piano Hinge Screws

[Homer41]

Everything is done on my cab build except for attaching the door. I'm using 3/4 MDF which is a pretty heavy with a coin door attached as well. The door is 30 x 30 and I'm not sure the little midget screws that come with the piano hinge are big/strong enough to hold the weight. I'm thinking about going and buying some 1/2 inch screws and using them instead. Also, I do not have to countersink the screws on a piano hinge correct? What size screws would work best in this situation? Thanks!! 

[gryhnd]

Me, I'd use bolts instead. Well, screws, washers, and nuts anyway. Problem with MDF and wood screws is always the potential for tear out.

[Homer41]

How would you use washers and nuts on a piano hinge?

[drventure]

If it's like the piano hinge i've used, you can't use bolts or nuts because they'd get in the way of the hinge closing.

If you don't think the screws are long enough just go buy some that are tad longer, but the same size otherwise. No need to countersink anything, though you might want to cut a VERY shallow dado on the cab and the door so the hinge fits nice and flush, otherwise, you'll have a pretty sizable gap.

If it's 30x30, that seems like a big door. I believe those screw holes are about 4" apart, so that's about 7 screws into both the cab and the door. I'd think that'd be enough to hold, but MDF is pretty easy to pull out of so longer screws wouldn't hurt.

Plus you probably want to drill pilot holes, to make sure you don't blow out the sides of the MDF when screwing the screws in.

[gryhnd]

How would you use washers and nuts on a piano hinge?

In retrospect, true. I was thinking a different way that the door/cab was attached. My bad. Didn't think that all the way through.

[Homer41]

though you might want to cut a VERY shallow dado on the cab and the door so the hinge fits nice and flush, otherwise, you'll have a pretty sizable gap.

Actually its 29 3/4 X 30. Already cut off 1/4 inch for the width of the hinge. Good reminder though 

[TopJimmyCooks]

If you're worried about pull out of screws from the heavy door, consider reinforcing the top two or three screws by marking the holes and then drilling a 1/4" hole and gluing in a hardwood dowel.  Then predrill for the dowel and screw into it.  I have used this method to avoid pullouts and also for repairs.

[miles2912]

Those dinky screws work great.  Just use all of them.  The sheer volume will more than make up for the size.  5 years and going strong on my cab.

[Homer41]

Couldn't find any similar screws so I decided to just screw it!! Your right miles2912, those little screws are very strong despite their size!! Thanks for the input guys