Convenience isn't the only benefit you get from a flap stay hinge, safety is another reason why a lot of manufacturers and even DIY fans have installed them on doors and lids. Having a mechanism that will keep the door of your mini fridge open while you pack it with your favourite dessert without worrying about it ever slamming your hand is what everyone wants. This involves you getting the proper hinge and also knowing how to install it, but before we go over that let's start by learning a thing or two about the flap stay hinge.
This is a mechanism that allows you to open an already hinged door or lid to a certain level, usually up to a range of 90°. They are sometimes called lid support hinges, lid stays or door stays, but they are most known as flap stay hinges. Like any other hinge out there they allow you to open any size lid/ door and position it at any angle and keep it there for as long as you need.
Flap stay hinges are usually used for chests, boxes with thick lids, doors, cases, trunks, woodworking hardware and even machine guards, but they are also being used for children's play boxes so they won't hurt their little fingers. Stainless steel and nickel are the most common materials a flap stay is made of but titanium is also an option that although pricey provides excellent durability and strength.
Okay, let's make this happen. First what you'll need to do is measure the depth of the lid where you want to place the flap stay and then weigh it. You will then have to multiply the depth of the lid (cm) by the weight (kg) and then divide that by two so you get the cm/kg of torque/ strength. You need to make sure that the capabilities of the flap stay are more than enough to hold the lid otherwise go for dual support.
You will make a light pencil mark 2.7cm down from the top of the chamber or mini-fridge you want to "modify" which is going to be the lower fixing of the flap stay. Marking the top fixing of the flap stay will require you to fully extend it positioned at the lower fixing point. This is usually 25cm up the lid but your calculations may differ.
You will then place the top fixing point with the side of the fitting facing the mark on the lid and screw it in with the provided fasteners. Then you will line up the centre of the lower fitting with the line mark inside the chamber (or mini-fridge or whatever you choose to work on) and screw it in place. Make sure the fitting is centred over the mark not next to it or under.
Quick Explanation
This is a mechanism that allows you to open an already hinged door or lid to a certain level, usually up to a range of 90°. They are sometimes called lid support hinges, lid stays or door stays, but they are most known as flap stay hinges. Like any other hinge out there they allow you to open any size lid/ door and position it at any angle and keep it there for as long as you need.
Application & Material
Flap stay hinges are usually used for chests, boxes with thick lids, doors, cases, trunks, woodworking hardware and even machine guards, but they are also being used for children's play boxes so they won't hurt their little fingers. Stainless steel and nickel are the most common materials a flap stay is made of but titanium is also an option that although pricey provides excellent durability and strength.
Installation process
Okay, let's make this happen. First what you'll need to do is measure the depth of the lid where you want to place the flap stay and then weigh it. You will then have to multiply the depth of the lid (cm) by the weight (kg) and then divide that by two so you get the cm/kg of torque/ strength. You need to make sure that the capabilities of the flap stay are more than enough to hold the lid otherwise go for dual support.
You will make a light pencil mark 2.7cm down from the top of the chamber or mini-fridge you want to "modify" which is going to be the lower fixing of the flap stay. Marking the top fixing of the flap stay will require you to fully extend it positioned at the lower fixing point. This is usually 25cm up the lid but your calculations may differ.
You will then place the top fixing point with the side of the fitting facing the mark on the lid and screw it in with the provided fasteners. Then you will line up the centre of the lower fitting with the line mark inside the chamber (or mini-fridge or whatever you choose to work on) and screw it in place. Make sure the fitting is centred over the mark not next to it or under.
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