Consumers want hardware to be concealed without sacrificing strength
This month’s product profile focus is hardware. As you will see on the following pages, concealed hardware is a trend driving this industry. Consumers want quality in their cabinet hardware, but they do not want the hardware to be seen. Because of the technology involved in concealing hardware without sacrificing stability, hardware cost becomes an issue.
“Price is a major factor and probably always will be,” says Lee Koontz, training specialist for Mepla-Alfit Inc. “However, with the shortage of skilled labor in the work force, it is essential that manufacturers gear up to be as automated and productive as possible. Cost management is one area where the hardware supplier can be a real business partner. New hinge designs that allow for easier installation, such as tool-less hinges and concealed drawer runners that mount easily and offer interchangeability within a system, should be considered when cost is a factor.”
Koontz says that although hardware manufacturers are providing the industry with solid concealed hardware choices, the industry is slow to embrace them. “The complexity of concealed hardware, due in part to the large number of possible applications, generates a reluctance on behalf of industry to change.”
Larry Greenwood, product manager for Hafele America agrees that concealed undermounts are a logical progression for the cabinet industry. “We see the trend happening because it is the next step in the evolution of the drawer hardware. There are two types of undermounts. One is a high-end undermount, usually a ball-bearing type, which is concealed for a more elegant looking drawer. This provides a more functional drawer, which is available in three-quarters extension or full extension. Now the trend has made it down to a mid-line market that serves a different need as far as the cost of the slide itself. This slide uses an epoxy undermount. What this trend says is that consumers are spending more and more in the kitchen and they prefer to have something that is a little higher-end than side mount slides.”
If you see something that interests you on the following pages, please feel free to circle the reader service number on the reader service card that corresponds with the number beneath the item. Then send the card in and we will put you in touch with someone that can answer your questions and give you more information.
Face Frame Hinges
Mepla-Alfit, Inc. has a series of concealed, self-closing face frame hinges designed for traditional cabinet construction. The ACC 170 is a one-piece frame hinge with independent height adjustment, available for 1/2” and 1/4” overlays. The ACC175 is a two-piece frame hinge with independent height and side adjustment. The new hinge series is an all-steel construction, featuring the self-closing action and minimal door protrusion. The 10 mm shallow cup depth is suited particularly for beveled doors.
Circle No. 361
Decorative Hardware
Fennel decorative hardware, says Peter Meier, Inc., is manufactured in Europe to exacting standards with innovative design and finishing technology at a mid-range price point. Of the 93 items being stocked, finishes include satin nickel, satin chrome, golden brass, satin bronze antique and others. All items are packaged with two screws for 3/4” or 11/2” material at installation.
Circle No. 362
InnoTech Drawer System
Hettich International features its InnoTech Drawer System. The drawers are coupled with Hettich’s Quadro V8 runner, which uses the ball bearing principle. The drawer bottom needs no preparation whatsoever and can be automatically assembled in seconds, says the company. The front panel and railing tubes are clipped on without the use of tools and the same drawer profiles, fixing positions, front panel positions and runners can be interchangeably used throughout all styles. The two-layer silver powder-coated drawer finish provides high scratch resistance and prevents unsightly fingerprints, Hettich says, and the Quadro ball bearing runner provides durability and life-long service even under heavy loads.
Circle No. 363
Locks
Econo Trading Company offers a complete selection of locks for the woodworking industry including door and drawer locks, cabinet locks, chest locks, handle locks and decorative locks. Disk, pin or leveler tumblers are available to meet individual security requirements. Alike keying, different keying and master keying are available for most locks.
Circle No. 364
Concealed Runners
FGV America, Inc. says it has developed the Excel 300 and 350 runners with roller movement to respond to today’s market demands of performance and design. Silent, safe and stable even with heavy loads, the runners are fixed to the cabinet using self-tapping screws or 10 and 8 diameter dowels, according to the company.
Circle No. 365
Keyboard Systems
Accuride says its two keyboard tray systems bring the science of ergonomics to the forefront of the drawer slide industry. Mounted on fully concealed Accuride slides, both systems (deluxe and standard) feature an angled keyboard platform and a 30” wide tray that provides ample mousing surface on either side. The curvilinear, ergonomic design minimizes repetitive stress injuries and promotes user comfort, says the company.
Circle No. 366
Slide Cover
TOP Supplies, Inc. says with its new SLIDE COVER™, there is no more taping, masking, or removing and re-installing slides to prevent damage associated with over-spray. The SLIDE COVER™ snaps over the ball bearing slide, fully protecting the slide members, and is easily removed with an integrated T-bar pull. Made of a high-quality, vinyl extrusion and available in a range of sizes to accommodate different slide profile lengths, it protects and guarantees the continued smooth action of ball bearing slides, according to the company.
Circle No. 367
Finish Product Line
Ultra Hardware Products, L.L.C. has “Forever Finish,” a lifetime finish product line that includes cabinet knobs and pulls as well as door hardware. The “Forever Finish” line of hardware products offers a lifetime warranty and is manufactured with a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish that is four times harder than brass or gold, reports the company. PVD exhibits levels of adhesion that are unobtainable by means of wet electroplating and requires no clear, organic topcoats that are routinely degraded by solar radiation. Ultra Hardware says “Forever Finish” will not pit, fade, tarnish, corrode or rust.
Circle No. 368
Institutional Hinges
Terry Hinge & Hardware Company says its five-knuckle institutional hinges are made out of high quality steel and come complete with radius corners, 32 mm hole spacing and line bored knuckles. They are both ANSI BIFMA Grade 1 and Woodworkers Institute of California approved. The company says the hinges are perfect for schools, hospitals and other architecturally designed applications where durability and reliability are required. Each institutional hinge is available in a variety of colors and can be packaged with or without screws.
Circle No. 369
Pull System
SER Wood Products has a non-continuous/continuous pull system for 90° wrapped and square edge doors. The system not only doubles as a continuous pull, but also as an edge treatment that allows the pull to be dominant as the design requires, says the company. The pull can cover the complete door edge or just a portion of it. By using the complementary edge profiles and integrated fittings that are available in matching and contrasting colors, many different designs can be achieved.
Circle No. 370
Concealed Epoxy Undermounts
Häfele America has the 990 Series of drawer slides, which provides support for applications in many furniture and cabinet drawers. These concealed, under-mount slides have a 100 lb. capacity in both static and dynamic modes. Features include the case/cabinet track Locating Tabs™ for frame construction, and track length and brackets that provide continuous applications from 18” (450 mm) to 24” (600 mm). Self-closing performance is affected by longer self-closing ramps on all four tracks. The case/cabinet tracks have multiple mounting options, including brackets for panel and frame construction and surface mounting for rollout shelving.
Circle No. 371
Double Action Deadbolt Lock
Timberline Lock has a lock that allows two doors to be locked together without the use of a catch. This double action deadbolt lock is mounted so one cam plate will reach behind the other door while another cam plate rises up into the rail above. Another new feature on all Timberline locks is the snap-in lock plug. The company says there is no need to use a special key to install the plug — simply snap it into the cylinder body with your fingers.
Circle No. 372
Decorative Hardware Finishes
Advanced Affiliates, Inc. has two fresh new finishes for its Decorite® line of decorative hardware. Carefully selected to complement a wide range of surface materials and colors, the Champagne and Platinum finishes enhance the finished product rather than compete with it, says the company. Currently, the two new finishes are available on the classically contoured No. 3910 Knob and the new subtle rimmed No. 5001 Knob.
Circle No. 373
Decorative Hardware Brochure
Decotrim’s four-page, full color brochure offers cabinet hardware including plastic and brass wire pulls and handles; decorative knobs in brass, ceramic and zinc; and other cabinet and furniture hardware accessory items. Same day service is offered for stocked items.
Circle No. 374
Slides Product Line-up
Atlantic Hardware has a new product line-up that includes: self-closing metabox slides 31/2” and 6” high and 14” - 22” in length with white epoxy; aluminum revolving rings in five sizes; keyboard tray with pull-out mouse pad and ball bearing runners; 250 lb. extra heavy-duty, full extension ball bearing slides; 100 lb. full extension ball bearing slides; and full line stainless decorative hardware.
Circle No. 375
Depth Adjustment Hinge
Julius Blum, Inc. has the “CLIP Top” hinge, which features the “spiral-tech” depth adjustment. Unlike a cam adjustment, the spiral screw rotates 270° and provides 4 mm of depth adjustment. CLIP Top hinges have the Blum CLIP mechanism and are compatible with the wide variety of CLIP existing mounting plates. Three models will be available with screw-on, press-in or tool-free INSERTA door mounting. The INSERTA models have a new contoured closing lever for a smoother look, reports the company.
Circle No. 376
Easily Installed Hinges
Gerber Hinge Company says its practical and elegant Gerber Hinge has a patented lift-off function that allows for easier installation and maintenance. It comes in 3/8” inset and full overlay, in 3”, 4” and 6” sizes. Barrel hinges range in size from 8” to 59”. All hinges are kept in stock and produced in solid brass. The company carries a wide selection of French cabinetry hardware including knobs, locks, pulls and escutcheons available in solid brass and iron with a variety of antique and rust finishes.
Circle No. 377
Roll Out Tray
Vogt Industries says it has the No. B34 floor mount drawer suspension system for a roll out tray under the kitchen sink or in a computer cabinet. Cabinet members may be fastened to any horizontal, flat surface. The system is available in white or almond epoxy and gold-plated finish. Suspension members are available in 15”, 18” and 21” lengths, and feature captive roller channels, rubber cushion in-stop, and heavy-duty Delrin rollers for smooth, quiet operation.
Circle No. 378
Invisible Hinges
SOSS says its Invisible Hinge is the perfect hinge for applications where you want no hardware visible from either side when the door is closed. The invisible hinges provide security, a clean look, are used extensively in custom furniture, casework and cabinetry, and are available in many sizes and finishes.
Circle No. 379
Heavy-duty Elbow Catch
Engineered Products Company/EPCO says its 1018 heavy-duty elbow catch is ideal for institutional and commercial cabinets. The catch portion of the 1019 has elongated holes to provide adjustment. The strike portion of the 1018 has one elongated hole and one round hole. The elongated hole provides adjustment on the strike and then a screw in the round hole anchors the strike so it will not spin when mounted to laminate or melamine. W.I.C. approved, the solid brass catches are available in brass- or chrome-plated finishes.
Circle No. 380
Overlay Hinges
Liebman Hardware has the “Dortec” line of five-knuckle 32 mm overlay hinges. The hinges are stocked in both cold rolled and stainless steel and are available in a variety of finishes.
Circle No. 381
Extension Slides and Hinge/Plate
Hardware Concepts has 3/4” extension epoxy coated drawer slides, made in Europe. Their self-closing mechanism has an extended travel, and all members have additional holes to accommodate all boring patterns. Also available is the company’s full extension ball bearing slide (pictured) with direct access mounting, 32 mm hole pattern, 1/32 side clearance and electro zinc plating. It comes in sizes from 10” to 28” and with a load capacity of 100 lbs. Hardware Concepts also has European concealed hinges in full overlay, half overlay and inset.
Circle No. 382
Solid Brass Cabinet Hardware
Classic Brass, distributed by C.H. Briggs, has the Hatteras Collection of “weathered” solid brass cabinet hardware. The Hatteras Collection consists of 15 knobs and pulls available in five finishes, which look as if they have been “weathered” along the North Carolina shore by the wind, sand and ocean spray and are perfect for the distressed look in cabinetry, says the company. Finishes include “weathered” brass, bronze, pewter, nickel and copper.
Circle No. 383
Twin Wheel Casters
The Jacob Holtz Company says its decorative twin wheel casters that can support up to 250 lbs. per caster are sturdy, rugged, easy to maneuver and built to last. They are available in 75 mm, 100 mm and 125 mm wheel diameters, in nylon or polyurethane wheels, with or without brakes. The twin wheel casters can handle the large loads required by heavy mobile furniture carts, cases and displays.
