Door Hitting the Wall: Stops and Opening Angle

The stop built into the hinges

Tall and column Designer models have a 105-degree stop built into their hinges. Sub-Zero’s design guide adds that the chance of the panel striking something grows as the panel gets wider or thicker, and names the 90-degree stop as the way to reduce it. For panels over one inch thick, the installation guide warns the 90-degree stop may be needed to protect both the unit and the cabinetry next to it.

What the clips change

The 90-degree clips replace the original clips on each hinge, and the door then stops 15 degrees sooner. Nothing else about the door changes. Before fitting them we hold the door at 90 degrees and open each drawer inside, to be sure nothing catches on the door.

When the door has already been hitting

Every strike at full swing loads the hinge and the panel corner at once. We look at both hinges for play, the panel edge for dents or splits, and the reveals, since a knocked hinge can let the door drop. A damaged panel goes to the cabinetmaker. The hinge, the stop and the setting of the door are ours.