Cabinet hinge guide
Direct replacement vs. retrofit
Exact identity means the complete old and new model match; a family stamp alone does not establish it. A direct replacement preserves critical mounting geometry and existing holes without structural changes. Ordinary replacement screws do not change that status.
The Blum COMPACT 33 reference documents seven specific screw-on, two-hole edge-plate cases where the existing holes are reused and new frame screws are required.
Compatible replacement
A compatible replacement requires a matching plate, clip, spacer, adapter or similar component, with no structural modification.
Retrofit replacement
A retrofit requires installation changes such as new screw holes, repositioning or modification to use a spacer or adapter. The Finder calls this out separately so you can decide before buying.
The Grass TEC 830 reference documents eight specific plate-and-overlay mappings that reuse the cup bore and frame holes but require new door-side screw holes.
Which existing holes can be reused?
This comparison applies only to the documented face-frame configurations below. Confirm the exact old hinge, plate and overlay in the linked references before using it.
- Blum COMPACT 33: the seven verified 33.3600 screw-on, two-hole edge-plate configurations, with a 35 mm cup and 45 mm door screw pattern. See the COMPACT 33 reference.
- Grass TEC 830: the eight verified 830 plate-and-overlay configurations with a 35 mm cup and separate old plate. See the Grass 830 reference.
| Existing opening | Blum COMPACT 33 | Grass TEC 830 |
|---|---|---|
| Door cup bore | Reuse | Reuse |
| Door-side screw holes | Reuse | New holes required |
| Cabinet-side screw holes | Reuse; new frame screws required | Reuse |
For the documented COMPACT 33 two-hole frame installation, Blum specifies new #8 × 3/4-inch truss-head frame screws. Grass's documented 830-to-864 procedure requires new door-side screw holes. Inspect the condition of the existing holes and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Do not identify or verify a replacement from this table or equal hole spacing alone. A different spacing does not by itself rule out a retrofit. If the exact configuration is unknown or outside these references, collect evidence with the measurement sheet and use the Cabinet Hinge Finder.
Installation sources: Blum COMPACT 31/33 replacement instructions and Grass 830-to-864 installation sheet.
When the evidence stops short
A matching cup size or overlay is only dimensional similarity. A stamp may identify a likely family without identifying an orderable part. Neither is a verified replacement; the Finder returns NO VERIFIED MATCH until the exact configuration and installation evidence agree. Use the field reference to record both sides of the old installation before classifying it.