MORINBO Toy Box Lid Hinge
Gas Powered, Easy Install Strut
TOP PICK: MORINBO
IN THIS GUIDE:
› BEST OVERALL: MORINBO STRUT
› VALUE OPTION: APEXSTONE
› NO-MORTISE HINGE: ROCKLER CHEST HINGE
› VIX BITS: SELF CENTERING HINGE BITS
Heavy toy chest lids can be a hazard to children if the proper hardware isn’t used to prevent slamming. This is why most woodworkers use soft close hinges for toy box lids that prevent sudden closings.
But do you think you should use a soft close hinge or a soft close support damper?
While the choice isn’t always obvious, most woodworkers choose a support damper with heavy-duty hinges.
Key features to look for:
- Matching the weight of your lid to the number of supports
- Adjustable soft closing
- Finish quality of soft closing hinges and arms if intended to be left open
- And, of course, ease of installation
In this guide, learn the best slow-close solutions and the tools required to install them.
Page Contents
How Soft Closing Works
Surprising to some, a soft closing hinge uses a hydraulic damper that uses fluid dynamics to open quickly in one direction. But, during closing creates a resistance that prevents fast closing.
The trick to a high-quality damper? Quick recovery. Lower-quality systems cannot be opened fast and then released. However, high-quality soft close dampers can be quickly opened and closed with the full effect of the slow closing.
Best Hinges for Toy Boxes
When it comes to a hinge for a toy box, the surprise for many is that the hinge itself isn’t soft closing.
Why?
Well, on cabinets, the door is mounted vertically, and the hinge only supports the door’s vertical shear weight. But on a toy box, a 20-30+ pound door is fully compressing on the hinge, which makes the angle and weight too heavy for any hinge to have incorporated slow closing.
The solution? A larger angle provided by soft close support arms enables a larger damper which can slowly stop heavier lids.
Making, of course, the choice in hinges easier, and woodworkers will opt for:
- Non-mortise hinges like the Tulead Heavy Duty Hinges on Amazon are simple to install on most thicknesses of chest box walls.
- Wrap-around flange hinges similar to Rockers Hinge at Amazon provide 195 degrees of opening and a secure fit.
Best Slow Closing Solutions For Toy Box Lids
Best Overall: Morinbo Lid Support
See on Amazon: Morinbo Toy Box Hinge
Top Features
- Mounts on left or right
- Sturdy design
- Opens to 105-degrees
Overview
From toy boxes to overhead cabinet doors, higher quality support with clean design is often the #2 priority behind soft closing. And with a simple arm design, reversing installation, and clean gray appearance, this support checks the box for most.
Pros
- Soft close
- Reversible installation
Cons
- Low weight rating
- Cost – does not come in pairs
Budget Pick: Apexstone Gas Strut
See on Amazon: Apex Stone Hinge
Top Features
- Simple installation
- Hydraulic dampers
Overview
Like an “elbow hinge” style, a strut will open quickly and use in-built resistance to prevent the toy lid from slamming shut.
What is the disadvantage of this style and grade of soft close support? Unlike other solutions, these supports are adjustable only by deciding to install one or two of them.
Pros
- Smooth operation
- Time-tested design
- Easy to install
Cons
- Lacks adjustment
- Best for lighter-weight toy chest lids
Best Value: RUYUFE Soft Close Toy Box Support
See on Amazon: RUYUFE Lid Support
Top Features
- Easy to install
- Adjustable via a simple Allen wrench
- Reversible
- Can be set as top-opening or upward-opening
- Nickle plated finish
- Mounted as pairs for larger lids or individually
Overview
The simple fact is no lid or toy box is built the same. And that means soft close support must adapt to varying widths, lengths, and weights of the top it supports.
And this designed slow-close support has an ingenious adjustable arm hinge that allows it to be adjusted after installation.
Pros
- Adjustable slow closing action
- High quality finish
- Can be mounted singly or in pairs
Cons
- Top weight of 40-pounds
Installation Tips and Tricks
When installing hardware, there are always a few common issues DIY’ers and even woodworkers face.
First, installing hinges requires small screws EXACTLY in the center of the provided hinge holes. Fortunately, there’s a solution to this problem using self-centering drill bits. Even on small projects, these vix bits are worth the extra cost to ensure appropriately installed hardware.
Second, following the instructions is a must. Because soft close supports require proper installation distances from the chest top, back, and lid, it’s a must to take your time.
Lastly, be sure to start with a high-quality hinge and proper screws. Since small children will be subjected to rough use by a toy chest lid, it’s best to avoid future issues by installing more hinges than you might think is needed.
Of course, pay attention to all of the hardware after a period of use. If screws are coming loose, tighten them – or look at heavy-duty options if it happens consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there soft close hinges for toy box lids?
Soft closing on toy box lids can be achieved by combining standard hinges with a separate soft close hinge support arm. This arm uses a damper that prevents the top from slamming shut.
What is a soft close support arm?
A support arm is designed to fit into any new or existing toy box and slows the closing of the lid. These support arms are attached to the bottom of the lid and the side of the cabinet.
Summary
After learning that soft close hinges for toy box lids are actually a combination of hinges and a support arm your project is ready for final assembly.
Our final tip? Be sure to follow directions on installation to avoid drilling un-necessary holes in your toy chest sides.
- Keep your loved ones safe with our Sturdy Lid Stay...
- Made of premium quality zinc alloy, our heavy-duty...
- Our easy-to-install lid closer can be mounted on...
- With the provided template and step-by-step video...
- Attention: Please refer to the provided image to...
- Please note: Before purchasing this product,...
- Lids lower gently, Ideal for SOFT CLOSING lid to...
- SOFT DOWN the door/lid which the SIDE LENGTH is...
- Length (Center-to-Center): 8.3 Inch, Extended...
- We offer 1 YEAR 100% SATISFACTORY WARRANTY, if...
- KEEP LID STAY OPEN — The lid support hinge holds...
- DURABLE MATERIAL — Heavy lid hinge, max weight...
- EASY TO INSTALL【 Important：Refer to our...
- ADJUSTABLE TENSION — Adjust the toy box hinges...
- CONDITIONED SOFT CLOSING — Only with this chest...
- LID SUPPORT HINGE--The lid support hinge support...
- SOFT CLOSE LID STAY---Every Lid support can be...
- MAX WEIGHT LID HINGE--Support 40lbs when use 2 pcs...
- WIDE APPLICATION--Perfect as toy box hinges, Lid...
- EASY TO INSTALL LID SUPPORT --The lid hinge is...
- Safety & Peaceful: No more finger smashes or loud...
- Super Easy Installation: Just use the provided...
- Top-notch Quality & Easy Setup: Built with fancy...
- Swing it your way! Our lid stay hinges can go on...
- Tension Adjustable: With the adjustable tension...
Last update on 2024-12-21 at 09:54 / Images from Amazon
- About the Author
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Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop.
