Knife hinges seized on new project

[Peter Hawser]

I installed some Brusso knife hinges on two cabinet doors. These bad boys: http://www.leevalley.com/US/hardware/page.aspx?p=62811&cat=3,41419,41454

Everything was fine and then after about a week the doors required more and more force to open and close. I took off the doors and both bottom hinges were practically welded together. I put on some oil then was able to separate them. They should not need lubricant correct? I am pretty sure my doors are a good fit - they aren't too tall thereby stressing the hinges, but perhaps that is the problem? If so, I guess I could deepen my hinge mortises a tad. The top hinges are fine and did not lock up, but I thought I had these doors fit pretty well with no stress on the hinges. I really took my time on them. It has been humid as all get out around here lately, but I'm not seeing any other brass lock up on me. Also, I finished the doors with Danish Oil, but thought I let them dry enough. Maybe they picked up moisture? Sorry if I am throwing out too many possible causes here. I'm stumped. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

[Brian Kent]

It sounds like they are getting squeezed together by wood movement?

Also, if the Danish oil seeped into the hinge, that stuff can get sticky where it is not absorbed.

[Peter Hawser]

Ugh... Thanks Brian. I guess I'll try drying things out a bit more before reattaching the hinges. Then I will look at the fit again. Man, I thought this was over... Oh well. Still, I like knife hinges and will use them again.

[Peter Hawser]

Umm. can I ask a really dumb question. For knife hinges, in the lower hinges do the pinned parts go in the door or the cabinet? Could this be causing my problems? I had the pinned part (male) in the door.