Need advice on drop leaf hinges

[Sam Shankar]

Hi folks,

I need help picking the right hinge for a drop leaf table with a relatively large leaf (40" wide x 20" "deep")

The client, to whom I'm married, would like the drop leaves to tuck under the table top when folded vertically down, and doesn't like rule joints because they look old-fashioned. (I agree). I've included a picture of an old MCM table with this design.

The table in the picture has some sort of articulated hinge. I've tried this one: Flush Hinge (https://www.rockler.com/flush-hinge) but it doesn't support the leaf much once extended.

One solution, I suppose, is to add drop leaf supports like this: Metal Drop Leaf Support (https://www.rockler.com/metal-drop-leaf-support), but that's kind of clunky. Does anyone have any experience with another solution for this situation?

[John Kananis]

You'll want to check restaurant supply houses and search for pop up table bracket. I think that may suit your need.

Edit: I did a quick Google search but not much came up. Look for a local restaurant supplier. They should have the brackets in stock - is a very common item in that industry. They use them to make square table for 4 into round tables for 6. Very sturdy as they're made for that environment.

[Sam Shankar]

You mean something like this? Folding Worktop Wall Brackets - Rockler (https://www.rockler.com/rockler-rock-steady-folding-worktop-wall-brackets)

[Bradley Gray]

Is the edge square or is it a rule joint?

[johnny means]

I use these for building ADA compliant tables in restaurants. The are very strong, but can be difficult close for the uninitiated. They also can be like installing an armed bear trap if your not careful.Rok Hardware Drop Leaf Table Hinge and Leaf Support, Flap-Top Hinges for Drop Leaf Table, Pack of 2 https://a.co/d/0xVgVEj

[Steve Jenkins]

I use these for building ADA compliant tables in restaurants. The are very strong, but can be difficult close for the uninitiated. They also can be like installing an armed bear trap if your not careful.Rok Hardware Drop Leaf Table Hinge and Leaf Support, Flap-Top Hinges for Drop Leaf Table, Pack of 2 https://a.co/d/0xVgVEj
Exactly what I was thinking of. I’ve used them in the distant past and they worked fine.

[Sam Shankar]

Thanks all! I'll take a look at these.

[John Kananis]

That's exactly the hinge I was referring to. And yes, not finger-friendly for the uninitiated.


I use these for building ADA compliant tables in restaurants. The are very strong, but can be difficult close for the uninitiated. They also can be like installing an armed bear trap if your not careful.Rok Hardware Drop Leaf Table Hinge and Leaf Support, Flap-Top Hinges for Drop Leaf Table, Pack of 2 https://a.co/d/0xVgVEj