Toy Box Hardware Question

[Scott Brader]

I will soon be starting a toy box for our first grandchild. I was thinking of using the torsion hinges that Rockler sells for the lid, unless someone here has some better option. Should I also be adding the soft-close supports if using the torsion hinges or is that redundant. I want this to be as safe as possible.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Scott

[Jamie Buxton]

The torsion hinges are sold as being sufficient. You should be able to use only them.

You could build the box using just torsion hinges, and test it yourself. Soft-close supports can be retrofitted easily if you decide you really want a belt and suspenders.

[Scott Brader]

Thanks, Jamie. I tend to be a belt and suspenders kind of guy when it comes to safety in my builds. I designed and (over)built a playset in the yard for my kids nearly 30 years ago and it is still rock solid. My family joked that it would survive anything short of a direct nuclear attack. I'm okay with that.

Scott

[Stan Calow]

I built two toy boxes with the Rockler hinges a couple of years ago. Have not loosened up in that time. Just do the lid weight/width calculation correctly.

[Scott Brader]

Thanks, Stan! I appreciate hearing your feedback as an actual user.

Scott

[Stan Calow]

Scott, I now remember I had some difficulty getting the mortise's depth right, and getting the lid positioned correctly in order to line up smoothly and get a good 90º closure. Maybe thats true of all hinges. These are made to fit a 3/4" inch back, but check before you start making as I found the fit a bit loose on one box. But I would use again for this purpose.

[Scott Brader]

That's good to know! I will get the hinges in hand before I do any final sizing of my stock. Thanks for the information!

[Robert L Stewart]

I have used them a few times with great success.

[Scott Brader]

I have used them a few times with great success.

Thanks for the feedback!