Fridge/Freezer top stay-up hinge...

[bstreep]

We are redoing our counter tops. Ours have 50/50 plugs with a hinge, for access. We have friends with a Catalina 400, that has a hinge system that stays open when you open it wide open, for easy opening/closing/loading/cleaning. Anyone know where to get one of those?

And no, I don't want to use a spring. Have a friend who lost a fingertip with on a system that used a spring.

[a64pilot]

Simple piano hinge so that you can fully open it and lay it flat against the other side, no gimmick devices to hold it open?
Have it one large removable lid, split in two so the whole thing comes out for cleaning the inside?

[bstreep]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Simple piano hinge so that you can fully open it and lay it flat against the other side, no gimmick devices to hold it open?
Have it one large removable lid, split in two so the whole thing comes out for cleaning the inside?

I guess I should have clarified: our current setup is a split top plug, with a piano hinge.

[Garrettw]

My boat came with this kind of locking lid support installed: GRAINGER APPROVED VENDOR Locking Lid Support - Shelf Brackets and Supports - 4CRL6|4CRL6 - Grainger Industrial Supply

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by bstreep

I guess I should have clarified: our current setup is a split top plug, with a piano hinge.

And you can remove the entire plug for cleaning and flip one side on top of the other?
You want to make it so you can prop one side up?

[bstreep]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

And you can remove the entire plug for cleaning and flip one side on top of the other?
You want to make it so you can prop one side up?

We THINK so. Not sure.

Thanks Garrett, that's what I was looking for.

[a64pilot]

If you install that locking slide, the plug is no longer removable without a screwdriver. Granger sells another locking slide that the unlock is actuated by simply opening it more then it unlocks, simple one handed operation. I used it on an aircraft baggage door, then we went to a gas strut because if the wind blew the door up it unlocked and fell, doubt you'll have that issue though.
If your box is like mine your not easily installing a locking slide anyway as there is no wall to mount the bottom part of the slide to, the plug is away from the wall.

[Garrettw]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

If you install that locking slide, the plug is no longer removable without a screwdriver.

While true, I think bstreep seemed to indicate that installing a hinge was also part of the plan.

[bstreep]

Good thoughts. That's why I love this place.

We will kick this around a bit. Might just leave our 2 piece plugs, with piano hinges, in place. It works, and works pretty well.