Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I read many of the reviews indicating that this product does not close the lid slowly throughout the entire motion. Since I experienced the same issue at first, but was able to resolve the problem with some trial and error, I wanted to share what I learned from my installation. Initially, I experienced the same problem complained of by others – the product would close the lid slowly at first, but then slam it down at the end of the motion. I assumed my lid was too heavy and ordered a second hinge. However, after watching a couple of YouTube videos where other users installed a single hinge in similar applications (a toy box) that appeared to work as advertised, I realized that the problem was not the hinge or the weight of the lid, but the way I positioned it. On first installation, I placed the plastic rotating mechanism too far forward (toward the front of the box), and a bit too low. In this position, it would begin closing the lid very slowly until it was about half closed, but by the end of the motion the hinge would not provide enough resistance and the lid would slam shut. I learned that when the plastic rotating mechanism is placed very close to the back wall of the box (without infringing on its ability to fully rotate), and when it is placed high enough that the top of the plastic part of the arm is almost even with the top of the box when the arm is extended so the lid is in the open position, it is very effective at slowly and softly closing the lid throughout the entire range of motion. I note that, at least in my application, the manufacturer's picture showing the placement of the mechanism on this page depicts the proper height of the plastic mechanism, although I had to place it farther back (closer to the back wall) to get the full slow close effect. Once properly positioned, I think this is a very effective product (of course, I wish I didn’t have to drill unnecessary holes in my toy box to figure this out). It also appears to be well engineered and constructed. The installation problems I originally encountered, similar to those of others, are likely the result of the incomprehensible instructions provided by the manufacturer. The other reviews are correct - the instructions are nothing more than an engineering schematic, and I suspect even some trained mechanical engineers would need to spend some reviewing them to understand what the manufacturer is attempting to convey. The instructions are useless to most laypersons. Fortunately, you really don’t need the instructions to install this product, especially if you watch a couple of videos of the hinge in action and observe the placement by those users. So, if you find that your hinge does not work correctly throughout the full range of motion of the lid, I suggest changing its placement before you give up and decide that it is not effective (as I almost did).