Id like a hinge please.
Goto Laililai to know more.
Yes, no problem. What type of hinge?
A standard door hinge, for a normal size door.
Umm
If you sell door hardware, this will be a familiar scenario.
If you buy door hardware, this will also be a familiar scenario and right now youd be expecting a raft of questions to establish exactly what hinge you need for your project or facility.
And why would these questions be needed? Surely there are only a couple of types of hinge? As with anything in life, it couldnt be that simple.
In this detailed guide, we'll delve into the various types of hinges available, each tailored for different types of doors and applications. Whether you're a facility manager, a maintenance contractor, or a builder, let us help you understand these common and not-so-common types of hinges.
Table of Contents
1. Butt Hinges
Description: The quintessential type of butt hinge is widely used, and is easy to install and maintain.
Application: Commonly found on interior and exterior doors and timber windows.
Features: Comprises two plates connected by a fixed pin. 3 or 5 knuckle variants.
There isnt one type of butt hinge, there are various bearing types and butt hinges with special features.
Butt hinge bearing types:
Concealed bearing - increased load bearing and aesthetically pleasing.
Hi-load/thrust bearing - visible bearings but with a high load capacity. Disc or bushed bearings.
Ball bearing - large knuckles as it houses ball bearing races. Low friction, quiet operation.
Washered - two common variants are double stainless steel and double phosphor bronze washered hinges. Used on light to medium duty internal doors. Single washered variants are available.
Plain bearing - for lightweight doors as there is no bearing surface between the hinge knuckles.
Butt hinge special features:
Security/dogbolt - for use on outward opening external doors. A security pin protrudes from one leaf and engages with a recess on the other. Should the hinge knuckle joint be forcibly removed, as the hinge leaves are fixed together, the door will remain in the frame, keeping your facility secure.
Anti-ligature/hospital tip - the top and bottom of the knuckle joint are chamfered or angled to reduce ligature points. Used in hospitals and monitored facilities.
Projection/broad butt - used where doors need to open around a reveal, architrave, or obstacle. The depth of throw is dependent on the overall width of the hinge. The greater the throw, the more the hinges project the door out and around the obstacle.
Parliament hinges - perform the same job as a projection hinge (above) but the height of the knuckle joint is reduced. This makes them the more aesthetically appealing choice but they do have reduced load-bearing capacity.
2.Gate Hinges
Description: A variety of designs in different finishes and lengths. Usually unequal leaf sizes with a narrow leaf on the frame and a longer leaf fitted across the face or horizontal bars of the gate.
Application: Commonly used on barn doors, timber and metal gates, and some exterior doors.
Features: Provides strength over a large area, suitable for heavier gates and doors.
Common Gate Hinge Types:
Tee hinges - shaped like the letter 'T' and drilled for screw fixing. Often seen on garden gates, shed doors, and exterior applications. Decorative tee hinges can be used on internal doors in traditional properties. Black, beeswax, or pewter tee hinges work well on interior ledge and brace doors, installed with a thumblatch.
Hook and band hinges - straight and cranked versions available, fixed with coach bolts and screws. The long band has an enclosed hook on one end that sits on the top of a pin. The pin is fixed to a plate which in turn can be fixed to a timber upright, or driven or built into a wall. Theyre also referred to as coach hinges or hook and ride hinges. Hook and band hinges when both fitted in the same orientation allow for the gate or door to be lifted off if required.
Reversible gate hinges - similar to hook and band hinges, they have a long strap with a fixed pin but it is fixed by two decorative cups. Theyre ideal for heavy gates and doors that dont require to be lifted off or removed.
Adjustable gate hinges - like a hook and band hinge in appearance but include nut adjustment. This allows for the the gate to be adjusted so it hangs true.
Strap hinges - like a tee hinge, they are characterized by their long arms resembling straps. Unlike a tee hinge, they have two equal length arms. Check sizes when ordering as the measurements are usually per leaf, not overall width as per a butt hinge.
A good rule of thumb for a wide gate is for hinges to extend at least one-third of the way across the width. If the gate or door is tall, consider fitting a third hinge.
When hanging a pedestrian gate or door on these types of hinges, the best practice is for the hinge to extend halfway to two-thirds across the width.
3. Window Hinges
Description: Standard or scissor type mechanisms for UPVC, timber, and metal windows.
Application: For side hung and top hung casement windows and fanlights.
Features: Concealed window hinge variants with options for restricted opening or emergency egress.
Common Window Hinge Types:
Butt hinges - a traditional yet visible way of hanging timber casement windows. Used in conjunction with a casement stay, to hold the window open in predesignated positions.
Stormproof hinges - used predominantly on timber windows with a stormproof section. They have 90° cranked leaves that close together with no gap. This ensures a minimal gap between the window and the frame.
Friction hinges - hold the window open at an angle using friction.
Differing lengths to suit window widths and weights. Sold in pairs. Top hung or side hung variants for UPVC, aluminium, and timber windows. Available with egress, easy clean, or opening restriction.
4. Lift Off Hinges
Description: Similar in appearance to a butt hinge but they allow the door to be lifted off of the lower frame portion of the hinge. Also known as journal support hinges
Application: For areas requiring ease of access. These removable hinges allow for doors in corridors or into storage spaces to be quickly and easily removed.
Features: A 2-knuckle hinge with either a single or double pin. Washered and non-washered variants. Handed for clockwise or anti-clockwise closing doors.
Lift off ball hinges are available, often called Solifer hinges.
5. Rising and Falling Hinges
Description: A 2-part hinge that will either provide some self closing (rising butt hinge) or allows a door to naturally fall open (falling butt hinge).
Application: Often found in bathroom cubicles. Preparation is required at the top of the door for rising butt hinges.
Features: Handed units for clockwise or anti-clockwise closing. Rising butt hinges will pull a door closed with a low force, providing privacy and a clean aesthetic. Falling butt hinges allow a door to fall open, showing the availability of a WC.
6. Loose Pin Hinges
Description: Similar to a plain bearing butt hinge but with a removable central pin. Various finishes available to match your door hardware.
Application: For lightweight internal doors that are not security doors, and may need to be removed for ease of access.
Features: A cost effective way to hang doors, typically residential interior doors. Lightweight with a slim knuckle and button tipped pin.
The standard alternatives to loose pin hinges are fixed pin and non-removable pin hinges.
7. Concealed Hinges
Description: These hinges are hidden when the door is closed, offering a sleek and invisible appearance.
Application: Perfect for modern interior doors, cabinet doors, and furniture. Check door thickness and door weight before selecting the right model.
Features: Completely concealed, ensuring an unobtrusive finish. Fire rated options and a variety of finishes and sizes are available.
8. Pivot Hinges
Description: These pivots allow rotation around a single point, rather than fixed at the side as with heavy duty hinges. They allow a door to open both ways.
Application: Ideal for overlay doors, large panels, jib doors, and heavier internal doors. Commonly found on breakout WC doors.
Features: Mounted at the top and bottom, offering a different aesthetic and functionality. Side load, end load, and double action pivot hinges are available.
9. Spring Hinges
Description: Self-closing action; when the door is opened, the spring mechanism returns it to the closed position.
Application: Single and double action doors that require self-closing, without using a controlled door closer. Often seen on saloon doors.
Features: Large barrels instead of jointed knuckles. The tensions of the internal springs can be adjusted.
10. Continuous Hinges (Piano Hinges)
Description: These long, continuous hinges run the full length of the door. Available in different gauges, materials, widths, and finishes.
Application: Suitable for heavy doors through to cabinets, providing even support.
Features: Distributes weight along the entire door length.
11. Conductor Hinges
Description: A 2-piece hinge with integral wires for the concealed transfer of power to the door from the frame.
Application: Use as a middle hinge of three when installing access control, electric locks, or air transfer grilles.
Features: Typically carry 24V, load bearing, low maintenance, and a maximum current per conductor of 2amp. Fire rated models available.
12. Kitchen Cabinet Hinges
Kitchen cabinet hinges are a different beast from a traditional cupboard hinge so see no.24 below for cabinet hinges (small butt-type hinges) for use on joinery and cabinetry.
Description: An uneven leaf hinge with mounting plate.
Application: For overlay and inset kitchen cabinet doors.
Features: Bore-in or overlay hinges. Different opening angles, mounting plates, cover caps, and door thicknesses. Functions include soft close and push to open.
13. Backflap Hinges
Description: An equal leaf hinge with small knuckles that only protrude on one side of the hinge leaves.
Application: Table flaps and box lids.
Features: Provides a flat surface once installed so tables or boxes can open all of the way without hindrance.
14. Counterflap Hinges
Description: The reverse of a backflap hinge but it is still an equal leaf hinge with a knuckle that only protrudes on one side of the hinge leaves.
Application: Counterflaps, tabletops, and countertops.
Features: Provides a flat surface once morticed into the counter, allowing objects to be placed on top.
15. H/HL Hinges
Description: Named after their shape - H and HL hinges are plain bearing, traditional in design and manufacture.
Application: Smaller versions for joinery and cabinetry, larger versions for traditional wooden ledge and brace doors.
Features: Ornamental or square-ended designs in a variety of finishes. HL hinges have a horizontal protruding arm for reinforcing the panels or uprights of the door.
16. Collinge Hinges
Description: A strap-design ball and socket hinge, traditionally made from cast iron but also available in steel, brass, and stainless steel.
Application: For use on doors and gates on period properties.
Features: Charles Collinge hinges are available in a wide range of sizes. Theyre comprised of one long horizontal leaf with a narrow cup plate for mounting to the frame.
The company is the world’s best casement door hinge supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
17. Hurlinge/Flush/Interleaf Hinges
Description: An uneven leaf hinge where the smaller leaf opens and closes back into the larger leaf.
Application: A quick-fixing non-mortice option for full sized lightweight doors and cupboards. Called flush hinges as the leaves lie flat together.
Features: Loose or fixed pin models. Various sizes and finishes, some with locating lugs on the knuckle providing easy alignment when fitting.
18. Swing Clear Hinges
Description: Also known as offset hinges, one or both leaves are cranked.
Application: Full sized doors that need to open past the line of the frame, in areas that require a clear and wide opening to provide ease of access.
Features: Various sizes and finishes to suit different door weights and styles. Fire door versions available.
19. Cranked Hinges
Description: Similar to swing clear hinges, with double or single cranked leaves.
Application: Smaller doors, windows, and gates where additional clearance is required.
Features: A wide range of designs for timber and metal doors and gates. Drilled for face fixing. Includes cranked flush hinge options.
20. Adjustable Hinges
Like cranked hinges, there are a huge number of different adjustable hinges, including gate hinges as weve already mentioned.
Description: Butt-type hinges, concealed hinges, or surface mounted models. Hinges for UPVC, timber, and composite doors and gates.
Application: For inward and outward opening doors and gates. Providing flexible installation, versatility in use, and adjustment during maintenance.
Features: 2D, 3D, and 4D variants. Mode of adjustment is dependent on hinge models and brands e.g. allen key, nut, or screwdriver.
21. Weldable Hinges
Butt, lift off, piano, bullet, tee, flag - nearly every hinge type can be provided in a weldable form.
Description: Highly secure compared to screw fixing hinges. Durable and heavy duty weldable materials, with a variety of hinge types.
Application: Metal doors, gates, storage containers and units, vehicles, and trailers.
Features: Plain leaves of varying shapes and dimensions. No screw or bolt fixings. Marine application hinges have a brass pin to minimise rust.
22. Trestle Hinges
Description: Trestle joint hinge, trestle table hinge, pasting table hinge - all refer to this equal leaf hinge that has a rotating, scissor-like opening action.
Application: Pasting and trestle tables, A-boards and frames.
Features: Two long, flat, equal length leaves with one central pivot point. Different length hinges in a variety of finishes to suit different table and board sizes.
23. Unequal Hinges
Description: A huge range of designs, sizes, and finishes. The narrow leaf fits onto the frame.
Application: From lightweight cabinets, doors, and furniture, to storage solutions, heavy shutters, and gates.
Features: The common feature is two leaves of differing lengths, sizes, or shapes.
24. Cabinet Hinges
There are nearly as many varieties of cabinet and cupboard hinges as there are door hinges. Weve already covered kitchen cabinet hinges above, see no.11. This section covers joinery-style cabinets and storage unit hinges.
Description: Small, decorative hinges with equal leaves. Can appear similar to a butt hinge, trestle hinge, or a mortice type such as barrel hinges.
Application: Timber cupboards, boxes, doll houses, cabinetry, desk tops, and cabinets.
Features: Typically with a low load bearing capacity, in a wide range of finishes and designs as theyre usually visible.
Well-known Cupboard Hinge Types:
Snake hinges - so called because of their twisting, serpentine design. Ideal for narrow cabinet doors.
Butterfly/half butterfly hinges - when fully open the leaves echo the pattern of a butterflys wings. Often used on boxes due to their decorative patterning.
Barrel hinges - compact and concealed, great for small cabinets, decorative boxes, and lightweight doors. When installed, only the barrel joint is visible, offering a neat finish.
25. Specialist Hinges
How long have you got to read about specialist hinges, as we could be here a while?
Dont worry, we wont put you through that as its a whole niche area under the umbrella of hinges but here is a flavour of what is out there to explore:
Glass door hinges
UPVC door/flag hinges
Partition hinges
Hinge systems such as BAKA from Simonswerk
Modular hinges
Locker and cabinet specific hinges
Wrap around cabinet hinges
Westgate hinges
Reinforced hinges
Desk and card table hinges
Butlers tray hinges (an old favourite of some Door Controls Direct staff!)
Choosing the Right Hinge Type
The selection of the appropriate hinge type depends on various factors. They include the weight of the door or gate, frequency of use, and the desired aesthetic. For instance, heavy or large doors in commercial settings may require heavy-duty hinges or hi-load hinges, while interior doors in residential properties are often fitted with loose pin or plain bearing hinges.
Remember, the right hinge not only supports the door's weight but also contributes significantly to the door's overall performance and appearance. If your door is already hung on some standard issue butt hinges, you can easily retrofit hinge fronts for an additional decorative element.
Fire door hinges are available in many types, sizes, designs, and finishes. Simply ensure you install the correct number of hinges, in the tested positions, with intumescent hinge pads where required. Look for the CE mark too. Ensure the hinge capacity can accommodate the adjusted door weight, not just the weight of the door leaf.
Wrapping Up: Navigating the Hinge Landscape
If you made it this far, well done. You deserve some recognition, and likely an eye break.
As youve seen there is a wealth of door hinge types. Understanding them is key to ensuring the functionality and longevity of your doors. Whilst this isnt an exhaustive list, we think its pretty darn comprehensive, and certainly covers the main door hinges, and a few window hinges for good measure.
This guide aims to be a valuable and informative resource, helping you navigate the world of door hinges with confidence.
Whilst this guide has covered the types of hinges, we havent touched on:
Classification, certification, testing, and grading
Drilling patterns
Finishes and decorative details such as finials
Material and processes
After reading this far, we wouldnt put you through that, but they can impact the choice you make for your built environment.
As you close the door on this guide, equipped with the knowledge to choose the right hinge, remember that our team at Door Controls Direct is always ready to assist with any further details or specific queries, ensuring your door hardware choices are as precise and reliable as the hinges that support them.
Get in touch today:
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Door hinges are crucial hardware components that attach a door to a frame, enabling the door's pivotal movement to open and close. These fundamental fixtures are found on nearly all doors, but it's especially important for front doors.
That's because front doors serve as the primary entry points to your home, providing security and aesthetics. The right front door can make a lasting impression and significantly impact the overall curb appeal of your property.
However, equally important but often underestimated are the components that contribute to a front door's smooth operation the hinges.
In this guide, we'll discuss the different hinges for front doors and explore the key factors to consider when selecting hinges that align with your needs and preferences.
Front door hinges come in various types, each designed to offer specific benefits. These hinges enable the door's movement and influence its style and functionality.
These are the most common types of hinges used for front doors. They are sturdy and reliable, with two rectangular metal plates connected by a pin, allowing the door to swing open and close. These hinges are often mortised or recessed into the door and frame, creating a streamlined and flush appearance when the door is closed. Butt hinges are handy for front doors, passages, and cabinet doors.
In terms of security, they're purposefully designed to be tamper-resistant. With hinge pins typically located on the door's interior side, they remain inaccessible from the outside, heightening door security and deterring unauthorized removal.
Beyond their functional use cases, these hinges offer aesthetic versatility. Available in a wide range of sizes, finishes, and materials, they can be tailored to complement your door's design and overall spatial aesthetic. This adaptability spans various styles, from traditional to modern, allowing you to integrate them into your preferred visual theme seamlessly.
If you're looking for a hinge that assists in closing the door automatically, spring hinges are an excellent choice. They have a built-in spring mechanism that returns the door to a closed position when it's released. It's designed to automatically close a door after it has been opened.
Spring hinges are particularly valuable when self-closing doors are required for safety, privacy, or energy efficiency. In spaces where maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is crucial, spring hinges help prevent entries from being accidentally left open. This can contribute to energy savings by reducing the loss of conditioned air and decreasing the workload on heating and cooling systems. Furthermore, they can prevent doors from slamming shut, minimizing noise disruptions.
Spring hinges are available in a range of styles and finishes, allowing them to integrate into different design aesthetics seamlessly. Whether aiming for a classic, modern, or rustic look, you can find spring hinges that complement your door's appearance.
Strap hinges are often known for their decorative appeal and are used for traditional and rustic-style front doors. They feature long, decorative plates that extend vertically from the door to the frame.
Strap hinges are prized for their ornamental look, making them an excellent choice for traditional, rustic, and antique-style doors. They can transform an ordinary door into a focal point, creating a unique and captivating visual impact. But beyond their looks, they're also built for strength. The extended plates distribute weight effectively, making them reliable for even heavy doors or gates.
What's great about strap hinges is that they come in various sizes, shapes, and finishes, giving you the freedom to match them with your specific project's style. Whether you're aiming for a rustic wrought iron finish or an antique brass look, strap hinges offer diverse options to suit your taste.
Also called continuous hinges, piano hinges run along the entire length of the door. They offer added stability and are commonly used for heavy doors or doors requiring full-height support.
These hinges are recognized for their long, continuous design that runs along the entire edge of the door, ensuring consistent stability and durability. They are aptly named due to their resemblance to the hinge mechanism found on pianos, which allows the lid to be opened and closed smoothly.
One of the standout features of piano hinges is their stability and strength. The continuous layout of these hinges evenly distributes the weight of the door or lid, resulting in enhanced stability. This makes them an excellent choice for heavy doors, lids, or panels that require robust and comprehensive support.
Piano hinges also provide an element of security due to their unbroken design. Unlike conventional hinges with separate plates, piano hinges minimize potential gaps that could be exploited, adding an extra layer of security to doors or panels.
Durability is another strong suit of piano hinges. These hinges are crafted from sturdy materials and built to withstand the demands of continuous usage. Their robust construction ensures they can handle the stress of repeated movement without compromising their functionality.
Beyond their functionality, piano hinges offer a clean and minimalist aesthetic. The uninterrupted line they create is favored in modern and contemporary designs, contributing to a sleek and discreet appearance.
These hinges are unique as they are positioned at the top and bottom of the door, allowing it to pivot rather than swing. Pivot hinges offer a minimalist aesthetic often used in modern and contemporary designs.
They're best known for their clean and minimalist appearance. With no visible hinges on the sides, doors appear to float within their frames, creating a clean and uncluttered look that resonates well with modern and contemporary design sensibilities.
The pivot mechanism allows the door to pivot around a central point, enabling a smooth and effortless swinging motion. This pivot action can be particularly beneficial for heavy doors that might otherwise be cumbersome to open with traditional side hinges.
Pivot hinges also offer flexibility in opening angles, making them an excellent choice for spaces where doors need to swing both inward and outward. This adaptability becomes valuable in areas with space constraints or unconventional room layouts.
The even distribution of the door's weight across the pivot points at the top and bottom contributes to the durability of the door and the surrounding structure. Moreover, the unique movement introduced by pivot hinges can become a focal point within a space, generating interest and serving as a design feature.
Pivot hinges have a wide range of applications. They are suitable for various door types, from interior and room dividers to closet and exterior entrances. These hinges are often crafted with precision engineering and are available in a variety of high-quality finishes and materials, ensuring not only durability but also a touch of sophistication.
Selecting the right hinges for front doors involves more than just picking an appealing type. Here are some crucial factors to keep in mind:
The hinge's finish should complement your front door's overall style. Hinges are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, brass, bronze, and more. Whether you're aiming for a rustic, traditional look or a sleek, contemporary appearance, the right hinge finish can enhance the visual appeal of your front door.
Materials are equally vital. Different materials offer varying degrees of durability and weather resistance. For instance, stainless steel hinges are known for their strength and resistance to corrosion, making them an excellent choice for exterior doors exposed to the elements. On the other hand, brass hinges add a touch of elegance but may require more maintenance to prevent tarnishing over time.
Considering the weight and size of your front door is also crucial when selecting hinge materials. Heavier doors require more robust materials to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear and tear. Additionally, examining the security features of the hinges, such as security pins, can influence your decision, especially if security is a top priority.
Different hinges are designed to support different door weights and sizes. Choosing hinges that can handle your front door's specific dimensions and weight is important to ensure smooth operation and longevity.
There are a few basic rules to follow, such as heavier doors need more hinges, and taller hinges add more stability. Heavier and larger doors also require hinges with greater strength and load-bearing capacity. If the hinges are not adequately equipped to handle the door's weight, it can lead to premature wear, sagging, and even potential safety hazards. Thus, it's crucial to choose hinges designed to match your front door's specific weight and size.
Conversely, lighter, smaller doors might not need hinges with the same strength. Opting for hinges proportionate to the door's dimensions ensures they can support the door without adding unnecessary strain or resistance to its movement.
Additionally, the location of the hinges on the door can impact its stability. Placing the hinges correctly with the door's weight distribution ensures that the door swings smoothly and evenly without tilting or binding.
It's recommended to consult with professionals like US Window and Door or refer to hinge manufacturers' guidelines that provide weight and size recommendations for various hinge types. By choosing hinges that align with the weight and size of your front door, you can guarantee optimal functionality, longevity, and safety, all while enhancing your entryway's overall performance and aesthetics.
Depending on your security preferences, you might want hinges with additional features, such as security pins, to prevent the door from being removed when closed. Furthermore, consider the desired level of door swing and opening angle for optimal functionality. Hinges play a pivotal role in how smoothly the door operates, and in the level of security they provide for your home.
Security pins are a key consideration. These pins are designed to prevent the door from being easily removed from the frame when closed. Choosing hinges with built-in security features can significantly enhance the safety of your home by making it more challenging for unauthorized individuals to disengage the door from its hinges. This becomes particularly important for front doors, which are the primary entry points and must offer optimal security.
Functionality is another significant aspect. The hinges you choose should allow the door to open and close easily, ensuring a seamless experience for anyone using the door. Consider how far the door needs to swing open and whether it needs to swing in one or both directions. Some hinge types offer greater flexibility in terms of opening angles, making them well-suited for spaces with specific layout requirements.
Also, the aesthetic of the hinges should align with the overall style of your front door and home. While security is a top priority, hinges can also contribute to the visual appeal of your entryway. Hinges come in various finishes and designs, allowing you to choose options that enhance the door's appearance while providing the desired level of security.
Regarding front doors in San Diego, every detail matters including the hinges that support them. The right hinges ensure smooth and effortless door movement and contribute to your home's overall aesthetics and security. Whether you opt for classic butt hinges, modern pivot hinges, or decorative strap hinges, consider factors like materials, finishes, door weight, and security features. By paying attention to these details, you can elevate the functionality and style of your front doors, enhancing the welcoming charm of your San Diego home.
Ready to transform your entryway? As experts in door installation, we understand the critical role that hinges play in the overall performance and appeal of your front doors. If you want to make a lasting impression with a beautifully installed front door, our US Window and Door team is here to help. With years of experience in the industry, we can guide you in choosing the perfect hinges that align with your needs and preferences. Contact US Window and Door today for front door installation!
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