Hinges are a vital part of door and frame structures. Choosing the right hinge can help doors last for decades without external damage or injury.
The basic design of a hinge includes leaves, knuckles and a pin. To choose the right hinge for your needs, you need to know what each feature means.
1. Quality
Whether replacing a worn-out hinge or writing hinge specifications for an entryway addition, it’s important to choose the right design. A cheap, low-quality hinge may cost you more in maintenance, repairs and replacement over the years.
There are many different kinds of door hinges, from basic designs to specialty hardware. Some are made of stainless steel to make opening and closing doors smoother. Others are decorative and add a touch of flair to gates, trunks, storage boxes and other items. Hinges are also available in a variety of thicknesses and durability.
For example, barrel hinges are small and unseen, perfect for furniture. Butt hinges are similar to piano hinges, with long leaves joined by a pin at the knuckles. A rising butt hinge raises the door 1/2-inch, allowing it to clear a threshold or thick carpet. An offset hinge allows a door to swing past the frame, widening an entrance by two inches. And a geared continuous hinge has been tested to last more than 25 million open/close cycles, or six decades of high-traffic use.
2. Design
Hinges, the hardware that suspends doors on cabinets, gates and utility access hatches, come in many different shapes, sizes and styles. The type you choose depends on where you’ll install them, what kind of look you want and how much weight they will support.
A basic butt hinge consists of two machined plates joined by a pin. It’s an excellent choice for residential entryways or doorway upgrades.
More decorative options include tee and wrought iron hinges. These hinges are shaped like the letter T or have bent edges that create knuckles. They can be made with or without ball-bearings and are available in various finishes.
You can also opt for a weld-on hinge, a heavy-duty hinge designed to hold large doors and frames. It comes in a variety of lengths, and can be custom-made for specific applications. Some are rated to withstand 100,000 pounds or more, and are used in cancer treatment, nuclear, petrochemical, security, and EMI/RFID environments.
3. Customization
There are a variety of customizations that can be made to hinges. For instance, they can be modified to make them easier for the user to install or more durable. They can also be customized to fit different styles of doors. Moreover, they can be made to fit the door’s thickness and profile.
The number of hinges needed depends on the type of door and the environment in which it will be used. Heavy doors, for example, require more hinges than light ones. Additionally, high-traffic areas often require a heavier-duty hinge.
A good hinges manufacturer will provide a high level of customer service. Whether you want to talk to a live person or a machine, you should be able to get an answer to your questions quickly and accurately. This is essential for ensuring that you get the right hinges and avoid costly mistakes. It will save you time and money in the long run.
4. Pricing
Door hinges are the hardware that connect your door to the frame and allow it to open and close. They are a vital component that we often take for granted until they stop working. Thankfully, there are many options to choose from when selecting new ones. Whether you’re replacing old ones or installing them in a new house, it’s important to know what type of hinges you need.
For example, surface hinges install right on the frame and door surface, spring types are self-closing and great for garage doors or exterior use, and ball bearing is smoother and quieter. There are also specialty hinges for unique applications.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the amount of door hinges you need depends on the height and thickness of your doors. Lightweight, hollow-core doors can get away with two hinges, while most others need three. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind the longevity of your hinges when choosing them.