A hinge is a mechanical element that allows a door, gate, or other movable structure to swing open or closed. It consists of two plates attached to the door and the frame and a pin or rod that runs through them, allowing them to pivot. The purpose of a hinge is to enable an object to be easily opened and closed while also providing support and stability to the object.
Hinges can be made from various materials, including metal, plastic, and wood, and can be used in multiple applications, such as on doors, gates, windows, and cabinets. In addition to providing a pivot point for opening and closing, hinges can also be used to adjust the position of an object or hold it in place.
Types of hinges you should know about
There are many types of hinges, each with its specific design and features, such as friction hinges, pivot hinges, and butt hinges.
Here are some examples of hinges:
Butt hinge
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A butt hinge is a type of hinge used to connect two objects, such as doors and windows. It is called a “butt hinge” because it is designed to be installed on the “butt” or edge of the door or other object. It is a non-removable hinge with a pin that connects the two objects and allows them to pivot or swing open and closed.
Butt hinges can be made from various materials, including metal, plastic, and wood, and come in different sizes and styles to suit different applications. They are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings for doors, gates, and cabinets and are known for their durability and reliability.
Piano hinge
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A piano hinge, or continuous hinge, is a long hinge that runs the entire length of a door, panel, or box. Also known as a “piano hinge” because it is often used on the lid of a piano, it also has many other applications. Piano hinges are used on doors, desks, cabinets, and other pieces of furniture, as well as on large equipment such as doors on buildings, aeroplanes, and buses. They are known for their strength and durability, and they allow the attached surfaces to open and close smoothly.
Barrel hinge
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A barrel hinge is a type of hinge that consists of a cylindrical barrel and two knuckles that fit into the ends of the barrel. The hinge is attached to two surfaces, and the rod allows the two surfaces to pivot relative to each other. One of the benefits of a barrel hinge is that it allows the door or other object to be opened a full 360 degrees, making it easy to move in and out of the way when needed.
Barrel hinges can be made from various materials, including metal, plastic, and wood, and are available in various sizes and styles to suit different applications. Barrel hinges are often used in applications where a small, compact hinge is needed, such as on jewellery boxes or the hinges of eyeglass frames. They are also used in larger applications on doors or gates.
Strap hinge
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A strap hinge consists of a long, thin strip of metal or other material with holes for mounting on a door or other hinged object. Strap hinges are commonly used on gates, doors, and other surfaces that need to be able to swing open and closed. They are strong and durable and can be used in residential and commercial applications. Strap hinges come in various sizes and materials and can be surface mounted or mortised into the door or gate.
Spring hinge
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These hinges use a spring to help keep a door or other object in a specific position. For example, a spring hinge might keep a door propped open at a certain angle. They are commonly used on doors that need self-closing, such as fire doors or doors in a commercial building. Spring hinges are typically made of metal and have a spring mechanism built into the hinge itself. They can be adjusted to provide different levels of closing force, depending on the needs of the door and the application. Spring hinges are a practical and reliable solution for various door-closing needs.
Pivot hinges
Pivot hinges are widely used in areas with high traffic, where one prefers to open a door just by pushing it open while the door swings closed behind. These hinges help offer stable movement for doors and other objects that requires rotation. They allow for rotation around a central point, unlike the traditional swinging motion in other hinges. In these hinges, the pivot point can be located at the top or bottom of the door, considering the hinge design. Thus, a range of movement options can be achieved, including 360-degree rotation or partial rotation in one direction.
Strap hinges
Strap hinges are a reliable option for heavy gates or doors owing to their high durability. They are available in different sizes and designs, including materials such as iron, steel, or brass. For example, strap hinges are mostly used for garage doors, barn doors, shed doors, etc.
While some strap hinges are used for decorative purposes, other hinges are concealed. Further, the striking feature of strap hinges is their long, narrow design, enabling them to span the full height of a door or gate. Hence, it distributes the weight of the door or gate evenly, reducing the stress on the hinges.
Concealed hinges
They are commonly known as concealed hinges because they remain hidden when the window or cabinet is closed. These hinges improve the aesthetic appeal and functionality of windows and cabinets by concealing any visible hardware on the exterior. They can be used for both interior and exterior applications, such as windows, cabinets, and furniture. Concealed hinges can be self-closing and adjusted with the help of a few screws. As they are not exposed, they offer a level of security that traditional hinges cannot provide.
Factors to consider while choosing a hinge
When selecting hinges for your needs, there are several factors to consider:
- Material and colour: Take into account the appearance and colour of the hinge material to ensure it complements the overall aesthetics of your space.
- Compatibility with interior: Consider whether the hinge style and design align with the interior theme and style of your place.
- Fire and corrosion resistance: Verify if the hinges are resistant to fire and corrosion, which can contribute to their durability and longevity.
- Rotation angle and flexibility: Test the hinge’s angle of rotation and check for its flexibility to ensure smooth and efficient operation.
- Warranty period: Find out if the hinges come with a specified warranty period, which can provide you with peace of mind regarding their quality and performance.
FAQs
What are hinges, and how do they work?
Hinges are mechanical devices that allow objects to rotate around a fixed point. They consist of two parts connected by a pin; one is typically attached to a stationary object, while the other is attached to a movable object. When the movable object is opened or closed, the two parts of the hinge rotate around the pin, allowing the object to move.
What are hinges made of?
The most common material for hinges is metal, such as steel, brass, or aluminium, while other materials, such as plastic, are also acceptable.
What are hinges used for?
Hinges connect two objects, allowing one object to pivot or swing relative to the other. Hinges are often used on doors, windows, and other objects that need to be able to move freely.
Can hinges be adjusted?
Some hinges allow you to adjust the tension or movement resistance. It is often done by adjusting a screw on the hinge. Other hinges, such as spring hinges, have a built-in tension that cannot be adjusted.
Can hinges be lubricated?
Yes, it is possible to lubricate hinges to lessen wear and friction. You can use a silicone-based lubricant or a lightweight oil to lubricate the hinge pin and the areas where the hinge rotates. To avoid dirt and dust sticking to the hinge, wipe off any extra lubrication.
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