Introduction

Hinges are an essential part of the door hardware or lid that allows the opening and closing of doors. Hinge comprises of two metal plates that are attached together with a removable pin. The metal plates are fixed to the door and door jamb with screws. Hinges are designed to hold the door securely to the door jamb and allow it to swing open and closed.

Hinges are available in various designs and styles to complement the door furniture. Available in variety of options and finishes, hinges can be installed both on the interior as well as exterior doors. Hinges are either surface mounted or recesses (mounted). They can be either right-handed or left-handed.

Materials Used

A wide variety of metals and metal alloys are used for casting hinges. Some of the commonly used materials are:

• Brass
• Stainless Steel
• Cast Iron
• Aluminum

Finishes

In order to enhance their look and prevent them from tarnishing, hinges are given various finishes. To name a few, polished brass finish, satin chrome finish, antique nickel finish, oil rubbed bronze finish are some of the finishes available in door hinges.

Door hinges are available in various sizes and shapes. They can have either round corner or square corners.

Types of Hinges

Door Hinges are basically of the following types:

Ball Bearing Hinges Butt Hinges Butterfly Hinges Continuous Hinges Flush Hinges Invisible/ Concealed Hinges Latch Hinges Mortise Hinges

Offset Hinges Pivot Hinges Plain Bearing Hinges Screen/ Storm Door Hinges Spring Hinges Strap Hinges T-Hinges Wide Throw Butt Hinges

Door Hinges Buying Tips The hinge size should be the main consideration while buying hinges. The size of the hinges depend upon the following parameters: Door Height Door Weight Door Width Door Thickness Trim Dimension Required Knowledge of the exact radius corner is also very important while buying hinges for doors and windows.

Installation Tips

While replacing an old door with a new one, the installation of hinges is a key step in the process. Some of the common installation tips include:

• Surface-mounted hinges are mounted on the surface of the pieces being hinged. On the other hand, recessed hinges require the removal of wood to allow the hinge to be mortised into the wood. Also there are some hinges that are a combination of hinge types. In this case, one leaf is surface-mounted while other is mortised or recessed.
  
  
• Apart from the type of hinge being used, accurate measurements are also a must. This requires the careful measurement of all dimensions.
  
  
• Clearance is yet another important step to be taken care of while installing hinges. Proper clearance should be allowed between surfaces, such as the door or lids and frames. These clearances prevent dragging, binding or a sloppy fit.
  
  
• Using proper tools and techniques are also very important for installing hinges on a door.

Related Resources

• Selecting Door Hinges
• Door Hinges History
• Manufacturing Hinges