Types Of Hinges You Need To Know

The hinge, which holds your door in its place, is often overlooked and can be found in many sizes and styles. The location of the hinges Australia and the final look you want to achieve will determine the best choice. This visual guide highlights the different types of hinges, their purpose, and their design.

Butt Hinge

The butt hinge is the most commonly used type of hinge for doors. The butt hinge is the most common type of hinge used on doors. Its name comes from the fact that the two leaves are mortised into both the door and frame to allow them to butt up to one another. There are three types of butt hinges available: plain and spring-loaded.

For lightweight interior doors, builders typically use plain butt hinges. The hinge’s knuckles are joined by a pin that can or cannot be removed.

Ball Bearing Hinge

To reduce friction caused by heavy doors, the ball bearing hinge features lubricated bearings between its knuckles. These hinges are great for heavy doors and those that see frequent use.

Spring-Loaded Butt Hinge

A spring-loaded but think is a good choice to ensure that your door closes behind. These hinges are often used for screen doors. You can calibrate them to open and close with different degrees of tension.

Rising Butt Hinge

To clear thick-pile carpets or thresholds, a rising butt hinge raises 1/2-inch the door. It looks just like a regular hinge when closed.

Barrel Hinge

The barrel hinge is ideal for specialty woodworking projects such as small cabinets or boxes. This hinge is perfect for projects that require the hinge to be hidden from view. Simply drill holes to fit the barrels, then insert the hinge. Barrel hinges, which are typically made from brass, are not intended for load-bearing purposes.

Hidden Hinge

Hidden hinges are designed to go unseen and don’t take away from fine furniture or cabinetry. They can be easily adjusted with a few screws and self-closing. There are also larger concealed hinges that can be used for doors. They are tamper-proof and don’t expose the hinges, so they offer security that regular hinges can’t.

Knife (Pivot) Hinge

Cabinets will have knife hinges. They are also known as pivot hinges and look like the blades on a pair of scissors. The hinge leaf is mortised into the cabinet’s door. The pivot is all that remains once the hinges are installed.

Another type of pivot hinge allows doors to pivot open and close in both directions, similar to the doors found in restaurants. These spring-loaded hinges weigh more than those for cabinetry.

Overlay Hinge

Some hinges can add thickness to cabinetry. The overlay hinge can reduce this thickness. This hinge folds inwardly, so the door can lay flush against the cabinet’s face.

Offset Hinge

Have you ever tried to maneuver a couch through a doorway only to discover that it is 1/2 inch too narrow? An offset hinge is a great solution. This hinge is a special type that allows you to swing your door away from the doorframe. It can also widen the opening by up to 2 inches. These hinges are particularly useful in areas that need to be ADA-compliant.

Piano Hinge

The long, continuous hinge is named after the hinge that covers a piano’s lid. The hinge’s two long leaves are held together by a rod that runs through their knuckles. This hinge is ideal for storage benches, toy boxes, and fold-down desks.

Strap Hinge

You’ll see strap hinges on gates. Designers use smaller versions on cabinets to create a rustic look inside. For heavy barn doors or gates, the long hinge leaves (or straps), provide extra support.

Many materials can be used to make hinges, such as stainless steel, brass, bronze, pewter, and copper. To complement your design, you can choose from different finishes such as polished, chrome, or brushed. If your hinge is intended for outdoor use, you should choose one that is rust-resistant. You will need the following tools to install your hinge: chisel and utility knife; hammer; screwdriver; and drill.