Types of hinges
Hinges are a critical hardware element for all doors. These connectors allow an operation of the door and, hence, are so important. Depending on the kind of door, customers' desires, and the result intended, there are many categories of door home depot door hinges. There are input and output characteristics for each type.
However, they are best known for their respective functional outturning and the styles in which they are designed. Nonetheless, functionality has an impact and must be considered. Here, we must look at the various existing types of door hinges and some of their characteristics.
These are the most frequently used hinges:
- Butt hinges: Conventional hinge used on all doors. Consists of two plates stacked perpendicular to a rotating pin in the middle. Highly stable and difficult to manipulate, making it ideal for security doors.
- Continental hinge: The design incorporates an offset so that once placed, each flap or plate of the hinge will be seen protruding from the closed door. Prone to use on interior doors. This design allows the door to swing more than 90 degrees.
- Sliding door track set: Sliding doors use a track system of the hinge to enable movement in a sideway fashion. Installed outside or inside, they are used on wardrobes, shower stalls, and external entrance ways leading to porches or gardens.
- Piano hinges: Also known as continuous hinges. They run the entire length of a door. Suitable where extra support is required. Used on pedestals, trunks, and oversized doors.
- Spring hinges: Doors that need to be self-closing often use spring hinges, especially on cabinets and some entry doors. On such doors, a tensioned coil closure mechanism is always returning the door.
- Removable hinges: Useful in applications where the removal is occasionally required, such as on vehicles. In buses, for instance, the parts of seats or cargo compartments may be fixated using RSHs, with some RSHs having a quick pin to aid easy removal.
Materials used to make hinges
Like every other equipment, the materials used in manufacturing door hinges determine the quality, strength, and lifetime of the hinge. Home Depot boasts many door hinges manufactured with diverse materials to suit various home customers' performance and aesthetics.
Knowing the materials will help one decide on the most suitable door hinge for the individual space in the house.
- Stainless steel: Durable, rustproof, won’t discolor easily. Ideal for all interior and exterior doors, including bathrooms and kitchens, with high humidity.
- Zinc alloy: Reasonably priced and cast into quite complicated shapes. Applied where decorative use is needed, though not as hard as stainless steel. Used on internal doors and light-duty applications.
- Bronze: This extremely corrosion-resistant alloy has reddish-brown color properties. Perfect for marine applications and doors requiring antique-looking finish. Used on church doors and historical buildings.
- Brass: Cold-forged brass is attractive and considered tarnishing prone. Many of its applications are in decoration, thus good for revamps and renovation works. Good on light internal doors.
- Steel: Soft skirt steel is inexpensive but not corrosion protected. Skirt steel H-clips are coated in zinc to prevent corrosion on hinges, one of the easiest home repairs. Galvanized steel hinges are commonly used.
Commercial uses of door hinges
- Automotive industry: Car door hinges allow every door and trunk lid to swing open. Tailgates have special heavy-duty hinges because they bear more weight than other doors.
- Heavy machinery: Industrial equipment doors, inspection covers, and movable parts uses constantly durable pneumatic and spring hinges. Such machine hinges are big and made of steel.
- Cabinetry: Many Home Depot cabinet doors incorporate compact concealed hinges that make them easily accessed. An advantage of European hinges is that they are adjustable for perfect alignment.
- Shipping containers: Shipping Container door locks and hinges are also removable, facilitating packing and unpacking of items.
- Furniture: Trunks, fold-down tables, and other furniture have continuous or hinged piano hinges integrated into their design for additional support and functionality.
- Industrial safety gates: Security gates and fire doors frequently use heavy-duty spring-loaded and safety hinges, which make them non-pedestrian traffic doors.
- Livestock trailers: Barn doors and livestock trailers have extra big shear pin hinges to last long under hard work conditions.
- Equipment access panels: In electrical and communication devices, access panels feature push-type or snap hinges. Snap hinges allow access hardware to be removed quickly without tools.
- Loading docks: Docks and external doors possess heavy-duty weatherstripped hinges that enable barrier-free entry and exit.
Residential uses of door hinges
Hinges have many applications in residential settings, ranging from the most ordinary to those that require extraordinary duty and aesthetic properties.
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Entry doors: Security solid wood and hollow metal main entrance doors use butt and other strong visible hinges. These ensure the door bears weight and provide security.
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Interior doors: Most common are butt hinges. Used for bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms. Mounted on drywall between rooms.
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Cabinet doors: A variety of hinges is used on kitchen, bath, and storage cabinetry, including concealed, rim, and overlay hinges.
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Bi-fold doors: Bi-fold and accordion-style folding doors for closets and laundry have special bifold hinges that let each panel flap fold and swing correctly.
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Pocket doors: Another type of folding door mechanism is affixed to pocket door hinges, which help the door slide into the wall recess.
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French doors: French doors have special double door hinges allowing both doors to function independently while being a striking entrance feature.
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Windows: Casement windows and awning overhanging windows anterior hinges that let the window swing open for ventilation.
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Screen doors: Spring, pneumatic, and self-closing screen door hinges are helpful on exterior screen doors and storm entrance doors to keep insects out and welcome air in.
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Garage doors: Garage doors have specific hinges designed to enable sectional doors to fold or roll up selectively without warping or crashing.
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Security gates: Heavy duty hinges are typically installed in wrought iron or wooden entryway security gates to provide good support and strength.
How to choose door hinges
Choosing the right door Hinge type involves a balance between aesthetic as well as functional appeal. After knowing the types and materials, buyers should consider several factors.
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Hinge size and alignment: Match the hinge to the door size and weight. Bigger doors need thicker, larger butt or piano hinges for support. Smaller doors can have continental or cylindrical fitted.
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Material compatibility: The material of the hinge should match that of the door for perfect aesthetic appeal. Stainless steel for contemporary designs, bronze or brass for classical.
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Security considerations: For entry doors, mortise or butt hinges with non-exposed pin for better security. Non-removable pins make it difficult to take out the hinge thus increasing security.
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Ease of installation: Some hinges like rim and surface-mounted are easily installed and take little time to replace.
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Adjustability: Concealed hinges allow adjustment after installation to align doors correctly. This is an important feature whenever there is movement over time or sagging.
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Aesthetic appeal: Hinges like piano, continental, concealed can be nicely designed and contribute to the overall interior fit-out.
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Budget: There is a price difference in hinge types. Cantilevered gas springs or concealed hinges are more expensive than butt hinges. Prices also differ depending the material used.
Q&A
Q1: What is formed between the two plates of a butt hinge when it is closed?
A1: A line of fire.
Q2: What are door hinges called that do not have a pin and can easily be removed?
A2: Rim hinges.
Q3: What kind of door requires a thick door hinge?
A3: A big and heavy door.
Q4: Which door hinge is often fitted inside the door and concealed?
A4: The Concealed hinge.