The 6 Types of Hinges You Need to Know About
There is a nearly endless variety of hinges for a wide range of uses and door types. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at all the choices available. However, each type of hinge has a distinct size, shape, and function. It’s important to choose a hinge that is right for your specific purpose.
Considerations for Hinge Types
Be sure to consider whether the hinge you are selecting works on the “hand” that you need. The hinges’ “hand” is whether it goes on the left or the right of the door, but most hinges can simply be turned over and used for both.
Additionally, the thickness of the door could also dictate what size and type of hinge you will use, but for the most part, the type of hinge you need will be determined by what type of door you are using.
Types of Hinges
From access doors to cabinet doors to everything in between, selecting the correct type of hinge will determine the functionality and ease of use of the door. The following are some of the most popular types of hinges, and what uses they are best suited for:
Butt Hinge
Butt hinges are frequently used on interior and exterior doors because of their neat appearance. They are made of two rectangular leaves with accompanying screw holes. A metal rod or pin joins the leaves. If you withdraw the pin, the leaves separate, and this is handy for when you need to take down the door. One leaf is mortised into the edge of the door frame or jamb, and the other is recessed into the edge of the door. The leaves meet, or “butt together”, when the door is closed so only the pin is visible.
T-Hinge
T-hinges, or tee-hinges, live up to their name, as they are shaped like the letter T. The vertical portion of the T is screwed into the door, and the horizontal portion is attached to the doorframe. T-hinges are flush mounted and are not sunken into the door. If you are not worried about aesthetics, you can use a plain looking hinge. These type of hinges are frequently used on utility doors, chest lids, and garage doors. Ornamental T-hinges are available for decorative uses.
Strap Hinge
Strap hinges are meant for utility instead of looks. They have two long, narrow leaves that are equal in size and extend from a single knuckle. Strap hinges come in a range of sizes from small to large. They are intended to be used when you have a lid that you want hinged from the center. You can purchase them in plain and galvanized steel finishes.
Soss Hinge
Soss hinges are used for folding doors, shutters, and cabinets, but are not usually used for regular doors. They are named after their inventor, and they were created to be used when you need a hinge that is completely concealed. The hinge is mortised into the door edges and you cannot see any part of the hinge when the door is closed. Soss hinges can be difficult to install and are expensive, but they are very strong. They must be lined up perfectly on either side, and there is no room for error.
Read the rest of this article on the WB Doors blog here: http://www.wbdoors.com/blog-layout/6-most-common-types-of-hinges
