13 Types Of Door Hinges & Their Uses

What Are Door Hinges?

A door hinge is a mechanical device that attaches a door to a frame and allows the door to swing open and close.

It consists of two plates, one fixed to the door frame and the other attached to the door, and a pivot pin that connects the two plates and allows them to rotate.

Door hinges come in various shapes, sizes, and styles and are used in both residential and commercial settings.

13 Types of Door Hinges | Types of Hinges Used For Door | Different Types Of Door Hinges | What Is A Butt Hinge — **Door Hinges**

There are different types of door hinges are used to fix doors in position depending on function, and the door material used.

Door Hinge Details

The door hinges have the following specification,

Hinges generally consist of two leaves and a knuckle.
The knuckle is formed by interlocking parts usually an odd number
A pin runs through the center of the knuckle, this acts as an axis
Hinges are made from brass or steel
Hinges are usually fitted with countersunk head screws.

Technical Details

1. Manufactured from high-grade stainless steel.

2. Easily seated pin that will not rise during normal use.

3. Available hinges

Ball bearing hinge
Lift of hinge
Concealed hinge
ASSA ABLOY hinges are suitable for high-traffic doors and commercial applications
Suitable for door wait up to 120kg

Benefits

Suitable for interior and exterior doors (wooden & metal)
High corrosion resistance
Suitable for fire-rated doors
High durability
Friction resistance

Types of Door Hinges

The following are some most used door hinges types,

1. Ball-Bearing Hinge

The ball bearing hinge is a type of butt door hinges, with hidden bearings between the knuckles, which reduce friction and enable doors to move more smoothly. These heavy–duty hinges are ideal for entry doors because they are durable and heavy–duty.

2. Barrel Hinge

The barrel hinge is used for a special type of wood–related projects such as a box-like cabinet or small in size and it is perfect for various ideal projects.

Also, it is perfect for those kinds of projects in which you want to hide the door hinges. Usually, these barrel hinges are made up of brass. The barrel hinges are not used for load–bearing applications.

They’re used for small woodworking projects such as jewelry boxes or cabinets, and they’re usually made of solid brass with solid brass links (barrel hinges aren’t recommended for vertical or load-bearing applications).

They’re invisible from either side and can be opened 180 degrees. A Barrel hinge is used for a special type of wood–related project such as a box–like cabinet or small–size cabinet. this type of hinge is small in size and it’s perfect for various ideal projects.

Also, it’s perfect for those kinds of projects in which you want to hide the hinge. Usually, these barrel hinges are made up of brass. The barrel hinges are not used for load–bearing applications.

3. Butt Hinge

However, the most common door hinges found on doors and cabinets are butt hinges, which consist of two rectangular leaves with knuckles in the middle, joined by a pin. They are available in four types: plain bearing, ball bearing (see above), spring-loaded, and rising.

A butt hinge has two rectangular leaves with knuckles in the middle, joined together by a pin. It’s the most common door hinges used on doors’ whether full–sized or cabinet.

4. Concealed Hinge

Hidden hinges are also called invisible hinges, hidden hinges, and European hinges. They’ve been around for a very long time. (For more than 100 years, Soss, a well-known brand, has been making them.)

Their smooth, uninterrupted appearance makes them aesthetically pleasing, and the fact that they can’t be tampered with from the outside makes them secure.

When choosing cabinets, furniture, and doors that look more modern, choose European–style hinges. European-style door hinges can be adjusted to align doors after installation.

5. Heavy Duty Hinge

These hinges are designed to provide stability and support for heavy doors (such as entry doors, gates, or furniture lids, like trunks and benches) and heavily used doors. There are heavy–duty versions of ball-bearing hinges, concealed hinges, and piano door hinges.

6. Knife Hinge

The knife hinges are most used in the cabinets. The knife hinges are integrated with the pivot hinges. These types of hinges look like the blades of pair of scissors.

The knife hinges are integrated with the pivot point. One leaf of the door hinge should be fixed into the end of the cabinet’s door and another leaf should be fixed into the cabinet.

This hinge has the shape of scissors, with two leaves connected at a pivot point, which is why it’s also called a pivot hinge. Most often, you’ll find them in cabinets with overlay or inset doors. After installation, they are barely noticeable.

7. Piano Hinge

A piano hinge, made in continuous 2-meter lengths, is used where especially suitable for bifold or concertina doors. It can also be used for hanging normal insets or lying on doors. Fitted into holes drilled in the wood, cylinder hinges are invisible when the door is closed.

This is a continuous hinge (some people call them a continuous door hinge) with a central pin and leaves that are the same size along the entire length of the object they’re attached to.

Its name comes from the fact that it is used on pianos, but it has a wide range of applications. Besides workbenches, desks, cabinet doors, and storage boxes, it’s also great for folding workbenches and desks.

8. Pivot Hinge

A pivot hinge is attached to both the top and bottom of a door, allowing it to swing from one point. These door hinges can handle heavier doors than others.

Especially in homes and restaurants, where pivot–hinged doors are used to connect the kitchen and dining areas, pivot-hinged doors can be opened easily with one push.

Offset Pivot Hinges

Wide variety of pivot hinge configurations to suit most door conditions
Various custom offsets to satisfy required pivot positions
Intermediate and Dutch door pivots are available
Custom made to order from 3/8” or ½” stock brass material
Standard and custom finishes available
Call with your requirements

9. Strap Hinge

One distinguishing feature of a strap hinge is its long, narrow leaves, sometimes only one or sometimes both. Because of that, they’re frequently found outdoors on gates as they provide extra stability in heavy–duty applications. For interior cabinet doors, they’re popular when you want the hinge to be a design element.

A strap hinge is a type of early-model hinge characterized by a long, slim design. As shown in the photo here, it consists of two pieces of triangular–shaped pieces of metal connected by a rotating axis in the middle. The rotating axis allows the strap hinge to open and close once attached to two objects or surfaces.

Strap hinges are similar to other conventional door hinges; the only truly defining characteristic of a strap hinge is its long and slim design. When compared to other hinges, strap hinges are generally longer and narrower.

10. Offset Hinge

Ever try to move a couch through a doorway, only to find that the doorway is ½-inch too narrow? That’s where offset door hinges help.

This specialty door hinge allows you to swing the door away from the doorframe, widening the opening up to two inches. Offset hinges are especially useful for areas you want to make ADA-compliant.

In this situation, the offset hinges are very helpful because these hinges let you easily swing the door away from the doorframe. it will widen the doorway by at least two inches.

12. Overlay Hinge

Some hinges can add thickness to the cabinetry. If you want to reduce the thickness, then you should consider the installation of overlays.

This type of door hinge folds back and will not add thickness to the cabinetry.

13. Cylinder Hinge / Invisible Hinge

This hinge allows a door to open a full 180 degrees, so it is especially suitable for bifold or concertina doors. It can also be used for hanging normal insets or lying on doors. Fitted into holes drilled in the wood, cylinder door hinges are invisible when the door is closed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, door hinges play a crucial role in the functioning of doors. They allow for smooth and easy opening and closing of doors and also provide stability and security to the door.

With advancements in technology and design, door hinges have evolved over the years to offer more strength, durability, and style.

The use of door hinges is not limited to residential buildings but can also be seen in commercial buildings, vehicles, and various other structures.

They provide the necessary support and movement to doors, making them an essential component of the overall door system.

FAQs:

What is the Door Hinge?

Hinge plays an important role in keeping your door in its right position.
Hinges generally consist of two leaves and a knuckle.
The knuckle is formed by interlocking parts usually an odd number
A pin runs through the center of the knuckle, this acts as an axis
Hinges are made from brass or steel
Hinges are usually fitted with countersunk head screws.

What is the Ball-Bearing Hinge?

The ball bearing hinge is a type of butt hinge, with hidden bearings between the knuckles, which reduce friction and enable doors to move more smoothly. These heavy–duty hinges are ideal for entry doors because they are durable and heavy–duty.

What types of door hinges are available?

There are several types of door hinges available, including butt hinges, continuous hinges, pivot hinges, and concealed hinges.

How do I know what size of door hinge to use?

The size of the door hinge you need depends on the weight of the door and the size of the door opening. It is recommended to use hinges with a minimum rating of 1.5 times the weight of the door.

How do I install door hinges?

Installing door hinges requires a drill, a level, a screwdriver, and the correct size screws. The hinges are first attached to the door, then the door is hung on the frame and the hinges are secured to the frame.