Discover

A 'hinge' is a type of bearing that connects two solid objects, typically allowing only a limited angle of rotation between them. Hinges may be made of flexible material or of moving components. In biology, many joints function as hinges. They are also known as shangles in old tudorian English (the large hinges on doors). Hinge-like structures are employed in many types of movable bridges.

Contents

Door hinges

Building access hinges

See also

External links

Door hinges

Ancient pivot hinges, found in the dry stone buildings.

There are many types of door hinges. Four main types include:

★ Pivot Hinges, which pivot in openings in the floor and the top of the door frame. Also referred to as a double-acting floor hinge. This type is found already in ancient dry stone buildings.

★ Butt/Mortise Hinges, usually in threes or fours, which are inset (mortised) into the door and frame. Most residential hinges found in the U.S. are made of steel, although mortise hinges for outswing doors are often made of brass or stainless steel base to prevent corrosion.

★ Continuous Hinges, which run the entire length of the door (also known as "Piano Hinges")

★ Concealed Hinges used for furniture doors (with or without self-closing feature, and with or without dampening systems). They are made of 2 parts: One part is the hinge cup and the arm; the other part is the mounting plate.

★ Butterfly or Parliament (UK) Hinges. These were known as Dovetail hinges from the 17th century onwards and can be found on old desks and cabinets from about 1670 until the 18th century. The form of these hinges varied slightly between manufacturers, and their size ranged from the very large for heavy doors to the tiniest decorative hinge for use on jewelery caskets. Many hinges of this type were exported to America to support the home trade's limited supply. They are still found to be both fairly cheap and decorative, especially on small items.
Other types include:

★ Counterflap Hinge

★ Flush Hinge

★ Coach Hinge

★ Rising Butt Hinge

★ Double action spring hinge

★ Tee Hinge

★ Friction Hinge

★ Security Hinge

★ Cranked or 'Stormproof' Hinge

★ Lift-off Hinges

★ Self closing Hinges

Building access hinges

Since at least medieval times there have been hinges to drawbridges for defensive purposes for fortified buildings. Hinges are used in contemporary architecture where building settlement can be expected over the life of the building. For example, the Dakin Building, Brisbane, California was designed with its entrance ramp on a large hinge to allow settlement of the building built on piles over bay mud. This device has been effective.

See also

★ Door safety

★ Floating hinge

★ Living hinge

External links

★ How to Install and choose the hinges you need.

★ Hardware Source Hinge Information including a Hinge Glossary and a Hinge History

★ Illustrated glossary

★ Hydraulic Door Hinge with Automatic Door Closer