What type of door hinge is right for my door?

With so many types of hinges to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is the right choice for your door. This article will guide you through different kinds of hinges and explain where each type should be used for maximum efficiency and durability. Read on for more insights into choosing the perfect hinge for your door!

When should you be using a Ball Bearing Hinge and where is it not needed.

A ball bearing hinge is not needed for an interior door that does not receive a lot of traffic. They are also not needed for very small or lightweight doors. However, if you have an exterior door or a door that receives a lot of traffic, such as a closet door, then you should use a ball bearing hinge. The reason ball bearing hinges are better are because they use small metal balls to allow the hinge to rotate smoothly and allow the hinge to last longer. Ball bearings are also great for heavier doors, as they help keep the door in place even when being opened and closed frequently. In addition, since ball bearing hinges provide a smoother operation than standard hinges, they are often used on applications that require frequent opening and closing. The Hager Company is one of the largest US manufacturers of Heavy Duty Ball Bearing Hinges.

Are Piano Hinges used on aluminum frame doors only?

Piano hinges are often used on aluminum frame doors because they provide a high level of support and stability. However, they can also be used on wood or metal doors as well. They can also be used for non-door applications such as cabinets and boxes.

Is a Piano Hinge the same as a continuous Hinge? 

Piano hinges and continuous hinges are not the same. A piano hinge is a long, thin hinge that runs across the whole width of a door or other object. Continuous hinges, on the other hand, are two pieces of hinging material that wrap around and overlap in order to form a single piece when attached together they are also known as a barrel hinge. They are called continuous hinges because they usually along the entire length of the door vs standard hinges that just cover a very small fraction of the door.

How many spring hinges are needed on a door?

The number of spring hinges needed on a door depends on the size and weight of the door. A standard sized door usually requires three spring hinges, while a larger or heavier door may require four or more. Some interior doors may only need 1 or 2 spring hinges with one standard hinge

What are Pivot Hinges and where are they used?

Pivot hinges are door hinges that allow the door to swing open in either direction. They are commonly used on doors that are wider than they are tall, such as entry doors. Pivot hinges are also used on doors that need to swing open a full 180 degrees, such as cabinet doors. Be aware that there are top pivot and bottom pivot hinges.

Is there a difference between a Glass Patch and a Glass Door Hinge?

A glass patch is typically used to attach two pieces of glass together, while a glass door hinge is used to attach a door to a frame. Glass patches are usually made of metal or plastic, while door hinges are typically made of wood or metal. Glass door hinges like shower doors are usually installed by attaching them to the frame and then inserting pins or screws to hold them in place. Glass patches are usually applied directly on the glass and secured with glue, silicone, or other adhesives.

Gate Hinges are specialty hinges designed for gates

Gate hinges are designed specifically for gates, so they're built to withstand more wear and tear than regular hinges. They're also usually adjustable, so you can fine-tune the fit to ensure your gate hangs evenly. 

There are a few types of Gate Hinges Pintle Hinges: These hinges have a protruding pin that fits into a receiving cup or bracket. They are often used on heavy doors or gates because they can support a lot of weight. This type of hinge is also adjustable, so you can adjust the tension to make the door easier or harder to open. Strap Hinges: Strap hinges are long, flat strips of metal with screw holes along one edge. They are usually used on heavier doors or gates because they can support more weight than other types of hinges. Some strap hinges also come with decorative finials that add an extra touch of style to your gate. T-Hinges: T-hinges get their name from their "T" shape. They have two leaves that hinge together in the middle, forming a T shape. One leaf is fastened to the door or gate while the other leaf is fastened to the post. T-hinges are often used on barn doors and heavy gates because they can support a lot of weight.

Cabinet Hinges

Finally there are Cabinet Hinges, usually used in kitchen cabinetry. Cabinet hinges come in a variety of different styles and finishes, from basic to decorative. They are used to attach cabinets to walls or frames and can also be used for other applications. Depending on the style chosen, cabinet hinges offer varying levels of durability and visibility. Some cabinet hinges are completely hidden, concealed, when closed and provide a seamless look, while others are designed with a visible pin that allows them to be opened without the use of tools. Some of the common cabinet hinges are Blum, Hettich and others.

Click here for a more detailed article on the Specifications of Which Door Hinge to use.