Understanding the various types of hinges can be helpful when choosing the right hinge for your interior and exterior doors, cabinets, or drawers.
What Is a Hinge?
A hinge is a movable joint that connects two objects, allowing one to swing while the other remains fixed. This mechanism enables the swinging motion of doors, cabinets, and even some windows in your home. Interior and exterior doors, as well as kitchen cabinets, rely on different types of hinges to function smoothly.
Each type of door or opening has a specific hinge suited to its purpose. Cabinet doors use cabinet hinges, while standard doors require door hinges. Within these categories, there are further variations based on style, functionality, and budget. Even briefcases use a specialized hinge to open and close.
When the hinge leaves are attached to both the door frame and the door, and a pin is inserted through the barrel, the door should open and close with ease. Typically, multiple hinges are needed for both interior and exterior doors, though you generally won’t need them along the entire length of the door unless dealing with very heavy or specialized doors.
Occasionally, the moving parts of the hinge, known as knuckles, may become tight or squeaky and require lubrication to maintain smooth operation.
4 Parts of a Hinge
To understand how a hinge functions, it's essential to know its key components. Here are the parts of the most common types of hinges:
Hinge Leaf: These are the flat plates attached to the door frame and the edge of the door, with one hinge leaf secured to each surface.
Knuckle: The knuckle is the cylindrical section of the hinge where the pin passes through.
Barrel: A series of connected knuckles forms the barrel of the hinge.
Pin: The pin is the long piece that slides through the barrel, holding the hinge leaves together.
13 Types of Hinges
There are many different types of hinges, each designed for specific purposes. Here are some common types of hinges and their typical uses:
Barrel Hinge: Not to be confused with the barrel component of a hinge, barrel hinges are compact and resemble butt hinges. They are ideal for small cabinets or storage chests.
Butt Hinge: One of the most common and heavy-duty hinge types, consisting of two leaves joined by knuckles. One leaf is attached to the door, the other to the frame. Subtypes include lift-joint hinges, rising butt hinges, and ball bearing hinges, often made of stainless steel.
Butterfly Hinge: A decorative hinge available in light- and heavy-duty versions, used where hinges are visible, such as on furniture or cabinets.
European Hinge: Also known as concealed hinges, these are hidden when the door is closed and are often used on cabinets. The term "European hinge" covers a broad range of similar concealed hinges.
Flush Hinge: Designed for lighter use, these hinges feature one leaf that fits into a cutout in the other, providing a compact, space-saving design.
Knife Hinge: These scissor shaped hinges are typically used in applications where the hinge needs to be concealed, like in tool chests or upward-opening cabinet doors.
Mortise Hinge: Any hinge that requires a recess, or mortise, to be cut into the frame so the hinge sits flush. Hinges that don't require this are called surface mount hinges.
Offset Hinge: These hinges allow for a door to open wider than standard hinges, making them ideal when a larger opening is desired or necessary for accessibility.
Piano Hinge: Also called a continuous hinge, it runs the entire length of the door or lid, commonly used for items like pianos, toolboxes, and desks. Piano hinges are typically mortised into the surface.
Pivot Hinge: Often used in overlay cabinets, these hinges rotate on a single pivot point. They require precise installation to ensure smooth, level operation.
Soft Close Hinge: These hinges prevent doors from slamming by assisting with smooth, quiet closing. They are commonly found in kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities.
Spring Hinge: Spring loaded, or self-closing hinges, automatically close doors without the need for force. Multiple hinges may be required for heavy doors to achieve proper closure.
Strap Hinge: Also known as gate hinges, these are used for outdoor gates, sheds, and garages. They feature long leaves and short barrels, providing extra strength for heavy or exterior doors.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Hinge
Choosing the right hinge for your door or cabinet is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics.
Selecting the right hinge depends on several factors, including the type of door, its weight, clearance space, and location. The location, for instance, determines how durable the hinge needs to be, such as whether it must resist rust or corrosion in outdoor or high-moisture environments.
Hinges also play a significant role in the overall design aesthetic. Some hinges are made to be decorative while serving the same function as concealed ones. Semi concealed hinges offer a balance between style and practicality, combining both form and function. For example, if you have frameless or face frame cabinets, or inset cabinet doors that sit flush with the frame, you'll need inset hinges. Full inset hinges aren't a standalone category, and you can choose almost any hinge style, depending on whether or not you want the hinge to be visible.
Another important factor is the hardware. Different types of cabinet hinges may require specific hardware, such as knobs or pulls, for smooth operation. In some cases, the cabinet's edge itself may serve as the opening measure, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
In summary, selecting the right hinge is a combination of functionality, design preference, and practicality. Considering factors like door weight, location, and aesthetic goals, as well as how the hinge interacts with other hardware, will help you make the best choice for your project.
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