Hinges - key facts and features
The entire function of a door relies on the quality and correct specification of the hinges. Here’s our guide to some of the questions you may have, when choosing the right hinges for your project
What type of hinges are there?
There is a large variety of hinge types and sizes available depending on the type of application required. We have a variety of hinges that can be specified for residential or commercial settings in different finishes to suit all of the door hardware to complete the overall aesthetics of a door. This includes butt hinge, ball bearing butt hinge, bushed bearing butt hinge, journal supported hinge, lift off hinge, slim knuckle hinge, security hinge and concealed hinge.
For more detailed information on their key features and application, see our Specification manual section (p. 293), dedicated to hinges.
Which hinge is right for my project?
Hinge selection depends on a lot of factors, such as door weight, whether it's an external or internal application and what levels of usage are expected. Here are a few steps to follow when choosing your hinges:
- Find the weight of the door - this should include any additional hardware attached to the door. Make sure to also adjust the weight based on additional weight factors, such as the door being subject to physical abuse or high wind forces
- Check door adjusted weight against door width - use the formula “2 - (height/width)%”
- Determine hinge grade requirement - this would depend on the final adjusted weight
- Hinge positioning - while the minimum recommended fitting is 3 hinges, for doors over 2100mm high and heavy doors, the recommended number is 4
- Handing - decide which opening position is the most suitable for your application
- Fitting and lubrication
What hinges to use for an external door?
As previously mentioned, the best hinges for your application have multiple factors that determine their suitability. If you're looking at public, institutional and commercial applications, a grade 11 would be a good choice. Contrastingly, if you are fitting doors potentially subject to abuse, i.e. security doors, an EN grade of 13-14 would be a better solution.
What kind of hinge swings both ways?
If you want a door to swing both ways, double action spring hinges will allow for the door to open in both directions. They are commonly used for healthcare facilities and commercial buildings.
What is the difference between a left hinge and a right hinge door?
Putting it simply, it is the difference between a left-handed and right-handed door. If you’re not sure what kind of door it is, a left-handed door is the door that opens away from you, when the hinges are located on your left side. In contrast, if they are on your right side and the door opens away, that would be a right-handed door.