6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Hinge
6
Things to Consider When Choosing a Hinge
While most commonly associated
with doors, hinges are used
in a wide range of applications, some of which include cabinets, windows,
briefcases, gates and storage containers. With their rotating axis, they allow
two joined objects to move freely. On a door, for example, a hinge allows the
door to swing open and closed. Whether you’re purchasing a hinge for a door or
any other application, though, there a few things to consider when choosing
one.
#1) Environment
What type of environment will the
hinge be used in? If you intend to use it outdoors or in other humid
environments, you should choose a hinge made of a rust-resistant material.
Stainless steel hinges are a popular choice because, unlike other metals, they
don’t succumb to rust when used in a humid environment.
#2) Size
You should also consider size
when choosing a hinge. Specifically, pay attention to the hinge width, hinge
height and knuckle length. If your hinge isn’t sized to fit the objects with
which you intend to use it, you’ll need to choose a different hinge.
#3) Living or Traditional
Traditional hinges are made of a
hard material, such as stainless steel. Some hinges, however, are made of a
soft and flexible material. Known as a living hinge, it’s able to flex, thereby
absorbing some of the shock produced by the connected objects as they move.
#4) Fastener Holes
Look to see how many fastener
holes a hinge has and where those fastener holes are located. A typical butt
hinge may have just four fastener holes, which is perfectly fine for most
applications. You can drive a screw through each of the four holes to secure
the hinge in place. But other hinges may have up to a dozen fastener holes,
allowing you to create a strong and more secure junction with the connected
objects.
#5) Strength
Strength is something else to consider when choosing a hinge. If
you intend to use the hinge to connect heavy objects, you’ll need to choose a
material that’s able to withstand the objects’ weight. Heavy-duty
hinges are designed specifically for high-stress applications such
as this. They are usually made of thick stainless steel to provide a superior
level of strength when compared to other hinges.
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