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Interior and entrance doors should not only reliably protect the house from the entry of unwanted guests, but also please the eye with their appearance and have performance characteristics appropriate for their purpose.
When choosing and designing a home, door hinges play a huge role, since their unsuccessful selection can ruin not only the door leaf, but also the entire interior of the home.
Also, bad hinges can lead to sagging or distortion of the canvas, loose fit of the leaves to the door frame, and unpleasant squeaks.
Classification of loops
The choice of door hinges is huge and is represented by products from hundreds of manufacturers, which are divided according to the following fundamental characteristics:
- Installation location;
- The principle of the connector;
- Method of fastening to the box;
- Material of manufacture;
- Type and design features.
It is necessary to clarify that the choice of hinges is needed only for interior and entrance doors made from MDF or wood. Doors made from other materials, as a rule, are equipped with canopies and corresponding fittings by the manufacturer and are included in the delivery set.
Types of hinges according to installation method
Depending on where the doors will be installed and what their purpose is, hinges are divided into two types:
- For interior doors;
- For entrance doors.
Since entrance doors differ from interior doors by significantly greater weight and massiveness, the hinges for them are somewhat larger than their interior counterparts. The main design feature of door hardware is that the hinges are equipped with a special anti-removal mechanism that prevents intruders from lifting and removing the front door.
It is for this purpose that depressions and protrusions are arranged on their wings, which are combined when the sash is closed and do not allow the door to rise even under the pressure of a handy tool.
Universal and detachable hinges
Such types of simple door hinges as detachable ones allow you to lift and remove the sash without unscrewing the fastening. Removable hinges have been popularly called “canopies” for a long time; this name has firmly entered into everyday use.
The design of the canopies consists of two parts, wittily called “male” and “male”, a term used by many experts and users in some countries.
Universal hinges for interior doors will have to be unscrewed if there is a need to remove the sash. They are suitable for door designs, opening both outward and inward, which can be considered a definite plus. However, the need to unscrew fasteners causes certain inconvenience and loss of time, which should be considered a big disadvantage.
Separation of loops by type of construction
By design features Door hinges are divided into the following types:
- Mortise;
- Screw-in;
- Invoices;
- Angular;
- Double sided;
- Secret.
Each type of design has its own disadvantages and advantages and deserves separate consideration.
Overhead and mortise
Basic structural elements mortise and overhead hinges are completely identical.
Both types are card hinges that are attached to both the frame and the door leaf. The only difference is in the way it is carried out preparatory work: overhead hinges for interior doors do not require special surface preparation, while for mortise hinges, small recesses are made in the frame and at the end of the leaf into which the card plate is recessed.
Overhead hinges have been used since ancient times. They were made of steel - skilled blacksmiths received a durable and beautiful product, although not distinguished by the symmetry of modern hinges. The hinges were reliable and quite large in size.
Nowadays design solutions in the production of overhead hinges, they again return to the unforgettable “retro” style. They are increasingly made in an antique style and find a place in private country houses, and in apartments.
When choosing overhead hinges for fastening a door, attention is first paid to the simplicity of their design and installation - the hinges are simply attached to screws, and the door is inserted into the frame using improvised means without the use of any sophisticated devices.
The most interesting design idea for a traditional and conservative flat card is considered to be this type of overhead loops called a butterfly loop. It folds down to the thickness of a regular card thanks to an intricately designed cutout shaped like butterfly wings. For such hinges there is no need to perform sampling either in the frame or in the body of the sash.
Mortise hinges are completely identical to overhead hinges in their design and method of fastening. The only difference is that they cut into the end of the door being installed and are secured with screws. When the door is in closed position Only parts of the plates covering the rotary axis are slightly visible.
In addition to the division into “with mortise” and “without mortise,” overhead and mortise hinges on doors can also be universal and detachable.
According to established tradition, removable mortise hinges are called mortise hinges, and universal hinges are called mortise hinges.
The main difference between detachable overhead hinges and universal hinges is the increased rigidity of the universal hinge design, which allows it to withstand a larger applied load with significantly smaller dimensions, while the sagging of the sash in the opening is always minimal or absent at all.
Another difference between such modifications of overhead hinges is the division of detachable canopies according to the method of opening into left- and right-handed ones. Universal hinges are not separated according to this principle - there is no difference in their installation for opening the door.
Screw-in (screw-in) hinges
The design of screw-in hinges consists of two symmetrically located parts in the shape of cylinders, in which holes are made for screws. “Kegs,” as they are popularly called, are considered similar in functionality to flat cards. One wing cylindrical is fixed with screws on the door leaf, and the other on the frame.
Loop screw mechanisms are universal, that is, there is no need to select hinges for the right or left side. A special feature of such hinges is the fact that after installation the door will no longer be able to be removed - this is both an advantage and a disadvantage of screw-in hinges. Screw-in hinges can only be used on doors with a quarter-bar (European hinge); door leaves manufactured according to domestic standards are not suitable for fastening to such canopies.
Corner hinges
Main external difference Such hinges from mortise or overhead hinges are secured to the axial rod not by a simple pair of flat wing-plates, but by a pair of profile corners. This form of cards is mounted mainly on doors with a vestibule.
Fastening at the end of the door is carried out mortise method using screws, and the hinges themselves, although conveniently placed in the opening, are easily visible against the background of the door structure.
Hidden hinges for interior doors deserve special mention largely due to their aesthetic characteristics - when the door is in the closed position, the hinges are not noticeable at all. They, like screw-in hinges, are universal, which can be attributed to another advantage of this type of canopy.
Design feature hidden loops the presence of at least three rotary axes should be mentioned. Hidden hinges are quite difficult to install, so it is better to use the services of specialists to install the door.
Double-sided hinges allow the door leaves to open freely in one direction or the other.
The main application of such loops is in office doors, they are installed very rarely in interior apartment doors - they are simply not needed there.
Classification of loops by material of manufacture
The materials used to make door hinges are not very diverse.
Recently forgotten steel products are gradually regaining their leading positions. For many years, blacksmiths improved the technology of making hinges from pure steel, but the development of aluminum alloy production pushed this material back for some time. During times Soviet Union In our country, steel hinges were used primarily for the production of ordinary consumer goods without any special frills or aesthetic qualities, without any anti-corrosion or decorative coating.
Nowadays, installing simple steel canopies on interior doors is unpopular; they are used mainly for street and garden gates, installed on doors in non-residential premises. Forged iron is now being installed in apartments door furniture, stylized “antique” or stainless steel hinges.
The main advantage of steel canopies is the highest mechanical strength and abrasion resistance. Stainless steel canopies also have high stability to the effects of moisture and temperature changes, and therefore they are actively used for hanging entrance doors facing the street.
Thanks to the development of design ideas and improvements in technology, enameled hinges or coated with special chemical compounds“bronze” or “gold”, brass, chrome plated. Alloys of copper, steel, aluminum or zinc are used as the main material, which are subsequently coated with special compounds for decorative or anti-corrosion purposes.
The world's leading door hardware manufacturers prefer to make hinges entirely from brass rather than spray-coating them. This is especially true for elite and expensive models. Such canopies are able to retain their decorative and aesthetic properties for a long time, and in terms of wear resistance and strength, brass products are in no way inferior to steel ones.
Hinges for folding doors
Folding interior doors entered the interior of our apartments relatively recently. Normal operation of doors of this design, consisting of separate sections, is ensured by special fittings included in the kit.
Hinges for folding interior doors are predominantly mortise, of a special design. Their goal is to connect the doors, of which there may be several, above and below.
Each type of door uses its own type of fittings, the quality of which determines not only appearance, but also the duration of operation of the door.
Door hinges are a mechanism designed to fasten door leaf in the box.
Reliable and well-thought-out design of door hinges is a guarantee quality work doors. Traditional door hinges are called card hinges.
The main feature that guides the selection of door hinges
First and main feature choosing door hinges does not imply their aesthetic properties and quality characteristics, but the method of opening the door. There are two main types of door hinges: right and left.
To correctly determine which hinges are needed, you need to stand in front of the door, its opening should happen “for you”, the door hinges right hand- right, respectively, on the opposite left side - left.
Universal canopies for interior doors
There are universal door hinges; they can be used with doors of almost any type, regardless of the opening method. They have a significant drawback: universal hinges are an inseparable structure, so if you need to bring bulky furniture into the room, they will have to be removed.
Regular standard card hinges look like a detachable design, so removing the door from the hinges is not very difficult. Their main advantage is easy installation.
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Butterfly door hinges
There is a new device of universal hinges, the so-called butterfly hinges, one half of which is fixed to the door leaf and looks like the wing of this very butterfly, in the other half there is a cutout that follows the contours of this very wing.
The disadvantage of some models of such hinges is that they may play under the weight of the door, so it is advisable to use cardboard supports to install them.
Hinge displacement may occur due to the low coefficient of friction between the metal plate and the laminated film. As an option, you can use “Moment” universal glue; a layer of glue relieves the screws that hold weakly in the chipboard, so the glue bears the main load.
Such hinges are of the universal type and are attached without insertion; they are overhead.
Bearing door hinges
To improve their performance properties, modern door hinges are supplemented with plain bearings or hidden rolling bearings hidden inside the hinge. The bearing balls are made of hardened steel.
Sliding bearings are characterized by increased strength performance characteristics, and they also help get rid of unpleasant door squeaks. They are not recommended for use on lightweight doors; friction for them will be low, so spontaneous opening may occur.
Alternatively, anti-squeak rings can be used instead of bearings.
To improve the aesthetic qualities, many door hinges are equipped with decorative caps; in addition, they perform a protective function for the mechanism, protecting it and the sliding bearing located at the beginning of the hinge from dust getting inside.
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Teardrop door hinges
In addition to standard, now traditional door hinges, teardrop-shaped door hinges have been developed. They have special form: the support bearing in their design serves to prevent abrasion work surface, helps improve door performance, has long-lasting performance qualities And long periods of time work. For any type of door it is recommended to use three bearings.
Correct and uniform placement of door hinges contributes to long service life and also depends on the weight of the door. For a door leaf weighing up to 25 kg, 2 hinges are sufficient, for a door weighing 25 - 40 kg, 3 hinges are required, for doors up to 60 kg, at least 4 hinges are used.
Features of door hinges depending on the material of manufacture
The material of door hinges is mainly ordinary and stainless steel and brass. Steel hinges are made by stamping, brass - by casting.
Brass is flexible, so when cast you get an elegant, stylish product. In addition, brass hinges have high quality galvanic treatment.
Stainless steel hinges
This type of door hinges is distinguished by the presence of all the properties of conventional steel hinges, such as strength, wear resistance and hardness; such hinges are superior to brass ones in their elegance.
Screw-in or pin door hinges
If you buy a one-piece door block, that is, a door along with a frame, then there is nothing to worry about; such sets usually already have door hinges. The situation is completely different when everything is taken separately; there is a moment of choice. Today we will look in detail at what types of door hinges exist, how to choose them correctly, plus you will find out which better than loops for metal doors, and which ones for wooden ones.
Types of door hinges are divided depending on the weight of the door leaf.
First of all, you need to remember that absolutely all door hinges are divided into left, right and universal. It’s quite easy to decide here. As for the left or right models, you need to imagine that you are facing your doors and opening them towards you, if the hinges are on the right, then they are right, if on the left, then they are left. Well, there are no problems with universal ones; they can be placed anywhere.
What are hinges made of?
All door hinges are made of metal, even on plastic doors are put metal canopies, just then they are covered with plastic covers. Another thing is what kind of metal this or that door hinge is made of.
Steel door hinges are deservedly considered luminaries. Previously, these were massive forged canopies; now they are also used, but only in ethnic designer styles or for utility rooms.
The bulk of the market is occupied by more modern steel sheds. IN in this case there are 2 options:
- Stainless steel looks solid and is uniquely durable. Such canopies are not afraid of corrosion and do not require painting; they can be placed on both interior and metal doors. The only problem is that they are priced above average;
Stainless steel canopies do not require painting.
- Ferrous metal canopies are also quite durable, but they do need some kind of coating. If you are interested in quality, then choose between powder coating and nickel plating. For budget option You can take bare metal and then paint it yourself, otherwise it will rust.
Powder coating reliably protects the metal from corrosion.
In the ranking of expensive models, brass leads. This metal also does not rust and does not require painting. But brass is not as strong as steel. Brass canopies will withstand interior doors, but hinges for metal doors, if the design idea requires it, are made of steel and then decorated with brass, bronze or gold.
If you decide to take brass canopies, then it is better to give preference to models that have bearings; in terms of their performance characteristics, they are an order of magnitude higher than usual.
The know-how of the modern market is alloys. There are really high-quality products with an admixture of titanium and other high-strength metals, but quite often behind the complex names lies cheap material, which lasts no more than a year.
So cheap and fairly well-known silumin, according to most experts under hinges on the door It’s not good at all, but unscrupulous manufacturers are churning out such canopies to this day, and cunning advertisers come up with another name for them and people buy them.
The whole problem is that high-quality and low-quality alloys cannot be visually distinguished, because the hinges are covered with something on top. Only one piece of advice can be given here - look at the price, a good thing cannot be cheap. Plus, most of these fake awnings are noticeably lighter than steel or brass ones.
How many awnings do you need?
There are many types of canopies now; a little later we will talk about common types, but the main characteristic for any canopy is, figuratively speaking, load capacity. Beauty is important, but not the main thing, especially when choosing hinges for a steel door.
If we do not take into account the decorative and furniture sector, then the minimum for door canopy is 15 kg. It is believed that among the production models, the most powerful hinges for entrance doors should withstand about 100 kg per unit. If the door leaf weighs more than 250 kg, then, as a rule, special hinges are made to order for such a metal door.
In general, the heavier the door, the more hinges are installed on it, but the maximum is 4 hinges per 1 leaf. They can be positioned in different ways, the main thing is that there is 200 - 250 mm from the top and bottom edges to the nearest canopy. As for the rest, as you like, the photo below shows 5 common installation options.
Door hinges - types of installation.
Of course, the size of the canopies and the material from which the door hinges are made are important, but for interior doors there is a conditional division:
- 2 canopies are mounted on canvases weighing up to 40 kg;
- If the weight of the canvas is in the range from 40 to 60 kg, then 3 canopies are needed;
- Doors weighing more than 60 kg are mounted on 4 canopies.
Types of canopies
The abundance of such goods in stores makes one’s eyes wide open; there are hundreds, if not thousands, of models, but there are no more than a dozen main types of designs and we will further understand them.
External overhead models
Here we are dealing with the progenitor of all awnings; such door hinges have been made since man learned to forge metal. This is a purely overhead external option. In the old days, these canopies were made powerful and long; this design made it possible to assemble the door leaf on the basis of hinges; accordingly, the canopies were part of the leaf.
Wrought iron canopies remain in demand to this day.
Forged models have survived to this day, but they are used only as part of a design ensemble, for example, in wooden log cabins. On private farmsteads you can often find stamped versions of such hinges; their appearance is rather mediocre, which is why such canopies are only installed on wooden gates and sheds.
Metal stamped hinges are mainly used for utility rooms.
- The central rod acts as a rotating axis; in order for it to hold, the rod is riveted on one or both sides;
- Door frame;
- Door leaf;
- Self-tapping screws or nails;
- Overlay beam for horizontal connection of door leaf boards.
In addition to the classic installation scheme, there are even more modern version, in which the plate (4) is not nailed on top of the box, but between the canvas and the box, but in this case a groove is cut out in the box for this plate.
Internal mortise canopies "father-mother"
This type of canopy is not much different from the previous version, the only difference is that both plates are attached at the junction between the end of the door and the hatch. True, in order to secure the hinges, you need to cut grooves for the plates at the end of the door leaf and, on the contrary, in the frame.
- The central axis, the pin of which is fixed at the bottom of the canopy;
- Door frame;
- Door leaf;
- Plate fixed to the box;
- A plate fixed to the door leaf;
- Self-tapping screws or nails;
- Cashing bar;
- Top plug.
Legend has it that this design was developed in Soviet times, but we don’t know how true this is. The beauty of these awnings is that the doors can be removed and put back in place in a few seconds. But this is also a minus; such hinges are not suitable for entrance doors.
Male-female door hinge with built-in bearing.
The definition of “father and mother” is already folklore; below we have a part that is called dad, an axis is permanently fixed in it. A plate with a hole, which is usually called mother, is placed on top of this axis.
Card mortise canopies
In essence, this is practically the same as the “father-mother” canopies, it’s just that here sectors with holes are mounted on both plates, and they are fastened with a separate pin.
- Rotary pin;
- Rotary pin plug;
- Bearings, not all models have them;
- Canopy plates.
Of the mortise options, this is perhaps the most popular. In hinges for interior doors, the plug is unscrewed and the pin is removed, as a result the door leaf can be dismantled quite quickly. The same canopies that are designed for installation on wooden entrance doors often come with a tightly sealed, non-removable pin, and in order to remove the panel you need to unscrew the canopies.
If you decide to buy one of the mortise models, then take hinges with bearings, they will last 2 times longer, plus they will not creak.
Butterfly card loops
Relatively recently, the so-called “Butterfly” loops appeared on the market. These are purely overhead models; you don’t need to embed them anywhere; the canopies are simply screwed with self-tapping screws to the frame and the end of the door leaf. The idea is that one part of the loop is hidden inside the second part of the loop.
On the one hand, such canopies are convenient because only a screwdriver is enough to install them, but on the other hand, few people remember that the maximum load-bearing capacity for the largest butterfly is 20 kg. Plus, if you deviate a couple of millimeters from the common vertical axis during installation, the hinges will become loose within a month.
Although butterflies are an excellent solution for beginning craftsmen and young families, especially when the budget is strictly limited. As for the instructions for correct installation such loops, then let’s face it, there’s nothing particularly complicated there. All the nuances of choosing and installing butterflies are analyzed and shown in detail in photos and videos.
Many craftsmen are not inclined to highlight corner loops in separate direction, because they were invented exclusively for doors with a rebate. We will not argue with anyone, let’s just say that corner awnings are overhead ( private option butterflies) and mortise. As for installation technology, corner hinges are no different from their classic sisters.
Corner hinges are mounted using the same technology as their classic counterparts.
This is a separate highly specialized direction of awnings. The door leaf here can open in both directions. In the domestic sector, double-sided hinges are not in demand; they are reserved for public and administrative buildings.
It is better to take double-sided canopies made of brass or stainless steel.
This design cannot be called simple, it has 2 pins with a connecting plate; the diagram below shows the principle of operation of a double-sided canopy. We do not advise you to save money when buying a double-sided hinge, because the design works under serious load and cheap models fly apart very quickly.
To install such canopies, it is advisable to call a professional, because if you make a slight mistake, the doors will constantly deviate in one direction. When choosing, it is better to give preference to double-sided hinges equipped with return springs; they will automatically fix the doors in the neutral position.
Screw-in models
Also quite young looking hinges. This design is closer to external overhead models. Holes are drilled in the frame and in the door leaf and a guide support pin is first inserted into them, after which the fixing pin is screwed in.
Initially, such designs were made for quick installation doors and a quarter, but some craftsmen adapt them to ordinary doors, although this is not entirely true. Depending on the weight of the door leaf, there may be several pins, but it is not advisable to install heavy doors on such canopies; they, like butterflies, are designed for doors up to 40 kg.
Hidden awnings
In this case hidden designs can safely be called the elite of all canopies. There are such hinges for metal doors and for wooden ones, they are universal. The canopy is completely hidden in the frame and door leaf, so it is impossible to remove such a door from its hinges.
- Main rotary pin;
- Bearing guides that are hidden inside the canopy;
- Fixed stationary pins.
Hidden hinges are made of especially durable steel grades or strong alloys. There are no budget models here; on average, the price per unit starts from 1,500 rubles. Of course, there are cheap options at a price of 300 - 500 rubles, but our advice to you is that it’s better to buy a normal one for that money mortise hinge, rather than a bad hidden one.
Now in production hidden hinges for metal doors, the plus is that they have an adjustment mechanism (even in Chinese models), which is convenient when heavy weight canvases. How this entire system is regulated is described and shown in detail.
Hidden adjustable awnings work well for metal doors.
Installing such canopies with your own hands is possible, but you will have to stock up on a good hand cutter, and metal doors also welding machine, otherwise nothing will work out.
Conclusion
To summarize, we can note that if your budget is limited and you don’t have a lot of tools, then take butterflies or screw-in hinges. Mortise door hinges are better suited for wooden panels. It is advisable to install hidden canopy models on iron and expensive wooden doors. The video in this article shows the nuances of selection and installation. If the information was useful, then there are social network buttons below, perhaps your like will help one of your friends decide.
Despite the fact that door hinges are partly visible fittings, their selection should be given no less attention than locks and handles. The durability and ease of use of the door depend on the structural reliability of the hinges, but their decorative component is no less important. One can hardly argue with the fact that an elegant canvas with rough hinged plates will look elegant only until someone opens the sash. The same effect can occur if the dimensions of the hinges in relation to the dimensions of the door turn out to be visually incommensurate.
To universalize hardware products, when manufacturing products, manufacturers adhere to standardized linear parameters of component parts in accordance with GOST 5088-2005, although in necessary cases Design documentation can be developed that defines other dimensions for door hinges and the shape of the hinge card. Most often, this happens when releasing an exclusive model range products or when ordering an individual batch of goods. But this requires approval from the responsible organizations.
Short review
Only thanks to door hinges does the opening and closing of swing doors occur. The sizes and number of products are selected depending on three main factors:- canvas weight;
- door installation locations;
- material for making the block.
According to the standards, the division of door hinges according to the mass of the leaf is carried out in the following gradation:
- lightweight – installed with sheets weighing up to 60 kg;
- medium - more than 61 kg, but less than 120 kg;
- massive - starting from 121 kg and ending with 250 kg;
- special – more than 251 kg.
Standard door dimensions require the placement of two hinge mechanisms in height, but if the weight or height of the leaves is large, it is allowed to install three, four or even five hinges on one leaf of the door block. Sometimes designers use this technique as an element of interior design, although such fantasies cause some difficulties in implementation.
According to the method of installing door hinges on the door leaf and frame, products are divided into several groups:
- mortise;
- invoices;
- hidden;
- corner;
- double;
- screw-in;
- combined.
In addition, they are one-sided (left or right) and universal. Loop cards, for the most part, have a rectangular shape, but the outlines of exclusive models may differ in complex ornate lines.
The main materials used in the manufacture of hardware are ordinary and stainless steel, aluminum alloys and brass. The surface of elements and parts made of non-corrosion resistant metals is protected by various decorative coatings“under” gold, silver, bronze, copper.
Dimensions and tolerances
The most common are card loops of the overhead or mortise type. They are not as aesthetically pleasing compared to more modern types hardware products, but continue to be in demand, and therefore their production is unlikely to stop in the near future. Today, manufacturers offer a wide range of products, including models made in the old style.
Structurally, hinges consist of two elements called plates or cards, by which the dimensions of the product are determined. Concepts such as height, width and thickness of door hinges are associated with the corresponding indicators of the hinge map. The orientation towards the length of the axial rod is incorrect, since quite often decorative caps are installed on it on both sides. They only visually enlarge the element without in any way affecting the functionality of the card loop. The dimensions of the screw mechanism are determined by the height of its assembled cylinder.
- height – 110, 130, 150mm;
- width – 27, 30, 35mm;
- thickness – 2.5; 2.8; 3.0mm.
Products with a height of 110 mm on each of the cards have four holes for screws, while the other two copies (130 and 150 mm) have five through holes in the plates. The increased number of holes makes it possible to install a more reliable fastening of the hinge assembly.
It should be noted that the markings of door hinges indicate only one size - their height in millimeters.
The hinge mechanism allows the door to open and close by rotating around its pivot. One of the hardware cards has a cylinder (tube) that fits into the rod (axis) of the other card. Majority permissible deviations in size is associated precisely with this feature of door hinges. In particular, this applies to:
- gaps in places of movable connections between the rod (axle, axle shaft) and the tube - within 0.1...0.5 mm;
- gaps between the cylinder and the card surface - less than 1 mm with a plate thickness of more than 2.2 mm;
- ovality of rods – no more than 0.1 mm;
- ovality of tubes – no more than 0.3 mm;
- perpendicularity of the cylinder cuts in the supporting part of the loop and the supporting surface itself relative to the axis of rotation - no more than 0.25 mm;
- backlash in the hinges in the longitudinal and transverse directions - no more than 0.3 mm.
Hinges have been installed on doors since time immemorial, but in ancient times they were larger in size, and many of them were not particularly elegant. Parts were forged from iron strips, and symmetry was not a priority in the manufacture of products. But handmade contributed to the diversity and ornate shapes of loops that were unusual for us. Many of them were real works of art, which forging masters are trying to revive when creating unique retro design projects. The dimensions of the parts, in this case, are selected individually.
Markings for door hinges
The optimal dimensions of the hinge indents from the upper and lower ends of the door leaf are 250 mm. If the door block is provided with additional awnings, then, as a rule, they are moved away from adjacent cards by at least 250mm.
The third hinge on the door can be installed at the same distance from the outer hinges, but for better load distribution it would be more correct to place it closer to the top hinge.
Some requirements
The hinges are important element door block, so they must be strong and reliable in order to withstand numerous cycles of opening and closing the leaves. One of the fundamental points affecting the service life of doors is the ability to repair, adjust or replace hardware. In this case, the interchangeability of door hinges plays an important role due to the versatility of their sizes.
As for the requirements for the products in question, they fall into several categories:
- constructive;
- strength;
- operational;
- decorative.
Door hinges must be of high quality, and their design must not allow spontaneous separation of elements after installing the doors in the design position. They must provide reliable fastening the door leaf to the door frame and ensure smooth movement of the leaf - without jolts, jamming or squeaks. The products should be installed in such a way that their dismantling from the outside is completely excluded.
Hinge mechanisms are most susceptible to operational loads involving cyclic exposure. Manufacturers are trying to increase their reliability, while simultaneously increasing the number of failure-free opening-closing cycles. Periodic lubrication of door hinges helps to get rid of many problems and ease the movement of the door. But it is worth noting that not all modern models need it.
To make the doors look aesthetically pleasing, the fittings installed on all blocks within common area, must be in harmony with each other.
Designers do not recommend installing whatever is at hand on door blocks. The apparent invisibility of the loops is deceptive and can, at the most inopportune moment, reveal the “bad taste” of the owner, making him blush in front of respected guests. Stainless steel hinges, for example, will stand out from the overall picture against the background of copper-plated handles, and loop cards that are too large in size will be an unsuccessful solution for combining them with a miniature and elegant handle. Protective and decorative coatings add external attractiveness to hardware products. All elements of fittings must match each other in style, color and size.
Both entrance and interior doors have not only security, but also decorative functions. Their design should be chosen in accordance with existing interior. All constituent elements must be in harmony with the style of the room. Great importance is given to door hinges, since an unsuccessful option can cause the panel to sag, warp, or cause an unpleasant squeak due to a loose fit.
Features of hinges
Doors, both entrance and interior, can be made of different materials.
Loops for wooden doors
The weight of each door is different, even the simplest one wooden structure can have a mass of up to 100 kg. In this case, it is necessary to use reinforced fittings. Door hinges play a big role in the operation of the structure, so it is important to choose them correctly.
Curtains for heavy doors
Depending on the weight, the number of loops used may vary - from 2 to 4.
Classification of loops
On construction market modern door hinges are presented in wide range. They are classified according to the main characteristics:
- method of fixation in the door frame;
- material of manufacture;
- mechanism connector;
- product type;
- installation location.
Not all types of doors require independent choice hinges, but only those made of wood and MDF.
Hinges for MDF doors Structures made of steel or plastic come complete with fittings and hinges. You can purchase and install hinges for wooden doors yourself and at your own discretion.
Characteristics
The most common options are universal curtains.
Universal curtains Their quality is commensurate with the price. Of the most basic features standard type The following can be noted:
- Such designs have small sizes, 10-12.5 cm in height. A distinctive feature is the presence of holes. The higher the loop, the more holes there are. There are products in other sizes, but they can be classified as non-standard, which are not used so often.
- Such curtains can be installed on any side, regardless of which way the doors open.
- The disadvantages include the fact that if it is necessary to remove the door, the hinges will need to be unscrewed.
- High-quality parts have a thickness of 3 mm, which gives the product strength and also sufficient rigidity.
- For a door frame, you should first make a shallow groove that will be flush with the surface.
Removable hinges
Such products are very similar to universal ones, as they have several plates called wings. But they have certain features:
- The design contains two parts: a support part with a pin and a counter part. The first is attached to the box, and the second is hung on a pin and secured in the canvas.
- A positive feature is that it is possible to remove the door without unscrewing the hinges that are held on by screws.
- There are options: right and left products. Putting them the other way around won't work. If you cannot immediately determine which side to install the hinges on, you need to make a sketch that will show where the handle will be located so that you can correctly select the required type of hinges.
- It is possible to purchase hinges for heavy wooden doors. The number of products will depend on the weight of the door structure.
Removable hinges Overhead products
This type of hinge is most often used when there is no desire to make a groove for insertion. Features of such designs:
- they consist of two parts - internal and external, and have the shape of a butterfly;
- their installation is simplified due to the fact that there is no need to make a niche for the product;
- when folded, the hinges are as thick as one leaf, which gives them the ability to special labor fit between the door and the frame.
Overhead hinges Pendulum mechanisms
This type of loop is not often found, but it is worth learning about it because of its unusual design:
- The product consists of three parts, which are connected to each other by two powerful axes.
- Inside there are special springs that when constant voltage keep the structure in a closed position. This voltage can be adjusted to ensure smooth opening and closing. The instructions that come with the product will help you complete this process.
- Thanks to such elements, doors can open on both sides. They are used most often in places where there is a lot of traffic - these are public places.
Pendulum hinges Curtains with a quarter
If the design has a hinged strip, it makes it possible to use ordinary straight hinges.
Installing hinges on doors For this reason, other options must be used. Among them are curved products that have some features:
- they fit perfectly under the ledge, as they are curved at a right angle;
- the quantity is selected depending on the weight of the doors, most often it is 2–4 pieces;
- The insertion must be done very carefully, so this option is not used often.
Screw-in systems
These hinges are suitable for wooden and solid doors; their main characteristics are:
- to provide required strength, and bearing capacity, loops can contain up to four rods;
- for installation it is necessary to make several holes, one of which will accommodate the pin, and the second is necessary in order to ensure rigidity and is additional support for construction;
- the system can be adjusted as needed.
Screw-in curtains Secret hinges
This solution is new, but is already in great demand.
- The hinges are completely invisible when the doors are closed, which gives the latter an aesthetic appearance.
- Opening when breaking or cutting loops is excluded. For this reason, such hinges are often used in metal structures.
- The products are very durable and reliable, but their installation is complex, and it is advisable to entrust it to professionals.
- There are models that contain closers.
Hidden products Reinforced hinges
Special hinges for heavy wooden doors are made reinforced. They come on some types of bearings: rolling or sliding. The first type is used for structures that are not too heavy. The second type can even withstand the weight garage doors. This option is very reliable and durable.
Reinforced hinges Recently, forged overhead hinges have become widespread. They work according to the usual principle. Forged products are unusual designs. Forged hinges are handmade by modern blacksmiths. Their efforts do not go unnoticed. Such unusual at first glance products can decorate wooden doors that are installed at the entrance to the room. Often used forged parts in private or country houses. But you can also find them in antique-style apartments.
Forged hinges Forged hinges have certain positive characteristics. To use them, you do not need to prepare them specially. door frame or canvas. First, such a product is screwed or fixed by another method to the canvas, and then it is placed in the position using wedges. Right place and is fixed to the door frame. They are usually used for heavy structures, and the disadvantage may be the formation of misalignment. Also, during operation, the canvas may become deformed. To correct this defect, you need to remove it, and to do this you should remove the fasteners: nails or screws that hold the hinges, and only then start working.
One type of hinges designed for heavy doors is shown in this video: