Metal entrance doors are required to ensure the safety of housing and security from penetration of ill-wishers into the house. At the same time, the degree of protection, in addition to the material of the canvas itself, also depends on locks, hinges and other components. Today we will talk about hidden canopies for such structures.
Hinges play an important role in protecting your home. In this case, it is recommended to monitor not so much the manufacturer’s brand as the ease of use of the canopies, their wear resistance and installation method. Internal and external hinges have different operating principles. These elements are complemented by various fittings, which ensure rigidity and reliability of fixation and determine the mechanical characteristics of the movement of the structure.
Closer hinges and teardrop-type products
Canopies-closers for metal structures very common. They are used in entrances multi-storey buildings and in office buildings. The closer itself is a device that controls the closing of the structure automatically.
What do hinges look like?
Pay attention! The operating principle of such devices is practically no different. But at the same time, for each individual door you need to choose the right element, taking into account its characteristics, installation method and the design itself.
Drop-shaped canopies have several features. Such systems do not have many advantages, but they are still slightly better than conventional ones. Such elements are equipped with a thrust bearing, but the shape of the products resembles a drop, which is why they are called that. The geometry of the product is associated with improved mating of structural parts, which increases the strength characteristics. Such canopies are welded, but can withstand heavy weight input metal doors.
Another undeniable advantage of such products is that they are equipped with anti-removal pins. They will not allow the canopies themselves to be squeezed out or removed.
Advantages and disadvantages of the design
Many store consultants zealously claim the super protection of hidden elements. But the issue of canopies of this type raises a number of controversies. Here are the main arguments in favor of such designs.
- Such loops cannot be cut. This is a dubious argument. Now let's figure out why. All input structures are supplied additional elements, preventing unauthorized removal. Therefore, cutting off hinges is not always a 100% option for entering a house. In this case, attackers will have to work hard when working with an angle grinder, which will arouse the curiosity of neighbors due to the noise. Therefore, it is doubtful that burglars will sneak into the apartment in this way.
Drop-shaped awnings - Aesthetic component. This is already a strong argument in favor of installing such canopies for metal doors. Sometimes external hinges look out of place and unattractive. That's why some people are thinking about installing internal elements. If appearance The owner of the house cares about the doors, then he should give preference to such details.
At the same time, hidden loops also have disadvantages:
- The sash will not open completely during operation. Maximum angle opening - 90 degrees, and not always. This will make it difficult to move large cargo, say, furniture, to an apartment.
- The second point is the high cost. This is due to the technologically complex manufacturing process. In addition, the strength characteristics of external ball canopies are much higher than internal ones. And the products themselves are characterized by a large sagging coefficient during operation under loads.
Hidden hinges - The last drawback lies in the difficulty of dismantling the canvas from the box. This makes repairs difficult.
Installation of hinges - general information
Before installing the canopies, the doors are lifted above the plane of the welding table. Sections of profiles or small pieces of pipe are placed under the box. In the manufacture of canopies it is used steel rod or reinforcement approximately 2 cm thick. A small trick in production - one ordinary ball of bearings should be placed in the loops. This way the products will acquire a soft and smooth ride, moving without jerking or applying much force.
The regulation of elements also deserves attention. This is done so that the lower and upper canopies remain coaxial. It is important to pay attention to the reliable fixation of products. Only after this are they welded to the frame and door leaf. Otherwise, they will not ensure reliable fastening. The lower part of the canopy is welded to the frame, and the upper part to the door leaf.
Installation of awnings At the end of the work process, the welding seams are cleaned. This is done in order to give the design aesthetically pleasing. After this, all that remains is to use a dye and a brush to protect the product from corrosion.
Design of hidden products, their installation
Such products are used in cases where additional protection of housing or increased aesthetic characteristics is required. door leaf. The advantages and disadvantages have already been discussed above, so let’s look at the design features:
- Reliability of fixation. The hinges can withstand a load of 25 to 30 kg each. A traditional canopy is not designed to withstand this kind of force.
- Comfort. Additional fittings that come with the awnings provide the ability to adjust the sashes. This can be done both during installation and during operation. Some types of products allow you to rotate the sash up to 180 degrees.
Installation of hidden canopies - Duration of service. Such elements are characterized by durability. They are hidden in a box, so they do not require timely periodic lubrication or maintenance. This also allows you to spend less time on maintenance of the structure as a whole.
- Versatility. Such parts are also used for steel doors, and for products made from other materials.
Installation features are as follows:
- the loot must be equipped with a deep seat;
- there is a counter part on the box - a shallow kind of groove;
- during installation there is no need to separate the structure into parts;
- the main volume is installed in the box, and only a small part is mounted in the canvas;
- elements are attached using self-tapping screws.
Professionals know all these nuances, and the installation process itself requires special precision. Therefore, it is better not to do it yourself.
Results
In conclusion, let's say a few words about the number of canopies for one door. First you need to analyze the structure itself and count the number of fasteners used. Then it will become clear that it is not always enough to install two canopies. There are metal products with three and four fixation elements.
Why is this necessary? It’s not difficult to guess - this number of canopies is used when installing structures weighing more than 150 kg. In this case, two canopies will not be enough - the force created by the canvas will simply tear them out of the opening. Installation more elements is justified and high frequency using the structure for entry. The more often a door is used, the greater the load on it, and the faster it wears out. Systems with two loops will not last long in such conditions.
Aesthetics of the finished structure At the end, we will give one more piece of advice that directly concerns the purchase of these elements. There are not many nuances here, so you have to remember everything. Please note:
- canvas weight;
- presence of close contact with the street (installation for a private house or in the entrance);
- door location;
- opening intensity;
- aesthetic preferences.
Manufacturers must think through all these points, so all that remains is to completely trust them in this matter, of course, except for the aesthetics of the product. How to install one of the types of products under consideration is shown in the following video:
The superiority of removable canopies over universal ones, analysis of “butterfly” and “invisible” hinges. Distributing the load and explaining why the third loop just ruins everything. Separately, a mini-review of ideal partners for a solid door.
1. “Let’s decide: heavy doors are how many in kilograms?”
Conditionally: from 50 kg. Anything that is easier can be handled by ordinary people. mortise hinges with cards 2.5 mm thick. But for doors heavier than 50 kg, it is better to buy thicker hinges.
In general, the weight of the canvas depends primarily on: a) the material and method of filling; b) dimensions; V) exterior finishing. So that you understand the average layout:
~ 14 kg – weight of a “cardboard” interior door without glass (800 x 2000 mm, thickness – 35 mm).
~ 17 kg – similar model, but with a wide glass insert from top to bottom.
A solid oak interior door (800 x 2000 mm, thickness 35 mm) weighs ~ 40 kg.
The entrance door made of solid ash weighs ~ 75 kg (900 x 2000 mm, thickness – 55 mm).
~ 115 kg – weight of a church oak door (1300 x 2300 mm, thickness – 60 mm).
These figures are valid for bare canvas, and you should always keep in mind the weight of decorative overlays (if any) and, of course, fittings. Alone door handles add 0.5-1 kg on top.
2. “How is the load distributed on the hinges holding a heavy door?”
Let's say we have classic version– door with two mortise hinges. Then the lower one bears the main axial load, and the upper one mostly takes the radial load. Simply put, the bottom hinge bears the weight of the sash, while the top hinge is subject to a force that tends to pull the hinge out of the jamb.
Door hinges wear mostly downward. Under the weight of the canvas, their halves are ground against each other, and bearings are gradually developed. As a result, over the course of a year, the interior door in the house drops by about 0.2-0.3 mm. That is, in 5 years it will inevitably sag by 1-1.5 mm. And this even with ideal conditions: adequately selected loops, proper installation etc.
Thus, the correct (taking into account the weight of the door leaf) choice of door hinges will allow you to delay as much as possible creaking, stiff movement, clinging of the door leaf to the frame and other incidents. And vice versa: if you hang a thick oak door on steel hinges 100 x 75 x 25 mm, then expect disaster. The hinges may not break out of the box, but they will suddenly sag.
3. “Why do you suggest buying mortise hinges for a heavy door? There are overhead “butterfly” awnings.”
No groove (groove) is made for butterflies. In fact, the door is held in place by four poor self-tapping screws on the bottom hinge. Butterflies also have a gigantic gap “out of the box”, which will only grow. In this situation, any wooden door in the 50+ kg category is doomed. It will quickly sag and begin to rub against the frame, even if it is hung by 3-4 butterflies.
4. "A door hinges hidden installation(“invisible”)? What's wrong with them?
They have a short hinge mechanism and a small fastening area, which leads to an increase in the load on the screws, and there are two of them on the side of the sash and the frame. In general, it is already clear that this is not best hinges for thick doors (as well as for tall, wide, etc.).
Many more invisible ones narrow the opening angle. Sometimes very seriously - from 180° to 100°. You can, of course, move the box forward, as if drowning the platband in it, but this is unlikely to please your master. He already has a lot of work planned, because for hidden hinges the groove is milled not by 2-3 mm, as in the case of mortise hinges, but often by 10-11 mm or more. It would seem okay. But then we remember that we have heavy wooden doors and inside is not soft pine, but something very hard - oak, beech, ash. Such wood can be removed with a milling cutter, but it will not be so quick and easy. By the way, it won't be cheap either.
And since we're talking about money. Decent hidden door hinges (the kind that can withstand a heavy door) cost from RUB 3,000/piece.
5. “So, mortise hinges. But which ones: universal or removable?
Removable. And the point is not that with them you can remove the canvas at any time without unscrewing the screws. They have another not obvious, but extremely important advantage - simplicity. Removable hinges have only two rubbing surfaces and one support point (in the form of a hardened ball at the end).
Due to the simplicity of the design, removable hinges have less play and are not so sensitive to workmanship. Basically, if the ball rests against the cap, the hinges should and will work fine. Even if otherwise they have minor to moderate flaws in geometry.
With universal canopies on 4-5-6 bearings everything is complicated. In order for the bearings to be evenly loaded, precision casting is required. Achieving this in the cheap segment is unrealistic: door hinges for heavy doors for 150-200 rubles they are not cast, but stamped, the axial play in them can reach 1-1.5 mm. This is already enough so that even with a perfect insertion, only one bearing plays the lead, and the rest just play along. In turn, this forces wear on the first bearing. After it is worn out, the blade will sag to the position of the next one, which from that moment will begin to work towards accelerated wear.
By the way, the removable loop has another advantage. If it sags, you can compensate for the change in height by ordering a brass or bronze washer from a turner and placing it on the axle. Universal awnings are not removable - and such a trick will not work there.
6. “How many hinges do you need for a heavy door - two or three?”
For two, except special occasions(more on this at the end of the paragraph). In this case, they should be fastened with a distance of 200 mm from the top and bottom of the canvas.
Why exactly two loops? First of all, three is almost always overkill. Let’s say you can order Palladium N 700 door hinges from us, which together can handle a 90-kilogram leaf. And 90 kg is a lot: 99% of home doors made of wood will fit into this limit.
Secondly, the third loop is needed for pressing. Its participation in load distribution is negligible, if not zero at all.
Thirdly, it is incredibly difficult to embed three hinges, aligning them along the same axis. Even if it works out, no one has canceled the seasonal fluctuations of wood, and the door will inevitably move. Because of this, the carefully set alignment will move, the load on the canopies and fasteners will become variable. Simply put, the porch will be broken, one of the hinges will begin to creak. Moreover, it is impossible to predict which one.
It makes sense to add a third loop in two cases:
Weak and thin door frame (≤ 20 mm in thickness);
High blade (≥ 2200 mm).
7. “I want to buy hinges for heavy wooden door, which will last at least 20-30 years. No creaking, jerky movement, sagging, etc. What to look for?
1.[Sideliness] This is if you listened to our recommendation and opted for removable models. How to distinguish a right loop from a left one.
2.[Size] If the door is heavy (70+ kg), take higher and thicker awnings. For example, our brass hinges Palladium N 700-5″ (125 x 80 x 4 mm) – they are designed for weights up to 100 kg. If the door is moderately heavy (60-70 kg), 100 x 80 x 4 mm will do. For interior fabrics weighing 40-45 kg, you can limit yourself to hinges 100 (125) x 75 x 2.5 mm.
3.[Material] Steel is, at best, a B minus in geometry. Brass hinges are generally much more accurate because they are not stamped but rather cast.
Hidden door hinges are important element door fittings and are widely used when installing entrance and interior systems. Appearing on mass sale about 25 years ago, the products immediately attracted the attention of consumers and quickly gained popularity.
Peculiarities
Hidden hinges are a structure consisting of a metal body, a hidden hinge located inside this body, a lever and an anti-friction bushing designed for better sliding. The lever, in turn, consists of 2 parts connected to each other using a movable axis made of steel and providing a connection between the hinges and the blade. There are three types of hidden hinges: left-handed, right-handed and universal.
And if the latter are able to function when installed on any side of the canvas, then the first two types have a narrow specialization and can only be installed on a certain side. Internal hinges provide 180-degree mobility of the blade and can withstand up to 200,000 opening-closing cycles. In addition, the devices ensure easy and silent movement of the door leaf, prevent the door from spontaneously moving away from the frame and have the ability to fix it in extreme positions.
Material used for making hidden door awnings is an alloy called tsamak, which contains aluminum, magnesium, copper and zinc. Tsamak is absolutely safe for the health of others and is highly durable and wear-resistant. The alloy casts well at sufficient low temperatures melting and different smooth surface and uniformity of structure.
Finished goods coated with chrome, brass-plated or left matte. This allows models to be produced in wide range design and color, which greatly simplifies the choice when purchasing them.
Hinges for heavy metal doors are made of high-alloy steel. The metal has significantly greater strength in comparison with an alloy and is able to withstand serious weight loads. In addition, steel hinges are not subject to corrosion and are different high resistance to exposure to extreme temperatures. This allows you to install internal hinges for garages, warehouses and entrance groups private and apartment buildings.
Hidden hinges are irreplaceable species door fittings when installing overlapping doors(and a quarter). The peculiarity of such systems is the method of attaching the door leaf to the door frame, which can be made in the form of a quarter on the door leaf and a counter quarter on the frame, or a quarter made only on the door leaf and forming an overlapping rebate when closing. The design features of the door block do not require the use of classic hinges and are designed only for the installation of internal fittings.
Pros and cons
High consumer demand and The growing popularity of hidden hinges is due to a number of undeniable advantages of this fittings.
- Doors equipped hidden hinges, are highly burglar-resistant and significantly reduce the likelihood of illegal entry into the premises. Concealed models are completely hidden in the door leaf, so it is almost impossible to saw or cut them out.
- A wide variety of models of different capacities and sizes allow you to choose a product for both a wardrobe and a powerful armored door.
- Thanks to the large opening angle, the door leaf can swing open to the adjacent wall, which is quite convenient when moving large objects through the door.
- The technology for installing hidden models involves their complete penetration into the frame and door leaf. This allows the hinges to withstand very serious mechanical loads and gives the structure sufficient rigidity.
- Aesthetic component. Internal hinges do not clutter the door leaf and can be installed on any type door designs, including systems with an “invisible box” and secret doors in an office or apartment.
- High reliability internal loops allows them to withstand loads much greater than traditional canopies can withstand. For example, models for interior doors They can easily withstand weights of up to 50 kg, while their overhead counterparts are designed for only 30 kg. The situation is the same with products for metal sheets: especially durable models can withstand up to 300 kg of weight, which also exceeds the endurance of conventional hinges by more than 90 kg.
- The ability to adjust in three planes makes hidden hinges an indispensable element of door hardware when installed in new buildings. Often new houses begin to shrink a few years after construction, which inevitably leads to misalignment of door frames and poor closing of doors.
- The versatility of many models is due to the ability to install them on wooden, plastic and metal surfaces.
The disadvantages include the rather high cost of many products. For example, a fairly common model for interior doors is Armadillo 3D-ACH-40, adjustable in three planes (depth, height and width) and belonging to the middle price category, costs 1890 rubles. Hinges for metal doors are much more expensive. Thus, the Italian model SPEV250 will cost two and a half thousand rubles. There are, of course, options for 600 and even 300 rubles, but these will most likely be low-quality products that are not adjustable and can quickly fail. In addition, some canopies have a non-removable design, which means that if it is necessary to remove the doors, you will need to completely dismantle the hinges.
Also, the disadvantages include the rather large sizes of hidden models, which is not always convenient during installation. First of all, this applies to products for interior paintings, during installation of which it is often discovered that there is simply no space for such hinges. This is especially true for door frames, in which the wall thickness is so minimal that there may not be enough depth to install the canopy.
Some installation nuances are also considered disadvantages of hidden hinges. The need to form niches in the door leaf and frame is noted, which, with the slightest inaccuracy, can lead to damage to the decorative surface and loss of attractiveness of the door.
Armadillo 3D-ACH-40
SPEV250
Varieties
The classification of hidden door hinges occurs according to a number of criteria.
- Adjustment. According to this criterion, models are divided into adjustable and unregulated. The first ones are the most universal and allow you to change the position of the door leaf without removing it from its hinges. Adjustment, as a rule, is performed in three planes, thanks to which you can not only raise or lower the door, but also adjust the tightness of its fit to the door frame. Such models are somewhat more expensive than unregulated products, but the difference in price is well justified by the ease of their use. It is reasonable to install non-adjustable hinges on stable systems that are not prone to deformation. For example, in a metal garage or wardrobe installation of such products will be quite advisable.
- Power. Based on this criterion, models are divided into products for interior doors and awnings for heavy steel sheets. The former are able to withstand up to 60 kg, while the latter can easily cope with a weight of 300 and even 350 kg. Often an important condition operation of canopies on massive canvases requires the use of three or more copies at once, which allows for a more even distribution of the load on the hinges and significantly increases their service life.
- Functionality. On this basis they distinguish simple products and models with a closer. The latter appeared on the door hardware market relatively recently and immediately attracted the attention of consumers. The engineers managed to combine a hinge and a door closer in one device, which automatically eliminated the need to install two mechanisms on one door at once. Externally, improved models are not much different from traditional ones, however, they have a spring shock-absorbing mechanism in their design, which, when the door is opened, stretches and then slowly returns to its original position.
At the same time, the shutter also slowly begins to close until it reaches the door frame. The smooth running of the blade is explained by the presence of an oil shock absorber. The oil moves through the valve system along the cylinder with the spring, thus creating the necessary resistance and preventing the spring from quickly compressing.
Models with a closer are designed for installation on wooden, aluminum and plastic doors, whose weight does not exceed 90 kg. So, for a fabric weighing up to 50 kg it will be enough to install two loops, while for products weighing up to 90 kg it is recommended to install three loops.
How to choose?
When choosing hidden hinges, you should pay attention to a number of nuances. So, it is better to purchase products from trusted manufacturers who produce high-quality products and have a good reputation. The most famous and reliable manufacturers of canopies are the Italian AGB, Armadillo and Krona Koblenz. These companies have long specialized in the production of door hardware and produce high-quality and time-tested models.
In addition to the brand, it is necessary to focus on the technical components of the products. It is necessary to decide on the location of the door and, in accordance with this, choose a right or left model. If the future location of the furniture is not yet known for certain or the door opening side has not yet been selected, then it is better to purchase universal models, capable of being used on both sides.
The choice of standard size is also important. So, for a door weighing 15-25 kg, two short canopies 6-7 cm long will be enough, while for doors weighing 40 kg, ten-centimeter hinges will be needed. The number of canopies also entirely depends on the weight and dimensions of the door structure and is 2 pieces for light ones and three for heavier ones.
AGB
Armadillo
Krona Koblenz
Installation
Installation of hidden canopies is not particularly difficult and can be done with your own hands. The whole work consists of several successive stages, the first of which is the formation of a niche in the canvas. To perform carpentry work you need to stock up good tool, for example, with a hand cutter. Using chisels can lead to accidental damage wooden covering, after which it will no longer be possible to restore the original appearance of the door.
The hand cutter must be equipped with a removable frame, which is fixed to the door leaf or frame. The frame usually comes with several special templates, without which it will be impossible to form a neat niche. Using the first template, a place is cut out for the outer part of the hinge, and with the help of the second, a recess is cut out for the deep inner part of the canopy.
However, the bed and templates are not cheap, so there is no point in purchasing such a tool for one-time use. IN in this case you can use homemade templates, according to which, provided they correct production, you can form recesses no worse than the factory ones. To make them, you can use a piece of strong plywood or a couple of planks.
Sometimes it happens that when forming a lower recessed niche, the dimensions of the cutter may not be enough. In this case, you should take a drill, put a feather drill on it and make several blind holes around the perimeter of the internal template. Then carefully, using a knife and a hammer, you need to tap out the excess wood and clean the edges of the niche. Next comes the very important step of transferring the markings to the door frame strip. To do this, you need to press the strike plate against the door and draw in in the right places risks. Then, using the same technology as described above, you need to form a niche in the door frame.
The next step is to drill narrow holes for self-tapping screws to secure the canopy. It is not recommended to screw them in without pre-drilling: if you use a screwdriver ineptly, the hardware can go to the side and disrupt the geometry of the hinge. The final stage will involve screwing the canopy and installing a decorative trim covering the control mechanism.
Adjustment
Adjustable canopies come in reinforced and lightweight versions. Vertical adjustment of the latter is carried out using a thin hex key. The adjustment screw for such models is usually located in the upper part at the junction of the holders. The maximum adjustment stroke is 1.5 mm. Horizontal adjustment is also made using a hexagon, and the adjustment screw is located in that part of the canopy that is embedded in the canvas. The maximum working stroke of the mechanism is 1 mm. Adjustment of the pressure of the leaf to the door frame is carried out using an eccentric and is also carried out with a hex key. The eccentric is located in that part of the canopy that is installed in the box. The maximum stroke is also 1 mm.
Reinforced hinges are regulated somewhat differently. Vertical adjustment is made by means of six screws and is carried out using a hex key. The screws are located on the part of the canopy embedded in the box. Horizontal adjustment is also carried out using a hexagon using two screws located in the door. The clamp is adjusted with two screws located in the box.
Thus, hidden hinges for door structures are a practical and easy-to-use invention. They are easy to install, completely invisible on the door leaf and can last a very long time. In addition, the installation of secret canopies significantly increases the inviolability of the home, thereby ensuring maximum safety for residents.
The weight and size of door leaves can vary greatly depending on the purpose of the door and the material from which they are made. While there are no problems with the choice of canopies for furniture and interior doors, the same cannot be said about door hinges for heavy doors or gates.
You need to select reinforced fittings for them, as they must withstand very serious loads.
The reliability and efficiency of door accessories also determine performance characteristics the doors themselves: service life, noiselessness, ease and smoothness of opening. What if we're talking about For products located at the entrance to a house or site, additional requirements are imposed on hinges.
This:
- Resistance to intense wear;
- Resistant to moisture and dust;
- High level of resistance to tampering attempts.
For reference. For steel entrance doors The most vulnerable point is considered to be the hinges, which are often cut off to gain entry into the house.
Therefore, when choosing canopies, we try to take into account all factors that may affect the safety, convenience and duration of their use.
Namely:
- Location of the door block;
- Conditions and intensity of its operation;
- Dimensions and weight of the sash;
- The direction of opening the door leaf;
- Appearance of fittings.
If the door is very heavy, then in addition to the special design of the canopies, their optimal number for each door is selected. Quite often, instead of two, three or even four loops are used in order to more evenly distribute the mass of the fabric between them and eliminate possible deformations.
Types of canopies for massive doors
Special fittings are selected only for really heavy doors. The instructions require installing it on canvases weighing from 80-100 kg. With a smaller mass, you can get by with regular loops, increasing their number if necessary.
Door hinges are classified according to characteristics such as type of design, installation method, material of manufacture.
By type of construction
According to their design, hinges are divided into one-piece and detachable.
The first ones consist of two cards mounted on the rotation axis with holes for fastening. Standard loops are 10-12 cm long and are used primarily when installing lungs.
- Frame card with three hinges;
- Sleeve;
- Door card with two hinges;
- Self-tapping screws for fastening.
For heavy panels, reinforced door hinges of larger sizes are available with an increased number of fastening points. The thickness of the cards is also made larger (minimum 3 mm versus 2 mm for conventional canopies).
Please note. The use of one-piece hinges is ineffective due to their short service life and low reliability. Such loops quickly wear out inside, which leads to squeaking and sagging of the canvas. In addition, to remove the canvas from the box, the hinges must be unscrewed.
There are two types of detachable canopies: with a ball and with a bearing.
Structurally, they look like this:
- Door card;
- Fist;
- Steel finger;
- Frame card.
You can remove the door leaf by lifting it and removing the door card with frame.
Please note. To prevent your front door from being broken into by removing it from its hinges, purchase door fittings with special depressions and protrusions, which when closing the door are combined and limit the vertical movement of the leaf.
In order for such canopies to serve longer and more reliably, they are equipped with additional elements:
- Loops with balls. This is an improved version of the usual detachable hinge. In it, a steel ball is placed in the door card, ensuring easy sliding of the finger in the fist and smooth opening of the door. Such canopies do not sag, but over time they may begin to creak. Grease with grease helps remove it.
- Bearing hinges. The most common type, which has a lot of advantages: strength, reliability, durability, low maintenance requirements, and no squeaking throughout the entire service life.
By installation method
Installation of hinges can be done in different ways depending on their design and purpose:
- Overhead hinges- the most common and easiest to install, which is easy to do with your own hands. It was they, forged by blacksmiths, that were used by our ancestors from time immemorial. Today there are more modern and reliable options, but neither one nor the other is suitable for installation on entrance doors, as they are not protected from burglary. However, they can withstand a decent weight, so they are placed both on metal doors and on gates or heavy solid wood products.
- Mortise hinges much more reliable, since their cards are attached to the end of the door leaf and the inside of the frame, and closed position become invisible. Depending on the size and thickness of the plates, two hinges can withstand fairly decent loads - up to 100 kg. They are called mortise because grooves are selected for the cards in the body of the canvas and the box, allowing the plates to be “recessed” to the level of the main plane.
- , unlike overhead and mortise ones, are reliably protected from cutting, since when closed door their rotary axis is absolutely invisible. Unsurpassed reliability, strength and ability to withstand quite large loads allows you to install such canopies on armored doors of cash registers and banking premises. They are universal: they can open the door both on the right and on the left. However, they also have a serious drawback - small angle opening the doors.
For reference. Other types of hidden hinges are also used for steel doors.
- Screw-in hinges consist of two “barrels”– cylindrical parts with holes for fastening and with pins that are screwed into the frame slope and the end of the door leaf. The axis of rotation is located inside the cylinders. Essentially this is analogous card loops, in which the role of cards is played by screw-in pins. A disadvantage of the design can be considered weight restrictions: two standard hinges will not withstand a load of more than 100-120 kg, their number in the case of heavy sashes will have to be increased to 3-4.
According to the material of manufacture
Various metals and alloys are used to make canopies for heavy doors.
- Conventional uncoated steel hinges are practically not in demand today and are used only for doors to non-residential utility rooms or street fences.
- Stainless steel hinges are more popular, as they are highly resistant to temperature changes and moisture, and retain their original appearance for a long time.
- Canopies made of alloys of steel, copper, zinc and aluminum, coated with enamel, brass, or bronze or gold compositions, are valued for both wear resistance and decorativeness, allowing you to choose fittings for the door of any color and design.
- Brass canopies are the most expensive, but they are superior to hinges made from other materials in all operational and aesthetic indicators. They are most often used when installing premium doors.
Conclusion
If you purchased a door and are going to install it yourself, all necessary information you have a choice of awnings. The installation process itself is shown in the video in this article.
But in the case of massive panels, it is better to purchase ready-made doors from well-known and reliable manufacturers who supply all the necessary fittings with them. It also includes door hinges for heavy doors, selected taking into account the design and weight of the product.
You have probably already noticed that Torex entrance doors are equipped with external hinges. This design feature is not a random choice of the manufacturer. Let's compare the characteristics of the two types of door hinges to understand their advantages and disadvantages.
What didn't we know about loops?
When purchasing new doors, many people mistakenly evaluate hinges in terms of appearance, giving insufficient importance to their functional characteristics. This creates a demand for external hinges with shaped wings or overlays covering them, as well as for hidden hinges that “are not an eyesore.” Some manufacturers are trying to capitalize on this demand, neglecting the main purpose of entrance doors - to be reliable protection for housing and property.
The weight of modern metal entrance doors with MDF panels reaches 70-90 kg, additionally reinforced and protected - 120-150 kg. This mass, in the form of a moving lever arm, which serves as the door being opened/closed, rests on the fulcrum - the door hinges. They must be strong enough to withstand the appropriate load throughout their service life. Weak or poorly attached hinges can cause doors to sag or even break.
How more weight doors, so larger sizes loops holding them. For external hinges this is not a problem, but to squeeze it in door frame Oversized hidden hinges are not easy. This is often solved by installing several smaller hidden hinges, which can reduce the reliability of the design.
Burglars won't get through
Door locks and door hinges are two main targets for burglars when trying to break into an apartment or office. There is a misconception that external hinges can easily be cut off with a grinder, but hidden hinges are inaccessible to villains, and therefore more reliable. It's actually quite easy to cut the inner loops. Experienced thieves who know the basic design of doors need only a few minutes to do this. Besides:
- Most models of hidden hinges are not designed to physically resist burglary, so they are cut off much faster than external ones. High-quality external door hinges are manufactured using “anti-burglary” technologies. They have special protective inserts or linings.
- If your door is equipped with special bolts, then the discussion about which type of hinge provides the door with more protection becomes pointless. The bolts will protect the doors from further break-ins, even if the criminals managed to cut off the hinges.
Advantages outward
The only drawback of external hinges is their appearance, which in some cases does not fit into the desired door design. At hidden hinges negative qualities much more:
- The opening angle of doors with hidden hinges is usually limited to 90 degrees. This may make it difficult to move large items.
- Trying to open doors with hidden hinges wider can lead to deformation of the door frame and trim.
- To install hidden hinges in metal profile The grooves of the door frame are milled, which reduces its overall strength.
- It is impossible to remove doors for repair or replacement without dismantling the hidden hinges. Re-installation requires the participation of specialists, a lot of effort and precision execution.
- Hidden hinges of some designs are extremely susceptible to shock loads (during sudden slamming), have restrictions on the weight of the doors and can be deformed. This threatens to warp and even jam the doors.
You can choose doors with hidden hinges of a special design, made of high-strength alloys. They are more reliable and durable. However, the cost of such doors is much higher than doors with external hinges.
Durable Torex door hinges
It is well known that door hinges need lubrication. Without proper care, they will irritate with their creaking: year after year, the elements wear out due to friction, and the heavier the doors, the faster they wear out. This leads to a noticeable “shrinkage” of the doors: one day they will not be able to enter the door frame and close. To solve this problem, as well as to facilitate the opening and closing of heavy entrance doors, modern hinges are equipped with bearings. There are two types of such loops:
- Cylinders with internal ball support. Such a system reduces the wear rate significantly, but does not stop it overall and requires regular lubrication. Hinges with radial bearings. Eliminates wear and tear on door hinges, even if you forget to lubricate them. External type hinges with such bearings are installed on Torex doors.
- The design of the outer hinge with a radial support bearing has an additional advantage. The bearing makes it difficult to saw the hinge at the border of the upper and lower cylinders, where intruders most often cut off doors.
The design of the vast majority of hidden door hinges does not provide for the installation of bearings and even makes it difficult to access their lubrication. Therefore, they wear out much faster.
Each type of door hinge has its own advantages and disadvantages. Hidden hinges are most often chosen by those who care about the appearance of their doors. If you value safety, reliability and practicality more, it is better to give preference to external hinges.