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When searching for the right type of hinge for your application, turn to HTF and their line of Southco hinges. HTF has been an industry leader for over thirty years and their inventory of hinges is updated daily.
Since 1992 HTF has been an authorized distribution partner with Southco and this partnership has continued to grow and thrive ever since. Let’s explore the types of hinges available and their ideal application.
What Is a Hinge?
A hinge in its simplest form is a joint that connects two linked objects. This joint mechanism allows a door or lid to open and close. The hinge should add functionality and last for the lifetime of the application.
Butt Hinge
The butt hinge is the most common type of hinge used in residential applications. In fact, when most people think of a hinge, the butt hinge is what they are visualizing. The butt hinge comes in different styles but the overall design remains the same. It consists of two plates which are mortised into the door and frame, allowing them to butt up against each other. In simple applications for lightweight interior doors the butt hinge in its simplest design is appropriate. This consists of the two plates joined together by a pin at the hinge’s knuckles.
Ball Bearing Hinge
One of three butt hinge types, the ball bearing hinge is most useful for heavy and high traffic doors. It is often found on entryway doors due to their weight and frequent usage. There are lubricated bearings within the hinge to reduce the friction placed on the hinge knuckles by a heavy door.
Spring-Loaded Hinge
The second style of butt hinge is the spring-loaded hinge. Like its name implies the spring-loaded hinge utilizes tension to open or close a door or panel. These hinges are often called self-closing and work best with cabinets and screen doors. Another application would be in the aerospace and transportation industries where constant torque hinges are needed to control movement and compensate for vibration.
Rising Hinges
The rising butt hinge is a specialty hinge designed to allow the door to clear flooring as it is closed. The hinge looks like a typical butt hinge, but when operated it lifts up allowing the bottom of the door to clear the flooring. It is very helpful for uneven flooring surfaces or thick carpet.
Concealed Hinges
This hinge is designed to highlight the beauty of finely crafted furniture and cabinetry. The concealed hinge cannot be seen from the outside of the door or lid which provides an aesthetically pleasing and polished look. These hinges can be made to be self-closing utilizing tension. They can also be used in applications where tampering with the door or panel could cause security or access issues. With the concealed hinge, there is no pin to remove resulting in an easy removal of the door from the frame.
Pivot Hinges
The pivot, or knife hinge as it is often called, moves at a single pivot point much like the motion of a pair of scissors. Like the concealed hinges mentioned above, the pivot hinge is used primarily in cabinets and fine furniture. It has an elegant look which highlights the door and is nearly or completely hidden from view.
Piano Hinges
If you have seen the lid of a piano you have most likely seen or operated a piano hinge. These hinges are designed with two long, narrow plates and a continuous pin through the knuckles of the hinge. The piano hinge is appropriate for applications with long lids or tops to open and close. These would include pianos of course, as well as desk and benches with storage.
Offset Hinges
The offset hinge moves the hinge pin away from the doorjamb which allows for greater clearance through the doorway. This is especially helpful in buildings requiring ADA access as well as other applications where heavy equipment would need to pass through the door opening and requires additional clearance.
Strap Hinges
Strap hinges consist of at least one, often two, long narrow leaves (plates) which are capable of handling heavy loads. This is why strap hinges are often used on exterior gates. You will often see strap hinges on large six and eight-foot wood panel fence gates, as well as other fence material. Another application are decorative strap hinges on interior cabinets. When the hinge hardware is part of the overall design a strap hinge is the best option.
Overlay Hinges
This is another hinge that matches its name well. The overlay hinge is designed to let the cabinet door overlay the frame. Meaning it is completely covered and flush. The overlay hinge is unique in the ability to fine tune the adjustment.
HTF Supplies Hinges For a Variety of Needs
There are many types of hinges in different materials and with different features and load capacities. Now that we’ve highlighted the main types of hinges, you are well on your way to choosing the best hinge for the job at hand. HTF is ready to meet all your hinge design needs by supplying parts from top manufacturers like Southco. Reach out today, we are here to help!
