Hinges are connectors commonly used in construction and interior decoration, allowing controlled movement of doors, windows, or other materials. Hinges typically have a fixed angle, while the remaining part can pivot to alter the door’s opening angle. The door and the fixed object are connected by a pivot axis on the hinge. Hinges can be crafted from various materials, but nowadays, metals such as iron, steel, or stainless steel are commonly used.
Let’s explore what hinges are, the different types of hinges, and their applications for fire-resistant steel doors in this article with Alumax!
Hinges come in various types today, such as leaf hinges, butt hinges, floor hinges, concealed hinges, and more. Depending on the type of hinge used, doors can open at different angles and distances. Hinges are an essential component that plays a crucial role in the longevity of door products. When installing hinges, attention should be paid to technical methods and hinge quality to minimize common issues associated with leaf hinges, such as rust, sagging, springing, large gaps, or the need to cut the frame and leaf (resulting in low aesthetics and weakened door structure).
1. What is a Hinge?
Answer: A hinge is a type of technical device designed and constructed to serve as a fixed connection between door or window panels or other solid objects. Hinges typically allow limited angular rotation between them (fixed angle), while the remaining angle can be flexible.
Hinges are made from various materials, but nowadays, common choices include iron, steel, aluminum, and especially stainless steel. Depending on the purpose and design style, we can tentatively classify them into traditional hinges (leaf, butt, strap, T-hinge, cross hinge, etc.) and modern hinges (cabinet hinges, pivot hinges, gate hinges, etc.).
- Usually, nowadays, hinges made from stainless steel (Inox) offer many superior features. Hinges play an essential role in the longevity of door products, ensuring that the door leaf is securely connected to the frame, providing support, and maintaining the stability of the door leaf. When installing hinges, attention should be paid to technical methods and hinge quality to minimize common issues associated with leaf hinges, such as rust, sagging, springing, large gaps, or the need to cut the frame and leaf (resulting in low aesthetics and weakened door structure).Significance of HingesHinges are a type of technical device designed and constructed to serve as a fixed connection between door or window panels or other solid objects. Hinges typically allow limited angular rotation between them (fixed angle), while the remaining angle can be flexible. Two objects connected by a hinge rotate relative to each other about a fixed axis.Nowadays, the term “hinge” is also used more broadly, such as “a hinge year” meaning a pivotal year that sets the stage for subsequent years. Additionally, the term “hinge” is used metaphorically to refer to a pivotal event, a landmark, or a crucial point for activities or future possibilities.
2. The Best Types of Hinges Today You Should Know!
2.1. Exterior Door Hinges
Are you looking for a hinge for an exterior door? If so, you’ll need to consider the following factors:
- Durability.
- Resistance to harsh weather conditions.
- Strength.
Các yếu tố trên cần được xem xét cẩn thận, vì bản lề cửa bên ngoài đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc đảm bảo an toàn cho ngôi nhà của bạn, bảo vệ khỏi tội phạm và xâm nhập. Nếu bản lề cửa bên ngoài không đủ mạnh, chúng có thể bị uốn cong và gãy dưới tác động mạnh.
2.2. Butt Hinges
Butt hinges are among the best hinges for exterior doors. This type of hinge has two identical leaves. One leaf can move while the other remains fixed in place. These leaves are then attached to a cylindrical barrel to provide the door with the ability to swing open.
Regarding its operational principle, the pivot hinge has two compression leaves. When the door closes, one of the two leaves will compress into the other, maximizing the available space. Despite its compact size, this model is recognized for its considerable durability. The pivot hinge follows the butt hinge in terms of durability. However, it cannot withstand heavy weights. If the door is too heavy, it may break.
2.4. Ball Bearing Hinge
The ball bearing hinge is entirely different from the pivot hinge. It is designed to lift and support large, heavy doors.
In this hinge, a ball bearing is placed between two separate knuckles. The purpose of the ball bearing is to reduce friction between the two knuckles that could wear down the hinge over time.
The ball bearing hinge is commonly used for large-sized entry doors. It helps the door to open and close more smoothly, reducing noise and friction.
2.5. Barrel Hinge
Barrel hinges share many similarities with pivot hinges. Therefore, they are often used for large, wide, and heavy front doors. The significant difference between barrel hinges and pivot hinges is that barrel hinges look more attractive, stylish, and aesthetically pleasing.
The barrel hinge comes in various styles, shapes, and colors, making them suitable for diverse purposes. Apart from their role in securing exterior doors, you can also find them in suitcases, on truck lids, and more.
2.6. 270-Degree Leaf Hinge – Slide Rail
The 270-degree leaf hinge comes with a slide rail, also known as a damping hinge. This hinge is much smaller than the barrel hinge and is designed for use in confined spaces.
Similar to the hinges mentioned above, this model also consists of two leaves. Specifically, one leaf is mounted on the door frame, while the other is attached to the door.
These two leaves combine to form a circular pivot point, allowing the door to open and close. The compact and convenient design makes this hinge an excellent choice for narrow and small spaces.
2.7. Strap Hinge
Strap hinges are commonly found on the entrance gates of houses. To date, strap hinges remain one of the most unique choices in the market. They have the shortest overall length among hinges but also boast the longest leaves compared to other hinge types available today.
This model is commonly used for various types of entrance gates, front doors, and frequently operated doors.
2.8. Knuckle Olive Hinge
The Knuckle Olive hinge has an extremely unique H-shaped design. When the door is open, the hinge forms an “H” shape. When the door is closed, we can only see the joints of the hinge, resembling finger joints.
The design of the hinge makes it extremely versatile. In addition to being used for exterior doors, many people also use this hinge to assemble cabinet doors. Its large design makes it very durable.
2.9. Pivot Hinge
The Pivot hinge, also known as the pivot hinge, is designed to work with heavy doors. Typically, large doors often encounter issues in staying aligned with the wall and the floor. The pivot hinge can address this problem.
Bản lề này được thiết kế để xoay khi cửa mở ra, giúp giữ cánh cửa cố định.
2.10. Bản lề tùy chỉnh hạng nặng
Tên gọi của mô hình này đã nói lên cấu tạo, vai trò cũng như bản chất của nó. Bản lề hạng nặng được thiết kế để phù hợp với hình dạng và chức năng của bất kỳ loại bản lề nào khác ở trên. Nó là sự lựa chọn tuyệt vời cho các cánh cửa lớn, nặng, sử dụng thường xuyên.
This hinge is designed to pivot when the door opens, helping to keep the door securely in place.
2.10. Heavy-Duty Custom Hinge
The name of this model reflects its construction, role, and nature. The heavy-duty hinge is designed to fit the shape and function of any other hinge type mentioned above. It is an excellent choice for large, heavy doors that are frequently used.
Hinges for interior doors come in a wide variety because these doors have different shapes and sizes. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the most important thing is to know about each type of interior door hinge to choose a product that suits your needs.
2.12. Dual-Action Spring Hinge
One of the best types of interior door hinges is the dual-action spring hinge. This type of hinge cannot be used for gates or external repairs because they cannot withstand the weight of steel or glass doors.
This model is most commonly seen in kitchens and dining rooms. Sometimes it is also used in café doors, swing doors, and swings…
Due to the design of the hinge, they allow the door to swing in both directions. There are two cylinders joined together based on a square leaf. This design creates a complete contrast between it and the external door hinge.
2.13. Butterfly Hinge
The butterfly hinge, also known as the positive and negative hinge, is often used on decorative interior doors.
This hinge cannot lift or support the weight of an external door. On the other hand, its design makes interior doors more stylish and aesthetically pleasing.
Anyone looking to add a bit of flair and sophistication to their living space should consider trying out this hinge. With a basic design resembling a pair of butterfly wings, this hinge can be customized to meet individual needs.
2.14. Bi-Fold Hinge
The Bi-Fold hinge is a bit less common than other door hinges.
In some situations, people may need a hinge with multiple leaves of varying lengths. The Bi-Fold hinge can address that issue.
The Bi-Fold hinge has a design that folds twice. On a single hinge, there are multiple axes that allow the door to move to a greater extent. In some cases, people can even adjust the length of the leaves to serve specific purposes.
2.15. Flag Hinge
The flag hinge is not very common. However, in specific situations, this type of hinge is essential.
- Flag HingeThe flag hinge is often attached to PVC doors. This model has a unique design. Instead of having two hinges attached to a central knuckle, this hinge has one leaf attached to a pin. The hinge is designed to rotate around the pin, allowing it to rotate 360 degrees.3. Considerations When Choosing Hinges for Fire Resistant Steel Doors3.1 Hinge Material
The hinge material varies widely: Alloy (Al+Zn or Atimon), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), reduced iron (Stainless Steel 201), Stainless Steel 304, brass, structural steel, etc.
A hinge for fire-resistant doors is considered to meet standards when it fulfills the following requirements:
- Durable material: resistant to oxidation, rust, corrosion, cracking, breaking, and erosion.
3.2 High Durability
- Serves for a very long period in line with the lifespan of the fire-resistant door and the lifespan of the construction (many constructions last over 100 years).
- Prevents the door from sagging, rubbing against the frame, causing damage to the fire-resistant door and other accessories attached to the door, as well as affecting the lock (the door lock system operates well, and its lifespan depends significantly on the quality of the door).
- High safety: Resists prying (trapping) of the hinge. Skilled burglars often break into houses through the hinge, rather than the door lock, as many people commonly think (safety concerns regarding hinge installation on doors will be discussed in the section on how to install hinges on doors).
- 3.3 Considerations Regarding Material
- Stainless steel hinges are good and do not break, crack, rust, corrode, or oxidize differently (they are not magnetically attracted, but the actual nature is just like reduced iron, still prone to oxidation, rust, breakage, similar to normal iron metal).
- Quality brass is different from poor-quality brass. Poor-quality brass has too much aluminum and zinc mixed with copper, making it prone to breakage, cracking, and poor load-bearing capacity when bending (hanging) the door.
- Stainless steel material, high load-bearing capacity, and high rotational durability.
3.4 Color – Design – Architectural Style
- Dependent on the architectural style of the project. The material, color, and pattern of the fire-resistant door, feng shui of the house will determine which type of hinge is suitable.
3.5 Attention to Color, Design, Architectural Style
- Modern-style constructions (in the U.S., Singapore, etc.) often use hinges with a strong, rigid, sturdy, and modern style.
- Classic-style constructions, those with many lines, cultural elements, and highlights (in France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, etc.), often use copper or patterned hinges.
3.6 Weight of the Fire-Resistant Door Set
- The weight of the fire-resistant door set is calculated based on the moment of force rotating in the vertical direction. The higher or wider the door set, the more compatible the hinge type with the corresponding load.
- There are two standards for commonly used hinges in the Vietnamese market (there are many other standards in different countries) that architects often use.
- 4x3x3: Hinge with a height of 100mm (1 inch), thickness of 3mm (3 layers), and a width of 30mm (3 fractions). Typically used for fire-resistant doors with a height not exceeding 2100mm and a width smaller than 950mm, such as small main doors, regular doors, room doors, toilet doors, windows, etc.
- 5x3x3: Hinge with a height of 130mm (1 inch 3 fractions), thickness of 3mm (3 layers), and a width between hinges of 30mm (3 fractions). Typically used for doors with a height above 2100mm and a width greater than 950mm, such as front doors, main doors, etc.
4. How to Attach Hinges to a Door
When attaching hinges to a door, the installer must pay attention to the following points:
- Check the door frame to see if it is truly square with the base surface (very important).
- Check the fire-resistant door to see if it is truly mitered at the 4 corners (square) and if the horizontal and vertical bars of the door are truly continuous, aligned, and square with each other (not bent, warped, or twisted).
- After checking the above steps, we proceed to the stage of attaching the hinge to the fire-resistant door, hanging it on the frame according to the principle.
- The three hinges must always lie on a straight line (3 collinear points).
- Hinge No. 1 (first hinge) is placed 10 to 12cm from the top of the door, Hinge No. 2 (last hinge on the door) is placed from 10 to 12cm from the bottom of the door, and the remaining hinge (Hinge No. 3) is placed approximately in the middle between Hinge No. 1 and Hinge No. 2.
The information provided above covers hinge options and how to attach hinges to doors. We hope this information can assist customers in choosing the right type of hinge for fire-resistant doors.
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ALUMAX VIETNAM JOINT STOCK COMPANY
Headquater: No.70 Nam Duong str, Thuong Thanh ward, Long Bien distric, Hanoi city.
Hotline: 0961 362 362
Website: www.alux.com.vn