What are the types of hinges? What are the types of hinges? What are the tips for choosing hinges?

Hinges are essential devices used to connect and rotate doors, covers, or other swinging parts. With a broad range of hinge types available, including ordinary hinges, pipe hinges, door hinges, and more, it's important to understand their characteristics and select the right one for your needs. In this article, we will delve into the types of hinges and provide expert tips to help you make an informed decision when choosing hinges for your project.

Types of Hinges:

1. Ordinary Hinges:

Ordinary hinges are commonly used for cabinet doors, windows, and regular doors. Made of iron, copper, or stainless steel, these hinges do not possess spring functionality. It is advisable to install touch beads along with ordinary hinges to prevent door panels from being blown by the wind.

2. Pipe Hinges (Spring Hinges):

Also known as spring hinges, these hinges are primarily used for connecting furniture door panels. They typically require a panel thickness of 16-20mm. Made of galvanized iron or zinc alloy, pipe hinges feature an adjustable screw that allows for height and thickness modification of the panel. Moreover, pipe hinges offer the flexibility to match the desired opening angle of cabinet doors, including angles like 90-degree, 127-degree, 144-degree, and 165-degree.

3. Door Hinges:

Door hinges are categorized into common type hinges and bearing type hinges. Common type hinges have been previously mentioned, while bearing type hinges are further divided into copper and stainless steel options. Copper bearing hinges are widely used due to their attractive appearance, moderate price, and inclusion of accompanying screws.

4. Other Hinges:

Additional hinge options include glass hinges, countertop hinges, and flap hinges. Glass hinges are specifically designed for frameless glass cabinet doors, accommodating glass thicknesses up to 5-6mm.

Expert Tips for Choosing Hinges:

When purchasing hinges, consider the following tips:

1. Observe the Unfolding Process:

Check how the hinge unfolds horizontally. A high-quality hinge will unfold slowly, ensuring a smooth and controlled closing motion without impacting the door frame. On the other hand, hinges that unfold too quickly or with difficulty may indicate lower quality.

2. Inspect the Surface Material:

Ensure that the hinge's surface is flat, without any scratches or deformations, as these could indicate substandard product quality. Additionally, examine the surface treatment by lightly scratching it to check for a yellow copper layer. If black water stains are present, it suggests a thin or improper electroplating layer, compromising the hinge's overall quality.

3. Consider Material Quality:

Copper and stainless steel are popular materials for hinges due to their durability and strength. When opting for copper hinges, note that a yellower hue implies higher copper content and superior quality. Additionally, high-quality hinges generally have a thickness of about 3mm, which ensures both sturdiness and longevity.

The wide range of hinge options, including ordinary hinges, pipe hinges, door hinges, and specialized variants like glass hinges, present ample choices for various applications. By considering essential factors such as the unfolding process, surface material condition, and material quality, you can confidently select the right hinges for your project, ensuring functionality, longevity, and aesthetic appeal.