“I’d like a hinge please”.
“Yes, no problem. What type of hinge?”
“A standard door hinge, for a normal size door”.
“Umm…”
If you sell door hardware, this will be a familiar scenario.
If you buy door hardware, this will also be a familiar scenario and right now you’d be expecting a raft of questions to establish exactly what hinge you need for your project or facility.
And why would these questions be needed? Surely there are only a couple of types of hinge? As with anything in life, it couldn’t be that simple.
In this detailed guide, we'll delve into the various types of hinges available, each tailored for different types of doors and applications. Whether you're a facility manager, a maintenance contractor, or a builder, let us help you understand these common and not-so-common types of hinges.
Table of Contents
● Description: The quintessential type of butt hinge is widely used, and is easy to install and maintain.
● Application: Commonly found on interior and exterior doors and timber windows.
● Features: Comprises two plates connected by a fixed pin. 3 or 5 knuckle variants.
There isn’t one type of butt hinge, there are various bearing types and butt hinges with special features.
Butt hinge bearing types:
Concealed bearing - increased load bearing and aesthetically pleasing.
Hi-load/thrust bearing - visible bearings but with a high load capacity. Disc or bushed bearings.
Ball bearing - large knuckles as it houses ball bearing races. Low friction, quiet operation.
Washered - two common variants are double stainless steel and double phosphor bronze washered hinges. Used on light to medium duty internal doors. Single washered variants are available.
Plain bearing - for lightweight doors as there is no bearing surface between the hinge knuckles.
Butt hinge special features:
Security/dogbolt - for use on outward opening external doors. A security pin protrudes from one leaf and engages with a recess on the other. Should the hinge knuckle joint be forcibly removed, as the hinge leaves are fixed together, the door will remain in the frame, keeping your facility secure.
Anti-ligature/hospital tip - the top and bottom of the knuckle joint are chamfered or angled to reduce ligature points. Used in hospitals and monitored facilities.
Projection/broad butt - used where doors need to open around a reveal, architrave, or obstacle. The depth of throw is dependent on the overall width of the hinge. The greater the throw, the more the hinges project the door out and around the obstacle.
Parliament hinges - perform the same job as a projection hinge (above) but the height of the knuckle joint is reduced. This makes them the more aesthetically appealing choice but they do have reduced load-bearing capacity.
● Description: A variety of designs in different finishes and lengths. Usually unequal leaf sizes with a narrow leaf on the frame and a longer leaf fitted across the face or horizontal bars of the gate.
● Application: Commonly used on barn doors, timber and metal gates, and some exterior doors.
● Features: Provides strength over a large area, suitable for heavier gates and doors.
Common Gate Hinge Types:
Tee hinges - shaped like the letter 'T' and drilled for screw fixing. Often seen on garden gates, shed doors, and exterior applications. Decorative tee hinges can be used on internal doors in traditional properties. Black, beeswax, or pewter tee hinges work well on interior ledge and brace doors, installed with a thumblatch.
Hook and band hinges - straight and cranked versions available, fixed with coach bolts and screws. The long band has an enclosed hook on one end that sits on the top of a pin. The pin is fixed to a plate which in turn can be fixed to a timber upright, or driven or built into a wall. They’re also referred to as coach hinges or hook and ride hinges. Hook and band hinges when both fitted in the same orientation allow for the gate or door to be lifted off if required.
Reversible gate hinges - similar to hook and band hinges, they have a long strap with a fixed pin but it is fixed by two decorative cups. They’re ideal for heavy gates and doors that don’t require to be lifted off or removed.
Adjustable gate hinges - like a hook and band hinge in appearance but include nut adjustment. This allows for the the gate to be adjusted so it hangs true.
Strap hinges - like a tee hinge, they are characterized by their long arms resembling straps. Unlike a tee hinge, they have two equal length arms. Check sizes when ordering as the measurements are usually per leaf, not overall width as per a butt hinge.
A good rule of thumb for a wide gate is for hinges to extend at least one-third of the way across the width. If the gate or door is tall, consider fitting a third hinge.
When hanging a pedestrian gate or door on these types of hinges, the best practice is for the hinge to extend halfway to two-thirds across the width.
● Description: Standard or scissor type mechanisms for UPVC, timber, and metal windows.
● Application: For side hung and top hung casement windows and fanlights.
● Features: Concealed window hinge variants with options for restricted opening or emergency egress.
Common Window Hinge Types:
Butt hinges - a traditional yet visible way of hanging timber casement windows. Used in conjunction with a casement stay, to hold the window open in predesignated positions.
Stormproof hinges - used predominantly on timber windows with a stormproof section. They have 90° cranked leaves that close together with no gap. This ensures a minimal gap between the window and the frame.
Friction hinges - hold the window open at an angle using friction.
Differing lengths to suit window widths and weights. Sold in pairs. Top hung or side hung variants for UPVC, aluminium, and timber windows. Available with egress, easy clean, or opening restriction.
● Description: Similar in appearance to a butt hinge but they allow the door to be lifted off of the lower frame portion of the hinge. Also known as journal support hinges
● Application: For areas requiring ease of access. These removable hinges allow for doors in corridors or into storage spaces to be quickly and easily removed.
● Features: A 2-knuckle hinge with either a single or double pin. Washered and non-washered variants. Handed for clockwise or anti-clockwise closing doors.
Lift off ball hinges are available, often called Solifer hinges.
● Description: A 2-part hinge that will either provide some self closing (rising butt hinge) or allows a door to naturally fall open (falling butt hinge).
● Application: Often found in bathroom cubicles. Preparation is required at the top of the door for rising butt hinges.
● Features: Handed units for clockwise or anti-clockwise closing. Rising butt hinges will pull a door closed with a low force, providing privacy and a clean aesthetic. Falling butt hinges allow a door to fall open, showing the availability of a WC.
● Description: Similar to a plain bearing butt hinge but with a removable central pin. Various finishes available to match your door hardware.
● Application: For lightweight internal doors that are not security doors, and may need to be removed for ease of access.
● Features: A cost effective way to hang doors, typically residential interior doors. Lightweight with a slim knuckle and button tipped pin.
The standard alternatives to loose pin hinges are fixed pin and non-removable pin hinges.
● Description: These hinges are hidden when the door is closed, offering a sleek and invisible appearance.
● Application: Perfect for modern interior doors, cabinet doors, and furniture. Check door thickness and door weight before selecting the right model.
● Features: Completely concealed, ensuring an unobtrusive finish. Fire rated options and a variety of finishes and sizes are available.
● Description: These pivots allow rotation around a single point, rather than fixed at the side as with heavy duty hinges. They allow a door to open both ways.
● Application: Ideal for overlay doors, large panels, jib doors, and heavier internal doors. Commonly found on breakout WC doors.
● Features: Mounted at the top and bottom, offering a different aesthetic and functionality. Side load, end load, and double action pivot hinges are available.
● Description: Self-closing action; when the door is opened, the spring mechanism returns it to the closed position.
● Application: Single and double action doors that require self-closing, without using a controlled door closer. Often seen on saloon doors.
● Features: Large barrels instead of jointed knuckles. The tensions of the internal springs can be adjusted.
● Description: These long, continuous hinges run the full length of the door. Available in different gauges, materials, widths, and finishes.
● Application: Suitable for heavy doors through to cabinets, providing even support.
● Features: Distributes weight along the entire door length.
● Description: A 2-piece hinge with integral wires for the concealed transfer of power to the door from the frame.
● Application: Use as a middle hinge of three when installing access control, electric locks, or air transfer grilles.
● Features: Typically carry 24V, load bearing, low maintenance, and a maximum current per conductor of 2amp. Fire rated models available.
Kitchen cabinet hinges are a different beast from a traditional cupboard hinge so see no.24 below for cabinet hinges (small butt-type hinges) for use on joinery and cabinetry.
● Description: An uneven leaf hinge with mounting plate.
● Application: For overlay and inset kitchen cabinet doors.
● Features: Bore-in or overlay hinges. Different opening angles, mounting plates, cover caps, and door thicknesses. Functions include soft close and push to open.
● Description: An equal leaf hinge with small knuckles that only protrude on one side of the hinge leaves.
● Application: Table flaps and box lids.
● Features: Provides a flat surface once installed so tables or boxes can open all of the way without hindrance.
● Description: The reverse of a backflap hinge but it is still an equal leaf hinge with a knuckle that only protrudes on one side of the hinge leaves.
● Application: Counterflaps, tabletops, and countertops.
● Features: Provides a flat surface once morticed into the counter, allowing objects to be placed on top.
● Description: Named after their shape - ‘H’ and ‘HL’ hinges are plain bearing, traditional in design and manufacture.
● Application: Smaller versions for joinery and cabinetry, larger versions for traditional wooden ledge and brace doors.
● Features: Ornamental or square-ended designs in a variety of finishes. HL hinges have a horizontal protruding arm for reinforcing the panels or uprights of the door.
● Description: A strap-design ball and socket hinge, traditionally made from cast iron but also available in steel, brass, and stainless steel.
● Application: For use on doors and gates on period properties.
● Features: Charles Collinge hinges are available in a wide range of sizes. They’re comprised of one long horizontal leaf with a narrow cup plate for mounting to the frame.
● Description: An uneven leaf hinge where the smaller leaf opens and closes back into the larger leaf.
● Application: A quick-fixing non-mortice option for full sized lightweight doors and cupboards. Called flush hinges as the leaves lie flat together.
● Features: Loose or fixed pin models. Various sizes and finishes, some with locating lugs on the knuckle providing easy alignment when fitting.
● Description: Also known as offset hinges, one or both leaves are cranked.
● Application: Full sized doors that need to open past the line of the frame, in areas that require a clear and wide opening to provide ease of access.
● Features: Various sizes and finishes to suit different door weights and styles. Fire door versions available.
● Description: Similar to swing clear hinges, with double or single cranked leaves.
● Application: Smaller doors, windows, and gates where additional clearance is required.
● Features: A wide range of designs for timber and metal doors and gates. Drilled for face fixing. Includes cranked flush hinge options.
Like cranked hinges, there are a huge number of different adjustable hinges, including gate hinges as we’ve already mentioned.
● Description: Butt-type hinges, concealed hinges, or surface mounted models. Hinges for UPVC, timber, and composite doors and gates.
● Application: For inward and outward opening doors and gates. Providing flexible installation, versatility in use, and adjustment during maintenance.
● Features: 2D, 3D, and 4D variants. Mode of adjustment is dependent on hinge models and brands e.g. allen key, nut, or screwdriver.
Butt, lift off, piano, bullet, tee, flag - nearly every hinge type can be provided in a weldable form.
● Description: Highly secure compared to screw fixing hinges. Durable and heavy duty weldable materials, with a variety of hinge types.
● Application: Metal doors, gates, storage containers and units, vehicles, and trailers.
● Features: Plain leaves of varying shapes and dimensions. No screw or bolt fixings. Marine application hinges have a brass pin to minimise rust.
● Description: Trestle joint hinge, trestle table hinge, pasting table hinge - all refer to this equal leaf hinge that has a rotating, scissor-like opening action.
● Application: Pasting and trestle tables, A-boards and frames.
● Features: Two long, flat, equal length leaves with one central pivot point. Different length hinges in a variety of finishes to suit different table and board sizes.
● Description: A huge range of designs, sizes, and finishes. The narrow leaf fits onto the frame.
● Application: From lightweight cabinets, doors, and furniture, to storage solutions, heavy shutters, and gates.
● Features: The common feature is two leaves of differing lengths, sizes, or shapes.
There are nearly as many varieties of cabinet and cupboard hinges as there are door hinges. We’ve already covered kitchen cabinet hinges above, see no.11. This section covers joinery-style cabinets and storage unit hinges.
● Description: Small, decorative hinges with equal leaves. Can appear similar to a butt hinge, trestle hinge, or a mortice type such as barrel hinges.
● Application: Timber cupboards, boxes, doll houses, cabinetry, desk tops, and cabinets.
● Features: Typically with a low load bearing capacity, in a wide range of finishes and designs as they’re usually visible.
Well-known Cupboard Hinge Types:
Snake hinges - so called because of their twisting, serpentine design. Ideal for narrow cabinet doors.
Butterfly/half butterfly hinges - when fully open the leaves echo the pattern of a butterfly’s wings. Often used on boxes due to their decorative patterning.
Barrel hinges - compact and concealed, great for small cabinets, decorative boxes, and lightweight doors. When installed, only the barrel joint is visible, offering a neat finish.
How long have you got to read about specialist hinges, as we could be here a while?
Don’t worry, we won’t put you through that as it’s a whole niche area under the umbrella of hinges but here is a flavour of what is out there to explore:
● Glass door hinges
● UPVC door/flag hinges
● Partition hinges
● Hinge systems such as BAKA from Simonswerk
● Modular hinges
● Locker and cabinet specific hinges
● Wrap around cabinet hinges
● Westgate hinges
● Reinforced hinges
● Desk and card table hinges
● Butler’s tray hinges (an old favourite of some Door Controls Direct staff!)
The selection of the appropriate hinge type depends on various factors. They include the weight of the door or gate, frequency of use, and the desired aesthetic. For instance, heavy or large doors in commercial settings may require heavy-duty hinges or hi-load hinges, while interior doors in residential properties are often fitted with loose pin or plain bearing hinges.
Remember, the right hinge not only supports the door's weight but also contributes significantly to the door's overall performance and appearance. If your door is already hung on some standard issue butt hinges, you can easily retrofit hinge fronts for an additional decorative element.
Fire door hinges are available in many types, sizes, designs, and finishes. Simply ensure you install the correct number of hinges, in the tested positions, with intumescent hinge pads where required. Look for the CE mark too. Ensure the hinge capacity can accommodate the adjusted door weight, not just the weight of the door leaf.
If you made it this far, well done. You deserve some recognition, and likely an eye break.
As you’ve seen there is a wealth of door hinge types. Understanding them is key to ensuring the functionality and longevity of your doors. Whilst this isn’t an exhaustive list, we think it’s pretty darn comprehensive, and certainly covers the main door hinges, and a few window hinges for good measure.
This guide aims to be a valuable and informative resource, helping you navigate the world of door hinges with confidence.
Whilst this guide has covered the types of hinges, we haven’t touched on:
● Classification, certification, testing, and grading
● Drilling patterns
● Finishes and decorative details such as finials
● Material and processes
After reading this far, we wouldn’t put you through that, but they can impact the choice you make for your built environment.
As you close the door on this guide, equipped with the knowledge to choose the right hinge, remember that our team at Door Controls Direct is always ready to assist with any further details or specific queries, ensuring your door hardware choices are as precise and reliable as the hinges that support them.
Get in touch today:
T: 01305 263300
Code: HB1548SS
These ZOO Grade 13 ball bearing hinges are CE marked and suitable for FD30 and FD60 fire rated doors. Select from the finishes below using the drop down menu.
Hinges are sold as singles, not pairs, complete with fixings.
100+
IN STOCK
Code: HB1568SS
The ARRONE AR8187 Grade 13 Ball Bearing Fire Door Hinges are high performance, low friction ball-bearing hinges. They are BS EN 1935: 2002 Grade 13, fire-rated, and suitable for a maximum adjusted door weight of up to 120kg.
Select either square or radiused corners.
Hinges are sold as singles, not pairs, complete with fixings.
100+
IN STOCK
Code: HB1506SS
The Eurospec HIW13215 Stainless Steel Washered Butt Hinge is available in two finishes and is supplied complete with fixings.
59
IN STOCK
Code: HB1106SB-DPBW
A range of Simonswerk Double Phosphor Bronze Washered Brass Hinges that are suitable for use on medium weight flush doors. Hinges are sold as singles, not pairs.
OUT OF STOCK
Code: HB2355SS
A Stormproof Hinge Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel with a satin stainless steel finish stormproof timber casement hinge. Hinges are sold individually, complete with fixings.
95
IN STOCK
Code: HB2345BZ
The Perry 1951 Stormproof Hinge is a bright zinc plate finish stormproof timber casement hinge.
21
IN STOCK
Code: CH10645
The Chameleon range of friction hinges are available for side hung or top hung applications, in a variety of sizes. All friction hinges are supplied as pairs.
7
IN STOCK
Code: HB1668SS/L
The ARRONE radiused lift off hinges are sold as singles, complete with fixings. Select either left hand or right hand from the drop down menu.
100+
IN STOCK
Code: HB2018SS/L
Satin stainless steel Rising Butt Hinge measuring 102mm x 76mm. This type of hinge is used to aid doors in self closing so ideal to fit in cubicles. Hinges are sold as singles, not pairs, complete with fixings.
19
IN STOCK
Code: HB1468SS
The Royde & Tucker H102 Hi-Load Steel Hinges are sold as singles, not pairs, complete with fixings. Select from square or radiused corners and BZP or satin stainless steel finish.
100+
IN STOCK
Code: HB1590SS
The ARRONE AR8580 Fire Rated Grade 13 Concealed Bearing Hinge is a fully concealed, maintenance free, low friction hinge.
Hinges are supplied as singles, not pairs, complete with fixings.
OUT OF STOCK
Code: HB3002SS
The Royde & Tucker H131-100 Double Action Door Pivot Hinge Set is a door pivot which allows doors to open in both directions.
12
IN STOCK
Code: ZGZ125146
The GEZE 125146 Double Action Pivot Set is for use on timber doors and can be used in conjunction with the GEZE Boxer door closers. Select from fire rated or non-fire rated options.
20
IN STOCK
Code: DCAX9500-17
The Axim TC-9500-17 bottom door pivot is for use with the TC-9900 series transom door closers. It is fully adjustable, and is supplied with fixings.
9
IN STOCK
Code: HB1066SC
The Carlisle Brass FTD800D Cabinet Hinge is a non-washered cabinet hinge. Choose from one of three finishes. Hinges are sold as singles, not pairs, complete with fixings.
83
IN STOCK
Code: HB1053SB
A range of Simonswerk brass butt hinges that are suitable for use on cabinets and lightweight flush doors and windows. Hinges are sold as singles, not pairs, complete with fixings. Choose from one of five sizes.
OUT OF STOCK
Code: HB1728SC
A Heritage Brass HG99 Strong Brass Parliament Hinge, available in polished and satin chrome. Hinges are sold as singles, not pairs, complete with fixings.
15
IN STOCK
Code: HB1728PB
A Heritage Brass HG99 Strong Brass Parliament Hinge, in a polished brass finish. Hinges are sold as singles, not pairs, complete with fixings.
6
IN STOCK
Code: XB8451XX
These Intumescent Hinge Pads are made from black graphite and suit 100mm/4" hinges.
Sold as either:
A pack of 6 plates to suit 3no hinges
or
Single units, where 2 intumescent hinge plates would be required to install with 1no hinge.
100+
IN STOCK
Code: HB1578SS
The Eurospec HIN1433HT Stainless Steel Anti-Ligature Hinges are ball bearing butt hinges with an anti-ligature hospital tip for optimum door safety. Sold as singles.
68
IN STOCK
Code: IB3822SA
The Raven RP62 Finger Guard is for installation to the front, hinge cavity side of a hinged door, whether left or right hand opening.
5
IN STOCK
Code: HB1588SS
The Eurospec HIN1433SEC Stainless Steel Ball Bearing Security Hinges are supplied as singles, complete with fixings. Select from square or radiused corners.
59
IN STOCK
Code: XB8452XX/SA
These 1mm self adhesive graphite intumescent hinge pads are for installation with 100mm/4" fire door hinges.
2no pads are required per hinge.
100+
IN STOCK
Code: HB18102SS
The Eurospec H2N14 is a heavy duty Grade 13 stainless steel parliament hinge. Sold as singles. Select the size and finish you need from the below menus.
43
IN STOCK
Code: IB3719WE
The Little Fingers heavy duty hinge jamb finger guard is available to suit either the front or rear side of hinged and pivot doors, whether left hand or right hand opening.
58
IN STOCK
Code: HB1166PB
A Double Phosphor Bronze Washered Hinge for longevity. Available in two different sizes. Hinges are sold as singles, not pairs, complete with fixings.
100+
IN STOCK
Code: XB8491XX
These intumescent hinge pads are made of mono ammonium phosphate and suit the AR8680/AR8380/AR8780 hinges.
Sold as a pack of 6 plates for 3no hinges.
27
IN STOCK
Code: HB1568EB
The Eurospec HIN1433 Grade 13 Plated Ball Bearing Hinge is an electro-plated brass finish ball bearing butt hinge measuring 102mm x 76mm . CE marked.
Hinges are sold as singles, not pairs, complete with fixings.
OUT OF STOCK
Code: HB1516SS
The Eurospec HIP1332 Plain Stainless Steel Butt Hinge is non-washered, complete with fixings.
69
IN STOCK
Code: HB1566SS
This Eurospec ENDURO HIN13225 Grade 11 Ball Bearing Hinge is sold as singles, not pairs, complete with fixings.
100+
IN STOCK
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