The correct specification of hinges is of vital importance, they are essential for functionality and safety. If other ironmongery components such as locks or door closers were to fail, the door will still operate. If the hinges fail the door will fail.
Whether you’re installing fire-rated doors or maintaining existing hardware, this FAQ provides answers to entry-level, common, and more complex questions about door hinges. Plus, if you’re curious about types of hinges, we’ve got a (very) comprehensive blog to help you out.
Door hinges – the key basics
Q: How do door hinges work?
A: Hinges hang the door within its frame and provide a pivot point for the door to open and close in one direction (single action).
Q: How do saloon door hinges work?
A: These are like butt hinges as they hang the door in its frame but they allow the door to open both ways – this is why they’re also called double swing hinges. They return to the door to the central position after opening.
Q: Can you use a piano hinge on a door?
A: Yes, a piano hinge or continuous hinge can be used on a full height door. Specialist anti-ligature variants can be found in secure facilities as they reduce ligature points. Make sure to select a model that can accommodate the door leaf weight and is the correct height for your door.
Q: What are fire door hinges?
A: Hinges for fire doors are products that have been tested and certified as suitable for use on a fire rated door. Fire doors require a minimum of 3no hinges but ensure you check the door’s test evidence for the rating e.g. FD30, FD60, FD120, how many hinges should be fitted per leaf (heavier doors many need 4no), and their tested fitting positions. Material, design, and size can all vary, but they must be tested for fire resistance and CE marked.
Q: How to choose door hinges?
A: Select a model in the finish you require that works with the door and frame. Check the door weight (including any additional forces from door closers), door leaf thickness, and material. Understand how much use the door will get, the opening angle of the door, any obstacles it might need to open around, frame detail, and internal or external use. Then there are aesthetic decisions and any additional functions e.g. a conductor hinge for access control doors or security hinges for outward opening doors. This should narrow down your options to a few suitable choices.
Hinge installation
Q: Where to put hinges on a door?
A: When hanging a door there are options with where to place the hinges. On a fire rated door, how many you fit, how far apart they are, and the height they should be fitted will all be dictated by the fire test evidence. Three hinges are standard, but some wider/taller doors allow for a fourth hinge.
Common practice on standard timber doors is for the top hinge is installed c.250mm from the top of the door, the bottom hinge c.250mm from the bottom of the door, and the third hinge at an equal distance between them.
Q: Which side of a hinge goes on the door?
A: Hinges have an uneven number of knuckles (3 or 5) and the leaf with the greater number of knuckles should be fitted to the frame. It is not recommended to fit hinges upside down as this would put the fewer knuckles onto the frame rather than the door.
Q: How much weight can door hinges hold?
A: The weight rating of hinges differs across manufacturers and models. BS EN 1935 test door mass grading for single axis hinges starts at 10kg, up to 160kg. For heavier doors, consider a pivot or floor spring. For commercial ball bearing hinges tested to BS EN 1935 Grade 13 a 120kg adjusted door weight is very common.
Q: Do door hinges have to be recessed?
A: With standard butt hinges on timber doors, to keep the gap minimal between the door and the frame, hinges are commonly morticed with a router or chisel. However, door hinges do not always have to be fitted flush with the door and frame – you can install a flush hinge or interleaf hinge which are surface mounting.
Q: Can you adjust door hinges?
A: No, the majority of door hinges are not adjustable. Their fitting position can be moved so the door hangs true, but the products themselves have no adjustment. Some specialist products are available that offer 2D and 3D adjustment.
Q: Can hinges be fitted on the outside of a door?
A: Yes, hinges can be fitted to either side of a door. To secure outward opening doors, install security hinges or separate hinge bolts alongside a heavy duty hinge. Some hinges, such as hook and band hinges are surface mounted, and can also be installed on the outside of a door. For increased security, use anti-tamper screw fixings, and remember to select hinges with an anti-corrosive finish.
Q: Is it easy to replace door hinges?
A: On timber doors, yes, it is easy to replace a hinge as they are likely to be one of two common sizes – 76mm/3” or 102mm/4” high. The key measurements to match are: hinge height, width when open, leaf thickness/gauge, and knuckle diameter.
Door hinge maintenance
Q: How do you clean door hinges?
A: The care and maintenance of door hardware depends on the finish. Bare metal finishes would be treated differently than polished, decorative applied finishes. Manufacturers have specific information on their products which should be followed in the first instance but in general terms these are the basic steps to follow:
• Wipe the hinge over with warm, soapy water using a soft cloth
• Thoroughly dry the hinge
• Reapply lubricant
Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh cleaning products that could strip any protective coating or damage the surface finish. A soft bristled brush can be used to address any build up of grease around the hinge knuckles.
In your own property there are other natural ways to clean ironmongery such as white vinegar, or lemon juice and baking soda but here we’ll stick to commercial scale product maintenance.
Removing rust or paint from a hinge requires a greater level of intervention. Paint can be gently removed with a blade or by the application of a paint stripper. Rust can be removed from a hinge either with sandpaper, a rust-remover solution, or a mix of both depending on the extent of the rust.
Hinges with encapsulated ball or roller bearings can be described as low maintenance so follow product specific care and maintenance guidance.
Q: How do you stop door hinges from rusting?
A: Fitting the right hinge in the right place minimises the chance of rusting e.g. grade 316 stainless steel in coastal areas. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance will also help reduce the opportunity for rust to set in. This will vary per supplier but will always include regular cleaning. Hinges should always be kept dry. And, if they’re in an area prone to rust or damp, consider applying a coat of rust inhibitor.
Q: What is the best lubricant for door hinges?
A: The best lubricants for hinges are silicone spray, white lithium grease, or graphite powder. Manufacturers may have preferences for their products to get the best out of them, so take a look at their literature and use the suggested maintenance products where possible. Avoid oil-based lubricants like WD-40 for long-term solutions, as they can attract dirt.
Appearance
Q: Should door hinges match handles?
A: There is no “should” when it comes to the aesthetics of door hardware. Most often the finish of ironmongery matches across all items – hinges, door handles, closers, kickplates. They don’t have to be exact – you can mix stainless steel hinges with aluminium pull handles for example. But in your private residence, rather than a client’s project or facilities management job, the choice of finishes is up to you – you can match or contrast your hinges and door handles.
Q: How can you hide hinges on a door?
A: The simplest way is to install concealed hinges. Available in a variety of sizes, finishes, and designs, concealed hinges are morticed into the thickness of the door and are invisible when the door is closed. Think secret doors in libraries and hidden entrances in a wall.
Otherwise, aim to match your hinge finish to the surrounding frame, inset the door as far as possible, or apply cladding or moulding to cover the hinges.
A hinge for every door
These frequently asked questions have covered a lot of ground in a short time and have generalised across the entire area of door hinges. So, if you have model or application-specific questions, get in touch with our customer services team today: [email protected] or call on 01305 263300.
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