Door hinges and hinges

Difference between door hinge and bolt

We call the axis on which a door rotates a hinge or hinge . The main difference between one and the other is that the hinge is divisible and the hinge is not . This divisibility makes the hinges easy to handle and depending on whether the door opens right or left, you will need right or left opening hinges. On the other hand, the hinges are not divisible and will be used for doors with any opening side: right and left.

The hinge sector is large and complex. It depends on the material, door, intended use, legal requirements, installation method, opening method and closing method . You will need one model or another and the installation will also be in a specific way. Let's see the types of hinges that are in the sector, so that you can learn to identify which one you need and how to install it.

The kitchen door hinge

Kitchen door hinges , that is, hinges for furniture and cabinets, are always special and specific. Depending on the millimeters of difference and the opening angles, you will need one model or another. Normally, in kitchens there are 3 types of hinges most seen and installed :

1. Piston hinge

The piston hinge is a type of gas-operated hinge. It is typical to see it installed on folding and lifting kitchen doors and its function is to help raise the door or stop its descent so that it does not hit the furniture. There are piston hinges with different opening and closing forces and depending on the weight of the door you need, one model or another will depend on the weight of the door.

2. Cup hinge

Cup hinges are the most common type of hinge on kitchen doors. The best sellers are known as straight, angled and super angled hinges and taking into account the type of door and its closing position, you should choose the correct model.

3. Hinge for folding and lifting doors

There are also doors that open vertically. These doors usually open with spring-loaded hinge arms that help lift the door and keep it in the position you need.

The wooden door hinge

Wooden doors can have either a hinge or a hinge as the pivot axis . The hinge allows for easier installation as well as quick assembly and disassembly. Instead, the hinge has to be placed on both sides at the same time (unless you have a bar that removes the hinge). In addition, the hinges can be installed on right- and left-opening doors interchangeably, while the hinges can be either for right-opening doors or left-opening doors . We generally recommend opting for hinges when it comes to simple entry doors made of wood. The hinge is well priced and easy for anyone to install .

On the other hand, when we talk about hinges for wooden doors, we find numerous different types and models . These are some of the most typical:

1. Hidden Door Hinges

This type of invisible hinges are an option whenever it comes to delicate interior design projects where taking care of detail, elegance and harmony is essential. This type of hinge is important to understand well its function, the way it is installed and the characteristics that your doors must have in order to be able to place a hidden hinge on them. Invisible hinges have sophisticated mechanisms such as an integrated brake system or the option to adjust the opening.

2. Booklet hinges

Booklet hinges are a type of hinge widely installed on wooden doors. These consist of two parts joined by a central axis whose function is simple: opening and closing the door.

3. Piano hinges

Piano hinges are elongated booklet hinges that run along the entire edge of the door. They can measure anything although the standard measurement is one meter.

Other types of door hinges

Although the above hinges are the best sellers, there are also other types of hinges such as stainless steel hinges for exterior doors, hinges for heavy iron doors, hinges for armored doors or hinges for pivoting doors .

Hinges for aluminum doors

Aluminum is a type of highly processed material, especially when it comes to doors that face the outside. Typically, windows and exterior doors are fire-rated and usually have special type of hardware and hinges. Furthermore, unlike wood, which is a material that can be easily worked and adapted, aluminum has the measurements and dimensions it has and therefore the hinge has to be of exact measurements as it fits into the frame.

Hinges for heavy doors

Heavy door hinges are larger and longer hinges than normal. These overlap the door and cover a large part of it. They are used for heavy gates and exterior doors. Their installation is carried out using screws and they are manufactured to withstand a high intensity of use .

Hinges for glass or screen doors

Finally, within the world of hinges, there are hinges for glass doors . This is simply characterized by being a hinge with rubber or silicone protection that holds the glass by exerting pressure on it.

How to know if you need a right or left-hand hinge