Door hinge related knowledge guide

What is a door hinge?

A door hinge is a metal fitting used to connect the door frame to the door flap, allowing the door flap to open and close smoothly. They usually consist of two interconnected metal pieces, one attached to the door frame and the other attached to the door fan. Through the collaborative work of these two components, the door hinge not only keeps the door stable, but also controls the opening and closing direction and Angle of the door.

There are a wide variety of door hinges, designed for different door types, loads and use environments. Common door hinge materials include stainless steel, copper, aluminum, etc., and different materials of hinges have different durability and aesthetics. In addition, in order to meet the needs of safety and aesthetics, door hinges may also include features such as anti-theft function, self-closing function or decorative design.

How to measure door hinges?

Measuring door hinges is a relatively simple but precise process, and the key is to ensure that the new hinges fit perfectly into the door and door frame. Here are the steps to measure a door hinge:

1. Remove old hinges (if any) : If you are replacing an existing door hinge, you first need to remove the old hinges from the door. Use a screwdriver or drill to remove the hinges from the door and door frame.
2. Measure the hinge size:

• Length and width: Use a tape measure to measure the length and width of the old hinge or hinge slot. Make sure to measure the internal dimensions, that is, the area where the metal parts actually touch.
• Thickness: Measure the thickness of the hinge, especially the space occupied by the hinge when the door is closed. This is essential to ensure that the door opens and closes smoothly.

3. Measure the screw hole position: Record the screw hole position to ensure that the hole position of the new hinge can be aligned. You can place the old hinge on paper, trace the screw holes with a pencil, and then place the new hinge on top of it.
4. Determine the hinge type: Select the appropriate hinge type according to the type and weight of the door. For example, a heavy duty door may require a more robust ball bearing hinge, while an internal light duty door may be suitable for a regular butt welded hinge.

What is a standard door hinge?

Standard door hinges refer to those types of door hinges commonly used in most residential and commercial buildings that are designed to meet the basic functional needs of a general door. These standard hinges usually have the following characteristics:

Size:

• Standard door hinges are typically 3.5 inches (for residential doors) to 4.5 inches (for heavier commercial doors). The size selection depends on the weight of the door and the frequency of use.

Material:

• Most standard hinges are made of steel or stainless steel, which are durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. In some cases, such as coastal or humid environments, copper or brass materials may be used to resist corrosion.

Type:

• Butt welded hinge: The most common type of hinge, suitable for most residential doors.
• Ball bearing hinge: Suitable for heavy doors and high frequency doors, ball bearings can reduce friction and make the door smoother.

Functionality:

• Some standard hinges may have additional features such as automatic closing function, anti-theft design, or adjustability to suit specific needs and preferences.

Installation:

• Standard hinges are typically designed to be easy to install and fit into most doors and frames, making replacement and repair relatively simple.

What is a standard door hinge?

Standard door hinges refer to those that comply with common use standards and building codes and are suitable for most residential and commercial doors. These hinges are designed to meet the durability, functionality and safety requirements of everyday use. Here are a few key features:

Dimensions and specifications:

• For residential doors, common standard hinge sizes are 3.5 inches to 4 inches.
• For heavier or commercial doors, the hinge size may be larger, usually 4.5 inches or larger.

Materials:

• Most standard hinges are made of steel, stainless steel or brass. Stainless steel and brass have good corrosion resistance and are suitable for wet or special environments.

Type:

• Flat hinge: The most common type of hinge, suitable for most standard doors.
• Ball bearing hinge: Contains ball bearings to reduce friction, suitable for heavy doors and frequently used places.
• Spring hinge: with self-closing function, suitable for doors that need to be kept normally closed.

Installation:

• Standard hinge designs are often designed with ease of installation in mind to accommodate a variety of door frames and materials.

How many hinges does each door have?

The number of hinges required on each door depends mainly on the size, weight and frequency of use of the door. Here are some general guidelines:

Standard home doors: Most standard interior home doors usually use two hinges. This applies to light to medium weight doors that are about 80 inches (about 203 cm) in height and between 24 and 36 inches (about 61 to 91 cm) in width.

Heavy or exterior doors: For heavier wooden doors or security doors, as well as most exterior doors, three hinges are usually used. This adds extra support, helps withstand greater weight and wind pressure, and prevents the door frame from deforming.

Oversized or extra-heavy doors: Very large or extra-heavy doors, such as large security doors or decorative heavier doors, may require four or more hinges to provide the necessary support and stability.

Height and weight rules:

• In general, for every 20 inches (about 50 cm) increase in the height of the door, you may need to add a hinge.
• If the door is very heavy, it may also be necessary to add additional hinges to distribute the weight and ensure the normal use and life of the door.

How do I replace the hinges on my door?

1. Prepare tools and materials:

• Fresh hinge
• Screwdriver or electric screwdriver
• Other tools may be needed, such as hammer, chisel (for adjusting the notch of the door frame)

2. Remove the door:

• Support the door to prevent it from falling or tilting.
• Use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the screws holding the hinge one by one.
• Gently lift the door away from the frame.

3. Remove old hinges:

• If the new hinge is the same size and hole position as the old hinge, the old hinge can be removed directly.
• If the size or hole position of the new hinge is different from that of the old hinge, slight adjustments may be needed, such as expanding or filling the original notch.

4. Install new hinges:

• Place the new hinge in the proper position on the door frame and door.
• Use new screws to secure the hinges (if using old screws, make sure they are undamaged and fit the new hinges).
• Make sure the hinges are flat and the screws are tight.

5. Rehook the door:

• Put the door back in the frame and align the hinges.
• Insert and tighten the remaining screws of the hinge.
• Make sure the door can be opened and closed freely without friction or obstruction.

6. Check and adjust:

• Check that the door is level and aligned with the door frame when closed.
• If necessary, adjust the hinge position or tighten the screws to ensure a smooth and smooth closing of the door.

How to lubricate door hinges?

1. Choose the right lubricant:

• Use a lubricant specifically designed for hinges, such as silicon-based lubricant, WD-40, or white lithium grease. These lubricants can effectively penetrate the joint of the hinge without absorbing dust and dirt.

2. Prepare the workspace:

• Clean the work area to ensure that there is no dust and dirt in and around the door hinges.
• A cloth or paper can be placed under the hinge to catch excess lubricant and prevent the floor from staining.

3. Clean the hinges:

• Use a cloth or brush to remove dust and dirt from the hinges.
• If there is stubborn dirt, you can first use a small amount of WD-40 spray to help clean.

4. Apply lubricants:

• Lightly spray lubricant on the moving parts of the hinge, especially the pins and joints of the hinge.
• Make sure the lubricant covers all moving parts evenly.

5. Operate the door to distribute the lubricant:

• After lubrication, open and close the door several times to help the lubricant better penetrate the inside of the hinge.
• This ensures that the lubricant covers every corner of the hinge, improving the effect.

6. Clean up excess lubricant:

• Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off excess lubricant to prevent dripping or catching dust.

How to clean door hinges?

1. Prepare cleaning tools:

• Soft cloth or sponge
• Cleaner (can use mild soapy water or special metal cleaner)
• Soft brush (such as an old toothbrush)
• Clean, dry cloth

2. Remove the hinge (optional) :

• If the hinge is very dirty or already rusty, it may need to be completely removed from the door for a thorough cleaning.
• Use a screwdriver to remove the screws from the hinge, then gently remove the hinge.

3. Remove dust and dirt:

• Use a dry cloth or soft brush to remove dust and loose dirt from the hinge and surrounding area.
• Make sure every corner of the hinge is cleaned, especially the hard-to-reach gaps.

4. Use cleaner to clean the hinges:

• Apply mild soapy water or metal cleaner to the hinges.
• Use a soft brush to lightly brush the hinge, especially the turning part of the hinge and the setting screw area.
• For stubborn dirt or oil, it may take several cleanings to completely remove it.

5. Wash hinges:

• If the hinge is removed, it can be gently rinsed under the faucet to remove all cleaning agents and loose dirt.
• If the hinge is not removed, wipe it carefully with a damp cloth to ensure that no cleaning agent is left behind.

6. Dry hinge:

• Use a clean dry cloth to thoroughly dry the hinges.
• Make sure the hinges are completely dry to prevent rust.

7. Lubricate hinges (recommended) :

• After cleaning, lubricated hinges can help prevent rust and ensure the door opens and closes smoothly.
• Gently apply the moving part of the hinge with the appropriate lubricant.

How to adjust old cabinet door hinges?

Adjusting old cabinet door hinges can help solve door alignment problems, such as sinking door, uneven with cabinet, or loose closing. Vintage cabinet door hinges may not have all the adjustment features of modern hinges, but usually at least some basic adjustments can be made to improve the door’s position and operation. Here are the steps to adjust the hinges of an old cabinet door:

Determine adjustment needs:

• Observe the problem with the cabinet door. Is the door crooked? Is there friction? Does the door not close completely?
• Determine if you need to go up, down, left, right, or adjust the door compaction.

Prepare tools:

• Get a screwdriver, usually older hinges may require a flat-head or Phillips screwdriver.

Loosen the hinge screws:

• Gently loosen the screws holding the hinges to the cabinet or door, but do not remove them completely. This allows you to adjust the position of the door.

Adjust the position of the door:

• Move the door up, down, left, and right as needed. If the door is sinking, try raising the hinge position of the door slightly.
• If the gap between the door and the cabinet is uneven, it can be improved by adjusting the lateral position of the hinge.

Adjust the closure of the door:

• If the hinge has adjusting screws to control the closing force, these screws can be tightened or loosened to make the door close tighter or looser.
• For older hinges without obvious adjustment screws, it may be necessary to fine-tune the door’s compression by physically moving the hinge’s position.

Fastening screws:

• Once the door is in the desired position, re-tighten all loosened screws to ensure the hinges are securely secured.
• Check that the door is open and closed smoothly to ensure that there is no friction or blockage.

Test and adjust again (if necessary) :

• Test the opening and closing function of the door to ensure that the door can be opened and closed smoothly and in the correct position.
• If there is still a problem, repeat the above adjustment process until a satisfactory result is achieved.