Wooden Door Hinges - Choosing the Right Hinge Size and Screw Type

Often overlooked and taken for granted, door hinges are an integral part of your home's functionality. But did you know there are several different types of hinges? They are made for specific actions and door styles so it's important to understand the difference when buying or replacing one.

To choose the right size hinge, you will need to determine its mounting location on the door and frame. The hinge mount is where the hinge fastens to the frame and is the key factor in determining how well your door will open and close. It is also important to consider the size of the hinge itself as it may affect how much weight it can support.

You can measure the width of your hinge using a simple ruler or tape measure. You will need to take the measurement across the entire hinge from one end to the other. You can also use a radius gauge, which is a tool designed to measure rounded edges. This will help you to accurately determine the knuckle or barrel width of your hinge.

Wooden door hinges are an essential part of any door or cabinet, so it’s important to select the right type and size. Choosing the wrong ones could cost you time and money in maintenance, repairs and replacements over the years. To make the best decision for your commercial or residential entryway, keep these simple tips in mind:

Consider Your Door’s Thickness

If you have a thick or large door, it’s likely to require a longer hinge than a thinner one. This is because it takes more force to open and close the door.

Choose Your Material

Many of our commercial hinges are available in a variety of materials, each suited to specific applications. For example, aluminum is corrosion- and rust-resistant and lightweight for easy handling; stainless steel is durable and ideal for high-traffic or labeled doors; and bronze provides an attractive, decorative alternative that won’t squeak.

Choose Your Style

A barrel hinge looks like two small, barrel-shaped pieces of brass connected by a knuckle that expands and locks into drilled holes. This hinge is a good choice for light-duty door applications, such as the hinges on chests and cabinets.

A cylinder hinge is completely invisible when the door is closed, as it fits into a series of recessed circular holes in the frame and jamb. These hinges are commonly used on exterior doors and gates at retail, school and hospital sites because they can withstand the heavy weight of repeated abuse.

                            Ball Bearing Hinges For Heavy-Duty Applications

The hinges on your doors are often out of sight, out of mind, but these door hardware essentials make a big difference in how well the door opens and closes. At INF-Hardware, we have a wide selection of hinges in different sizes and finishes, including ball bearing hinges that are ideal for heavy-duty applications.

A standard hinge has two leaves joined together by a pin. A knuckle, which is the portion of the hinge that is visible when the leaves are closed, is attached to one leaf and holds the other in place. The pin can be fixed or removable.

Standard hinges work well for residential and light-duty commercial doors. They can be mortised or surface-mounted. When selecting a hinge for a particular application, be sure to check its load rating to ensure that it can support the door and frame weight.

A ball-bearing hinge features lubricated bearings in the knuckles of the hinge. This eliminates the friction that occurs when a door is opened and closed, which is why these types of hinges are more durable and last longer than standard hinges. Some manufacturers even produce a heavier-duty ball-bearing hinge for the heaviest or widest doors.

door hinges

ball bearing hinges

Wooden door hinges