Hinges: Types, Uses, Suppliers and more

A hinge is a commonly used connecting device, which is used to connect two plates or panels so that they can move relative to each other within a certain angle. It is commonly used in various applications such as doors, windows, furniture, and electrical appliances. According to the structural form, hinges are mainly divided into flat fan hinges, inner and outer door hinges, vertical hinges, flat hinges, folding hinges, etc. Each hinge has its specific use, so different types of hinges need to be selected to meet the needs in different occasions.

Hinges Types

1. Butt hinges - The most common type. They have two flat plates that meet at a pivot point. Used for doors, cabinet doors, gates, etc.
2. Tee hinges - Similar to butt hinges but have a third piece that joins the two plates at a right angle. Provides more support.
3. Wraparound/full overlay hinges - Plates wrap fully around the door edge. Used for doors where you want the hinge to be hidden.
4. Pivot hinges - Plates pivot around a central post. Allows a door/gate to swing open 270-360 degrees. Used for patio doors.
5. Continuous/piano hinges - A continuous strip of material folded zigzag. Pinless so provides maximum support over full length. Used for cabinet doors.
6. Flag hinges - Hinge leaves form an L-shape. Pinless so leaves can be offset for specific angles. Used for furniture tops.
7. Lid hinges - Small, lightweight hinges to hold lids on boxes/jewelry boxes at precise angles.
8. Spring hinges - Hinge with a spring mechanism that holds the door/lid open at specific angles. Used for cabinet doors.
9. Concealed hinges - Leaves completely concealed when closed to provide a seamless look. Used for furniture/cabinets.
10. Flush bolts - Not a true hinge but mounts flush and secures movable panels closed. Used for gates, and interior doors.

Hinges Use

The flat leaf hinge is mainly used for the connection of doors. It has a simple and firm structure and can withstand large torques. It is suitable for large doors and heavy door leaves. The inner and outer door hinges are suitable for the situation where the door leaf needs to be opened inwards or outwards. You can choose to open left or right according to your needs, which is convenient to use. Vertical hinges are usually used on furniture, bags, and other items that need to be supported and fixed, which can make the connection more stable and firm. Casement hinges are usually used in applications such as windows, walls, and ceilings, which can achieve smooth opening and closing, and have high sealing and sound insulation effects. Folding hinges are suitable for applications that need to be folded or telescopic, such as folding doors, telescopic ladders, etc., which can make the movement of items more convenient and flexible.

1. Butt hinges - Very widely used for doors, cabinet doors, gates, furniture lids/flaps etc. Inexpensive and durable.
2. Tee hinges - Used where extra strength and support is needed, like for heavy doors/gates. Also useful if screws only fitting from one side.
3. Pivot hinges - Ideal for patio doors, folding doors or gates that need to open 180-360 degrees. Smooth swinging action.
4. Continuous/piano hinges - Strength and smooth action. Great for cabinet door fronts to hold multiple doors together as one unit.
5. Flag hinges - Often used for furniture like media centers, liquor cabinets etc where adjustable positioning is important.
6. Wrap hinges - Aesthetically pleasing as leaves wrap door edge, often used on cabinet doors to conceal hinge cutouts.
7. Lid hinges - Lightweight hinges for applications like tool boxes, jewelry boxes where precise tilt angles needed.
8. Spring hinges - Automatically holds doors/lids open at desired angle, popular for under-cabinet cabinets, appliances.
9. Concealed hinges - Minimizes visibility of hinges for seamless appearance on recessed cabinetry, furniture.
10. Flush bolts - Not technically hinges but used to securely keep gates, doors flush when closed without external latch/lock.

Hinges Suppliers

There are many suppliers of hinges, and there are many hinge brands and manufacturers in the market. Well-known hinge manufacturers in China include Sige of Italy, GTV of Taiwan, and Guangdong Metal Industry. The hinge products of these suppliers have the advantages of reliable quality, convenient installation and use, and beautiful appearance, and are deeply loved by users.

• Häfele - A large German company offering a wide range of hinge types including specialty hinges. They distribute globally to over 100 countries. Founded in 1920, Häfele has over 10,000 employees. In addition to hinges, they produce door fittings and cabinet hardware.
• Blum - Known for innovative concealed cabinet hinges. They also manufacture box locks, shelf standards and other furniture fittings. Based in Austria, Blum has been a leading brand in furniture fittings since 1950. Besides hinges, their product range includes lift systems, corner solutions and organization systems.
• Grass - A major American supplier providing hinges for various materials and weight capacities. Products are used for doors, cabinets and more. Founded in 1851, Grass has over 170 years of history and a global reach of over 50 countries. Their hinge lineup covers many styles, metals and finishes to suit different applications and budgets.
• Richelieu - A Canadian company supplying a full range of door, cabinet and furniture fittings including hinges, pulls and locks. Established in 1982, Richelieu produces hardware solutions for doors, windows and various furniture items besides their core hinge offerings.
• Northwest Undermount - Specializes in undermount drawer slides and custom hinge inserts. In addition to drawer components, they offer drawer locks, guides and other accessories. Founded in 1980 and based in Washington state, the company serves cabinet makers across North America.
• AOSITE - AOSITE Hardware Precision Manufacturing Co.LTD was founded in 1993 in Gaoyao, Guangdong, which is known as "The Country of Hardware". It has a long history of 30 years and now with more than 13000 square meters of modern industrial zone, employing over 400 professional staff members, it is an independent innovative corporation focusing on household hardware products.

Applications of Hinges

Hinges have a wide range of applications. With the development of industrialization and intelligence, more and more smart homes, smart offices, smart medical, and other fields have begun to use hinges as connectors, so the hinge market is also expanding and developing. In addition, with the strengthening of environmental protection awareness, more and more consumers have begun to pay attention to the environmental performance of hinges, and are more inclined to choose environmentally friendly hinge products.

Frequently asked questions about hinges:

1. What are the main types of hinges?

Butt hinges - The most common type. Leaves lie flat against the door and frame.

Mortise hinges - Leaves recess fully into the door and frame for a flush look.

Pivot hinges - Allow a door to rotate fully open. Often used for bi-fold or sliding doors.

Continuous/compressed hinges - A single long hinge with several knuckles for extra support.

2. What materials are hinges made from?

Brass - Prone to tarnishing but smooth operation.

Steel - Affordable and durable. Galvanized protects against rust.

Stainless steel - Most corrosion-resistant. Good for exterior or high-moisture areas.

3. What sizes do hinges come in?

Width - Most common is 3-4 inches. Wider for heavier doors.

Thickness - Numbered 1-5, with 1 being thinnest and 5 most sturdy.

Finishes - Satin brass, brushed nickel, bronze, black, antique pewter.

Where can I source different types of hinges?

Hardware stores - Carry typical residential styles.

Building supply stores - A wider range of commercial/industrial hinges.

Manufacturer websites - Direct from brands for specialty options.

Online retailer marketplaces - Broadest selection from many brands.