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Cheap hinges come in different types, each serving specific functions and applications. Here are some of the most common types:
Butt Hinge:
These are the most commonly used types of cheap door hinges. It consists of two rectangular-shaped leaves with a pin in the center. One leaf is attached to the door frame, while the other is attached to the door. They provide stability and support for swinging doors.
Continuous Hinge:
This hinge is also known as a piano hinge because it is commonly used in piano construction. It runs the entire length of the door or lid, providing uniform support. It is ideal for heavy doors or applications that require extra stability.
Concealed Hinge:
As the name implies, this hinge is hidden when the door is closed, providing a clean and seamless look. It is commonly used in cabinets and interior doors. It offers a balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Pivot Hinge:
These cheap hinges are placed at the top and bottom of the door, allowing it to pivot. They are commonly used for heavy or tall doors. They are good for smooth and effortless swinging motion.
Ball Bearing Hinge:
This hinge incorporates ball bearings in the knuckles to reduce friction. They are widely used in commercial doors. They are perfect for high-traffic areas. They offer smooth and quiet operation.
Sliding Hinge:
These cheap sliding door hinges allow doors to slide open and closed. They are primarily used for patio doors, room dividers, and cabinet doors. They are excellent for saving space and providing easy accessibility.
Spring Hinge:
This hinge incorporates a coiled spring inside. It allows the door to automatically close. They are commonly used in screen doors, closet doors, and places where automatic closing is required. They are ideal for convenience and security.
Smart Hinge:
These types of cheap hinges have integrated technology that allows for automatic opening and closing. They are used in modern, automated homes and buildings. They provide advanced functionality and convenience.
When discussing cheap hinges, it is worth noting that they come with some basic features that make them suitable for various applications. These are:
Material
Cheap hinges are made of different materials. This affects their price, longevity, and performance. For example, plastic cheap cabinet hinges are very affordable, but they are not as durable as metal hinges. They are mostly used in lightweight applications. Steel cheap hinges are more durable, and they can withstand frequent use. They are also used in many applications and come in various finishes. Stainless steel hinges are popular because they are resistant to corrosion and they offer a clean and attractive appearance. Brass cheap hinges are very beautiful, but they are more susceptible to corrosion as compared to stainless steel. Steel and brass cheap door hinges can be coated with different finishes to increase their resistance to rust and wear, and also to improve their appearance. Such coatings include; powder coating, oil rubbed bronze, satin nickel, chrome plating, and antique brass. Plastic hinges are more popular for outdoor applications because they are not affected by UV rays.
Size and bearing
Cheap hinges come in different sizes to accommodate various applications. The size of the hinge plays a critical role in determining its load capacity. Larger hinges are able to distribute weight more evenly and they are suitable for heavier doors or lids. Cheap small hinges are more suitable for lightweight applications such as; small cabinets, drawers, and miniature projects. These hinges improve the aesthetic appearance of small projects by providing a clean and functional connection between moving parts. Cheap large hinges are suitable for doors and gates weighing up to 1000 pounds. They consist of bearing and non-bearing hinges. Bearing cheap hinges have a small bearing located in the knuckle. This reduces friction when the door is opened or closed. They are smooth and they are more durable as compared to non-bearing hinges which are mostly found in low-use applications.
Concealed and pivot hinges
These are specialized cheap hinge types. They are popular because of their aesthetic functionality. Concealed hinges are useful for cabinet doors. They provide a clean and seamless look. The hinge is installed inside the frame and the door. This means that it is not visible when the door is closed. Pivot cheap hinges are installed at the top and bottom of the door. They rotate around a single point. They are more suitable for large and heavy doors. The pivot hinge provides a unique and modern look.
There are many scenarios where hinges are used. Cheap Hinges are used in different applications. Some of the common ways are listed below:
Material and Corrosion Resistance
Cheap metal hinges are available in different materials, such as brass, stainless steel, and iron. Brass hinges provide a beautiful finish but may be less durable than other options. Stainless steel hinges offer excellent corrosion resistance and durability, making them suitable for various applications. Painted or powder-coated finishes on hinges can enhance aesthetics and provide additional protection against wear.
Hinge Type and Door Weight
The type of cheap hinge selected should match the door's weight and usage. Butt hinges are standard for interior doors, while continuous or piano hinges provide stability over long edges. For heavier doors, double-acting or pivot hinges may be necessary. These hinges distribute the door's weight more evenly and reduce stress on individual points.
Functionality and Swing Direction
Ensure the selected hinges allow smooth door operation. Consider the swing direction when choosing hinges for doors in corner spaces or areas with limited clearance. Special hinges, such as bi-fold or sliding hinges, may be required for specific door functions.
Size and Load Capacity
The hinge's size should be proportional to the door. Hinges come in various sizes, and larger hinges can support more weight. Check the manufacturer's specifications for load-bearing capacity to ensure safety and longevity.
Budget Considerations
Cheap hinges are available at various price points. Balance quality and cost by considering the hinge's durability, warranty, and brand reputation. Sometimes, opting for the cheapest option may result in higher replacement costs, while choosing a slightly more expensive but quality product can provide better long-term value.
Q1: What are the most commonly used cheap hinge in furniture?
A1: Concealed hinges, also known as kitchen cabinet hinges or Blum hinges, are the most popular and commonly used cheap hinge in furniture. They are called concealed hinges because, once the cabinet door is installed, the hinge is not visible. They provide a clean and seamless look. Concealed hinges offer many advantages, including smooth and silent closing, adjustable door alignment, and ease of installation. They are commonly found in kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and other furniture pieces that require hidden hinges.
Q2: What are the two types of hinges?
A2: The two types of hinges are butt hinges and piano hinges. A butt hinge is a hinge that connects two surfaces, allowing them to swing smoothly. It consists two plates (butt leaves) joined by a knuckle. Butt hinges are used for doors, gates, and cabinet doors. A piano hinge is long and continuous, running the entire length of one side of the lid and attaching to the corresponding edge of the box or container. It consists of two plates and is ideal for applications that require even distribution of weight and stability along the hinge line, such as in piano keyboards, toolboxes, and hinged furniture pieces.
Q3: What are the disadvantages of hinges?
A3: The major disadvantage of hinges is that they don't offer 90 degree or 180 degree door stop. This means that the hinge can only open the door or window up to the angle it was installed at. For this reason, architects and interior designers have to find a way to work with this limitation by using more hinges in some cases, and in other cases, using special hinge types that can only do 90 degrees or 180 degrees. Another disadvantage is that they are exposed to the outside, making them vulnerable to rusting, breaking, or even removing the door or window.
Q4: What are the disadvantages of concealed hinges?
A4: One major disadvantage of a concealed hinge is that it can only work on specific cabinet sizes. This means that if a cabinet is too small or too big, then a concealed hinge is not going to work. Another disadvantage is that adjusting the door can be tricky because the hinges are hidden inside, but they offer many advantages. The last disadvantage is that replacement parts are often hard to find.