loops 

Where to use and how to install universal hinges


Door hinges are the simplest mechanisms by which the door leaf is attached to the door frame. Currently, there are detachable and universal loops. Detachable hinges are two parts of the mechanism, fastened together with a special pin. You can remove the door from such hinges without unscrewing the device. The universal loop is one-piece. A distinctive feature of the universal mechanism is the ability of the loop to withstand a more significant load. However, to remove the door, you will need to unscrew the hinge itself.

Scope of universal hinges

One-piece universal hinges can be installed on entrance or interior doors, furniture doors, bar doors and so on. It is not recommended to use one-piece hinges in rooms where it is often necessary to remove the door for the movement of bulky goods (for example, furniture) and repair work, as the constant unscrewing of the mechanism contributes to rapid wear and damage.

Hinges of a universal nature are equipped with bearings that provide silent and easy opening of the door. The number of bearings depends on the hinge size.

Types of universal loops

Universal door hinges can be classified according to several criteria:

  1. according to the method of fastening the mechanism to the door;
  2. according to the material from which the devices are made.

Types of loops, differing in the method of fastening

Universal hinges for doors, depending on the installation method, there are:

  • Overhead or card.

Overhead or card universal hinges are easy to install. However, it is not recommended to use such a mechanism for fastening heavy doors, since the safety margin of the hinge, as a rule, does not exceed 50 kg.
A variation of the patch loop is the butterfly loop.

  • Mortise.

Mortise hinges require more careful and accurate installation. The advantage of such devices is a long period of operation and the possibility of a higher load.

  • Screwable.

Depending on the weight of the door, the number of pins of the device, which are the fasteners of the hinge, changes. For the heaviest doors, hinges with four pins on each side are used. The advantage of the hinges is that they can be adjusted in different directions.

  • Hidden.

The principle of operation of the device is based on folding and expanding. When the door is closed, the hinge is not visible, which is why it is called hidden.

A variety of hidden hinges are bar hinges, allowing the door to open both inwards and outwards.

For heavy doors, mortise hinges are used. For other types of doors, hinges follow, based on the weight of the structure and aesthetic preferences.

Materials used for the manufacture of universal hinges

For the production of door hinges can be used:

  • brass. Brass fittings are distinguished by a high price with high quality. Brass hinges are practically unaffected by the environment. Brass coating helps to protect the product from corrosion and gives the finished product a beautiful look;
  • steel. Hinges made of steel are less expensive than brass, but also have a lower margin of safety;
  • stainless steel. A big drawback of stainless steel products is the lack of a choice of colors. However, this disadvantage is covered by low cost and strong wear resistance.

If the hinges are supposed to be placed on the doors leading to the street, then it is recommended to purchase stainless steel or brass products. For interior doors, you can use hinges made of any material.

Loop selection

The selection of the size and number of loops should be made based on the following table.

How to install different types of hinges

Installation of universal hinges is not a job that requires the involvement of specialists. Only hidden types of loops can cause difficulties.

Installing the overlay hinge

The universal consignment note is installed with a screwdriver or a screwdriver and a drill:

  1. at the first stage, marking is made for mounting the device. On the door leaf and the box, the places where the hinge will subsequently be fixed are marked;
  2. holes are drilled with a drill for fasteners, as a rule, included in the kit;
  3. with a screwdriver or other device (screwdriver), the hinge is attached first to the door leaf, and then to the jamb.

The universal loop without tie-in is installed within 5-10 minutes. However, it will be quite difficult for one person to carry out all the work. It is more advisable to use a second person when installing the hinge.

Mortise hinge installation

Insertion of universal loops occurs according to the following scheme:

  1. a place is marked for future installation;
  2. with a chisel, a layer of the door leaf and the box is removed, the dimensions of which correspond to the dimensions of the hinge;
  3. holes for fasteners are drilled with a drill;
  4. the loop is recessed into the prepared niche and screwed with self-tapping screws included in the kit.

Work on the installation of a mortise hinge is also recommended to be carried out together with a partner.

Screw-in hinge installation

The installation of screwed loops, as in previous cases, begins with markings. This stage requires maximum attention, since the performance of the structure after installation depends on the correct markup.

  1. holes for pins are drilled in the marked area (on the door and the box);
  2. screwing the pins starts from the door frame, and then screwed to the door leaf;
  3. the final adjustment of the loop is made;
  4. openings are closed with decorative caps.

Hidden hinge installation

Hidden hinges are installed according to a scheme similar to the mortise hinge. The main difference is that a deep niche is made under the hidden loop, and not a surface one. The hidden hinge itself is located inside the door.

Universal hinges are suitable for almost all doors: entrance, interior, furniture. The installation of the hinges is carried out according to the exact preliminary marking. It is more convenient to carry out work on self-installation of the loop with a partner.