Hinge uncertainty

GarF · 6 Nov 2016

This is a bit of a newb question, but worth asking anyway.....

The dimensions given for hinges when buying online baffle me (slightly). I get that the given width dimension is the overall measurement with the hinge open, but I don't know how much to allow for the barrel section. Or in other words if I want butt hinges with leaves to fit a particular thickness of board is there some standard method to calculate what this will be (considering only some places give a dimensioned diagram)?

For instance, I am currently building a pair of toy chests using pine which has finished at about 19mm thick. Will the following be suitable? The lids are about 34" x 17" , so I was planning 3 hinges each (must be as near as possible indestructible).

http://www.toolnut.co.uk/products/cabinet_fittings/hinges/Broad_Butt_Hinges_-_38mm_x_63mm.html

Cheers
Gareth

Phil Pascoe · 6 Nov 2016

Near as possible indestructible? Use piano hinge, maybe?

woodbrains · 6 Nov 2016

Hello,

If you plan to mortice these hinges into the frame, which you should otherwise the lid will sit up high by the thickness of the closed hinge, then they may be a little wide. The hinge needs to be set so about half of the knuckle stand out from the edge. This means that there will only be a very thin wall left on the hinge mortice in 19mm thick timber. You can't say exactly until you see the hinge, but I would guess about 2mm or so left on the mortice edge. It is possible to do, for sure, but easy to split off by mistake. :roll: Alternatively, you could just make the mortice as wide as the rail and just see the long edge if the hinge and a bit of the mortice on the inside of the box.

I suggest you use something like the 50 by 28,5 mm ones listed, to give you a sporting chance to cut the mortices without accident.
To take the strain off the hinge screws, you should use a lid stay of some sort.

Mike

RobinBHM · 6 Nov 2016

Will the hinge knuckle be at the back or top face?

If on the top I would go for a piano hinge, you will need the special small head piano hinge screws though if you go down that route.

The hinges you have shown need a cut out about 17-18mm so probably not ideal.

skipdiver · 6 Nov 2016

I'd use piano hinge in that situation.

ColeyS1 · 6 Nov 2016

If you've got a screwfix near you perhaps you could have a look.
http://www.screwfix.com/p/solid-dra...tracking url&gclid=CO20lJjElNACFdEK0wodKU4Dzw these seem much cheaper and I think should be o.k.

Coley
Edit - just popped over workshop to find these.

The last toybox I made was painted mdf. I scratched my head for a while deciding which hinge to use. I thought these might hold better because the bit of metal wraps around and doesn't hold I'm the mdf edge. Not what you're after, but thought it worth a mention. No chopping in either which was helpful

:lol: