Tag Archives: hinges

Piano Hinges – Good for more than just a piano….

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A piano hinge is a continues hinge of various lengths and widths. It can be brass, zinc, stainless steel and more. Many people also refer to it as a continuous hinge. Although called a piano hinge, it is actually a very versatile hinge that can be used for many purposes.

What is a Piano Hinge?

Also known as a continuous hinge, it consists of two rectangular shaped pieces of metal joined in the middle with what is called a knuckle. A pin is inserted into the knuckle which holds all the pieces together.

Parts of a piano hinge
Piano Hinge Components

Piano hinges are designed to run the whole length of the object they are used on. For example, 12″ objects such as a lid and box would use a 12″ piano hinge to join them.

What Can Piano Hinges Be Used For?

While piano hinges are often used on pianos (makes perfect sense!), they are often found in other applications. Piano hinges can be used in a number of door applications such as sheds. A piano hinge door application will be much stronger as the hinge will run the full length of the door preventing sagging over time.

Shed door installation
Shed door with piano hinge

Piano hinges can also be used in any application needing a fold down door such as a desk or storage box. They can also be used on cabinet doors. Because piano hinges come in many lengths, widths and materials they can also be used in heavy duty applications such as commercial lighting storage cases.

commercial lighting cases with piano hinges
Piano Hinges used on heavy duty commercial lighting cases

What Are The Benefits of Using Piano Hinges?

Piano hinges are easy to install and maintain

Every 6 months or so you can wipe them with mild soap and water to remove any dust that has collected around the bearings. Hinges can also be lubricated as needed with a “dry” lubricant such as graphite, silicon or Teflon.

Hinges can be easily cut to length during installation with a hacksaw. Piano hinges do not require mortising and are easily aligned by inserting enough screws to hold the hinge in position on one side of whatever object you are joining. Then simply align the other object and continue inserting your screws. Piano hinges allow for even weight distribution of the load. Unlike shorter hinges, the weight of the joined objects will not act against the hinge as it runs the entire length.

In short, although piano hinges can be used for pianos, they also have many other uses. The projects are limited only by your imagination. See the entire selection of piano hinges at WoodworkerExpress.com and let us know how we can help you in creating something with these versatile hinges.

Mondays with Mike… 1-31-2022 Edition One

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Belly Up to The Bar

Who wants to belly-up to the bar….or at least the kitchen counter? To that end, isn’t this surely a nice kitchen on display here? Fantastic wood tones and great incorporation of one of my favorite hardware finishes: Oil Rubbed Bronze. That finish reminds me of colonial times….not that I’d know anything about that time period, but I will confess, I’ve been accused of sounding like I’m 100 years old with some degree of regularity…can anyone else relate? Speaking of Oil Rubbed Bronze, check out the pulls on the glass-covered cabinet to the right….it matches the stool legs to a “T”. Ditto for the round knobs on the cabinet just above it. Classy!

As I see it, this designer…or creatively talented homeowner has a real knack for “putting it all together”. As pretty as this all is, some of the details that make using it a real pleasure are hardly visible. Those things include soft-close and self-close drawer slides and hinges….and believe me, those details are nice and make a real difference! For practicality’s sake, they can help you successfully sneak a snack in the middle of the night without the loud retracting of the ‘silverware drawer’ to blow your cover — that’s never good. Semi-relatedly, all pet owners know that you’ll NEVER sneak a snack past the dog…no matter what!

Not to get off track, but I have to mention that we’ve got a great selection of kitchen sinks, faucets, and related accessories. After all, what’s a kitchen without a sink and faucet? Technically, it’d probably be considered a lunchbox/cooler combo that you can stand up and socialize in.🙃

Let me try to sum this all up before I go completely off this tangential track to nowhere…If the kitchen you own needs a thing…or ten, to get it whupped back into acceptable aesthetic shape, then WoodworkerExpress.com would be the route to go. Online or via phone, we are the advocates and support system for you and your kitchen rehabilitation. Lean on us to help you make it great!

Photo is courtesy of: www.Houzz.com

What Causes Cabinet Door Hinges To Bind

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It is frustrating to have a cabinet door that does not close smoothly or hang properly. Understanding why hinges bind is the first step in repairing them.

We have all experienced the cabinet door in our home that will not shut properly or constantly springs back open. In most cases, a hinge has become bound and is causing the problem. Understanding what causes door hinges to bind makes it easier to figure out the issue and get it fixed.

What Is a Bound Hinge?

The phrase “bound hinge” simply means the door is being difficult in the way it is not easy to close or it springs back open. There are a few reasons why the hinge might be bound.

Screws Are Askew

It is possible that when the hinges were attached, the head of the screws were too big. If this is the case, they will not lay flush and therefore cause binding and create a door that is difficult to close or easily bounces back open.

The solution here is an easy one — simply replace the screws with a smaller head screw for a flush finish.

Hinges Are Not Placed Correctly

When hinges are not placed correctly in the first place, binding is bound to happen and lead to doors that don’t operate smoothly.

The flaps of a hinge should be flush with the surface of the wood. Sometimes the recesses where the hinges are placed have been cut in too deeply. This results in a lack of flushness between the hinge and the surface of the door or doorframe.

Replace Hardware

As hinge repairs are made, be sure you are working with hinges that are worth reinstalling. They are often damaged and bent out of shape after a cabinet door has not been functioning properly. At that point, it is better to purchase new cabinet hinges for sale to give the door a fresh start.

Avoiding what causes door hinges to bind in the first place is your best bet for a smooth operating door. Thankfully, if it does happen, the repairs are simple.

What To Know About Concealed Hinges

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Image of concealed hinge in cabinet

Concealed hinges, also called European hinges, offer a clean finish and are often preferred for a more minimalist or modern type look. Choosing the right type of hinge will depend on what type of cabinet or door you have and what kind of look you prefer. Here is what you need to know about concealed hinges.

When To Use a Concealed Hinge

If you prefer hinges not to show at all from the outside of a cabinet or door, concealed hinges are what you are looking for. They can be used with any type of door and give you that simplified look you are trying to achieve.

Easy To Install

You can install concealed hinges on any door, whether a cabinet or just a door in the hallway. Talk with knowledgeable people when looking for cabinet hinges for sale.

If you are going to install the hinges yourself, be sure to prepare the proper hinges and materials you’ll need. You’ll also need a tape measure and a drill. The installation process only takes some measuring, drilling, and screwing, and you’ll be done. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to complete your project.

The great thing about concealed hinges is that they are hard to mess up. The way they are installed won’t leave drill holes that are visible, so if you make a mistake, no one will ever know. Also, with the turn of a screwdriver, you can move the doors up and down or side to side for adjustment, unlike with traditional hinges, which require sanding or planing the doors for adjustments.

Repairing a Broken Concealed Hinge

Since we actually live in our homes, things are going to break once in a while. The daily use of cabinet doors especially can take its toll. Thankfully, a concealed hinge is an easy fix.
If the hinge has completely snapped or is beyond repair, then replacement is probably necessary. If you learned how to install the hinge the first time, then this will be an easy fix.

A common issue with cabinet doors is a stripped screw hole. You go to tighten up the screw because it has come loose, only to find that it turns and won’t tighten. Grab some toothpicks, dip a few in wood glue, and fill the loosened hole with toothpicks until you can’t fit anymore. Cut off the tips of the toothpicks, and you should be able to drill a new screw into the hole.
Woodworker Express is here to help you with what you need to know about concealed hinges, as well as all other door and cabinetry questions.