Overhead Door Hinges: Description, Advantages And Disadvantages, As Well As How To Install Correctly

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Overhead door hinges

The hinges are the main pivot mechanism that allows the door to be opened and closed. The service life of the door, ease of use and harmonious appearance depend on the quality and correct installation of the hinges. To choose the right overhead hinges, you need to know their operational nuances, understand the materials and have information about the main manufacturers.

Content

• 1 Arrangement of overhead door hinges

  1.1 Sizes of loops

• 2 Pros and cons of overhead hinges

• 3 What to look for when choosing hinges

  3.1 Video: comparison of universal attachment and mortise hinges

• 4 Features of installing overhead hinges

  4.1 Video: how to choose and install overhead hinges correctly

• 5 Reviews

The device of door overhead hinges

The hinges are hinged. Together with the lock and door handle, they are used to control the door unit. And also they are often called awnings, since the loops simultaneously function as hanging the canvas.

The overhead hinges consist of 2 metal plates (cards), between which a steel rod (axle pin) passes. The cards have holes through which screws are screwed into the door leaf and frame.

A characteristic feature of overhead hinges is the reduction of the gap between the door frame and the leaf

The hinges are classified in the direction of the door opening:

• right - when opening the door towards yourself with your right hand (counterclockwise);

• left - when opening the door towards yourself with your left hand (clockwise).

  

  Right and left hinges differ in the direction of travel of the door and are not interchangeable

The right and left hinges are manufactured as detachable but are sold assembled. Before installation, they need to be disassembled, one part must be fixed to the door, the other to the jamb, and then hang the door. However, there are also universal hinges that are produced non-separable. They are used for both the right and left doors. Among their positive properties is the impossibility of removing the door leaf without a screwdriver. That is, they are much more difficult to crack.

The type of door hinge is selected individually for each door

Sizes of loops

According to the normative document, overhead loops have different parameters and sizes:

• height - 85, 100, 110 and 150 mm;
• width - 63, 75 and 100 mm;
• plate thickness - from 2 to 2.5 mm.

The marking reflects the type and height of the product. For example, the inscription "PN - 85 L GOST 5088-2005" means "invoice hinge, 85 mm high, left" according to the designated standard.

The main color solutions for the overhead hinges are gold, silver, copper and bronze.

In modern overhead hinges, the pivot is equipped with two or four bearings. This softens the blade's movement when opening and extends the life of the suspension. The bearings need to be lubricated from time to time.

Depending on the type of hinges, there can be from 2 to 4 bearings located on the rotation cylinder

Pros and cons of overhead hinges

Non-detachable overhead hinges have won the sympathy of consumers. Their design is simple and reliable. Experts note the advantages of universal overhead hinges over mortise:

• quick installation - just make a markup and fix the loop with screws;
• versatility - suitable for all types of doors;
• a neat look of the door - no marks on the wood that remain after the cut;
• affordable price and wide distribution on sale;
• burglary protection - the door cannot be simply removed from the hinges;
• long service life - subject to quality material;
• ease of maintenance - no adjustment required.

But there are certain drawbacks to overhead loops:

• they can only be installed on a door with smooth edges;
• if it is necessary to remove the door, then you will have to unscrew all fasteners and remove the hinges;
• the weight of the door leaf is limited - if the leaf weight is over 25 kg, additional hinges must be installed;
• if the door block slants, then the door will be difficult to work.

What to look for when choosing hinges

Only high-quality mechanisms are able to function properly and for a long time. To avoid mistakes during the purchase, you need to study the opinion of professionals. Their recommendations relate to the key points when choosing reliable overhead hinges, namely:

• manufacturer - it is better to choose well-known and recommended manufacturers (Arni, RENZ, Allure, etc.). One-day firms produce products with the expectation of quick profits at the expense of quality and compliance with standards;
• materials - the work of the hinges depends on the maximum permissible load (MPL). For light interior doors, you can use a suspension made of brass and other non-ferrous alloys. If the doors are massive (entrance), you need to install hinges made of high-strength steel that can withstand heavy loads;
• dimensions - determined by the weight of the door leaf: the heavier the sash, the larger the hinges are needed. If the product is certified, the recommended level of load on the loop is indicated in the passport. Small hinges (85 to 100 mm) are intended for doors of 10-15 kg. Mechanisms over 110 mm are designed for wooden doors up to 25 kg;
• number of hinges - sometimes, due to the weight or unusual dimensions of the door (with non-standard height and width), it is advisable to increase the number of hinges from 3 to 5. Such suspension reinforcement contributes to the stable operation of the doors and evenly distributes the load on the pivot axis.

But it should be noted that the opinion of experts on the number of hinges on the doors differs. Some believe that the increase in the number of loops has a beneficial effect on the operating time. Others argue that wear is distributed only to the two outermost hinges - the top and bottom. Be that as it may, an ordinary consumer is better off adhering to generally recognized standards and listening to the recommendations of the direct manufacturer of doors.

Video: comparison of universal overhead and mortise hinges

Features of installing overhead hinges

Overhead hinges are easy to install. To install them quickly and without errors, you need to prepare the following tools:

• electric drill with wood drills;

  

  Electric drill speeds up the hole drilling process

• screwdrivers or screwdriver;
• thin awl;
• pencil or marker;

• tape measure or other measuring instrument.

  

  You need a tape measure for measuring work

It is important to organize a comfortable workplace before installing the doors. We need operational space, since the door leaf has to be moved, and it is large enough. If the hinges change, then the sash must be removed from the old hinges and the old awnings unscrewed. If new doors are installed, then the door block is unpacked, the door leaf is removed from the box and placed on the edge (upward with the side on which the hinges will be mounted). The door frame is mounted in the opening.

Further, the procedure for attaching the loops is as follows:

1. Marking is made - on a standard door, the hangers are located at a distance of 200–250 mm from the edge of the door leaf. To do this, the required distance is measured from the corner and a mark is placed with a pencil.

2. An overhead loop is applied to the marked point. A smaller loop card is attached to the canvas. The position of the cylinder is aligned parallel to the edge of the door. An awl marks two points (of all possible, preferably from different ends of the loop): the prick is done in the center of the hole.

   

   The upper and lower hinges are located at the same distance from the edges of the door leaf so that there are no distortions during door operation

3. The loop is retracted, holes are made with a drill to a specified depth - in order not to drill too deep, a stop is usually placed on the drill. It can be a piece of electrical tape, wound at a distance of 2-2.5 cm from the "tip" of the drill.
4. The cover hinge is returned to its place and screwed on with two screws - carefully, without distortions or excessive tightening of the screws. It is best to turn on the "ratchet" on the drill, if there is one. For in the case of a constriction, the screw will turn in the wood and will no longer hold.
5. The position of the loop is corrected - the loop map is aligned, the remaining holes are marked with an awl. It is important to remember that overhead hinges are sensitive to distortions: the slightest deviations are fraught with problems in the future.
6. The remaining holes are drilled and the screws are screwed in. The second (and if there is, the third) loop is attached in a similar way.

7. The door leaf with fixed hinges is installed in the door frame - for this, wooden or plastic wedges are used. The width of the gaps is kept the same along the entire perimeter: 2.5–4 mm. The edge of the cylinder rests against the frame.

   

   Observe the technological clearances during door installation - a prerequisite for installation

8. An awl marks the places where the hinges are attached to the box. Holes for the hinges are drilled and screws are screwed in.

   

   It is better to fasten the hinges to the door frame with an assistant to avoid distortions

Overhead hinges are non-separable and non-adjustable. Therefore, the markup must be done very carefully and carefully. A deviation of a few millimeters will lead to a skewed sash. And this, in turn, leads to incorrect door operation.

As a lubricant for door hinges, you can use not only machine oil, but also any vegetable oil used for cooking.

For which doors is it better to use overhead hinges - from solid wood, MDF or chipboard? There are no big differences: the universal hinges work great on all of these doors.

If squeaks or noise occur during door operation, lubricate the bearings in the hinges

Due to his professional activity, the author has repeatedly had to deal with the unsuccessful installation of butterfly loops, as they are called in construction slang. The main mistake is trying to mount canopies on old frame doors. Such flaps tend to dry out over time and slightly change shape. Outwardly, this is not noticed, but when the door is placed in the frame, unexpected distortions occur. And since the overhead hinges are sensitive to this, the door begins to creak and poorly close. The best option for "butterflies", in my opinion, are doors with a uniform surface, without glass inserts, and preferably new.

Video: how to choose and install overhead hinges correctly

Reviews

Self-installation of overhead loops is not very difficult. Anyone who knows how to hold a screwdriver in their hands will cope with the task. However, if there is no self-confidence, lack of experience, or lack of any tool, then it is easier to turn to professionals. Experienced craftsmen will do the job quickly and efficiently. Most companies provide a warranty for the installation. And by paying for it, you can be sure that the doors will last a long time.