How to install butterfly hinges: features of installing overhead hinges

Advantages of hinged hinges

Typically, butterfly hinges are used as fittings for the first attempt at installing an interior door. They are characterized by the following advantages:

• Relative strength and wear resistance. Typically, this fittings are made of stainless steel or brass and coated with a galvanic layer, which provides additional resistance to mechanical wear.
• Easy installation. The hinges do not require insertion, so inserting them does not require the help of a specialist.
• Comfort of use. The design of the fittings includes bearings that ensure smooth operation and no squeaking.
• Versatility. Suitable for left and right door mounting.
• Aesthetic appearance. The stylish and modern shape of the hinges goes well with many interior styles. A wide range of colors allows you to choose fittings in accordance with the shade of the door.

To hang a standard size canvas, it is enough to purchase two loops designed for loads from 40 to 100 kg.

Reviews

Most people who have used butterfly hinges when installing interior doors share only positive reviews. Timely processing of fittings helps to extend their service life. Rare cases of squeaking are resolved in one minute. If we are talking about a manufacturing defect, then the defect can be seen upon purchase while checking the closing mechanism. Specialists in the installation of doorways have only flattering words about the design of butterfly hinges. Firstly, this is a very convenient and simple installation method, and secondly, if the installation rules are followed, the end result exceeds all expectations.

Disadvantages of butterfly loops

The disadvantages of card loops include:

• Their lack of reliability. Due to the fact that the fittings are located on the outside of the canvas, it is easy to dismantle for the purpose of hacking.
• Inability to screw door hinges onto a door equipped with a hinged strip around the entire perimeter.
• Not suitable for hanging techno-style doors with the illusion of no fastening.

Experts identify several features of butterfly awnings that must be taken into account before installing hinges on an interior door:

• the need to accurately screw the hinges to perfectly fold the sides of the canopy to avoid unevenness of the door and problems during operation;
• frequent appearance of a small gap, which is a side effect of loop cards;
• impossibility of removing the door leaf without unscrewing the hardware.

Butterfly hinges are best suited for lightweight interior doors. To hang heavy interior or entrance structures, it is better to give preference to other more reliable fittings.

When analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of these products, you need to decide whether you will install a butterfly hinge or give preference to other, more suitable fittings.

Materials of manufacture and dimensions

Due to the fact that technological progress has come quite far, butterfly loops are made from a variety of materials. The structure is made according to your own drawing, as well as from various materials. But it is important to take into account the characteristics of the metal.

1. Brass is resistant to external factors.
2. Steel is resistant to temperature changes and high humidity (no corrosion).
3. Zinc hinges are relatively inexpensive, but there are a few things to keep in mind when installing awnings on interior doors. This metal is susceptible to corrosion and may break if used frequently. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the product does not get wet. And if squeaks or noises appear, it is necessary to lubricate the hinges.

Zinc butterfly hinges Source baucenter.ru
Based on size, hinges are divided into two types: 10x3 cm and 12.5x3 cm. In two versions, the thickness of the fasteners is approximately 2-3 mm. They are also called “four” and “five”, respectively, but these names are used mainly by craftsmen or sellers. This indicates the dimensions in inches.

For a regular interior door, two parts are needed, but if the door is heavy and made of heavy material, then it is advisable to install three or four fasteners.

Four-piece loops are made for lightweight fabric Source plitochkin.ru

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in doors, windows, related fittings and works

How to install butterfly hinges on doors yourself

For those who do not know how to embed hinges into an interior door, let us explain that this process consists of the following steps:

• applying special markings for hinges to the surface of the door leaf, as well as to the surface of the door frame;
• using a drill to drill holes for hinges in pre-marked places;
• checking the tightness of the door connection;
• checking the functionality of the door.

How to secure the door frame and install butterfly hinges on the interior door will directly determine their service life. The color range is not that wide. Most often there are imitations of various metals. In particular, copper, gold, bronze, or nickel. Butterfly door hinges can be either matte or glossy.

For those who do not know how to install hinges on an interior door, we provide detailed instructions.

Apply markings to the surface of the door leaf and the surface of the door frame;

• Install the rotary axis, which is the main structural element and which ensures the functioning of the entire mechanism.
• Measure 20 cm from the top and bottom edges of the door.

We make markings

• Place the loop at the mark.
• Attach the plates using self-tapping screws.

We attach the hinge to the box:

• insert the canvas into the box, in the same way mark with a marker the location of the other part of the loop on the outer border;
• place one part of the butterfly in place, circle the points for the holes with a marker;
• carefully drill holes, place the product in place and fasten it with screws;
• unscrew the loop from the end, then attach it to the outer area, use an awl to mark the locations for the holes;
• make holes and secure the hinges with self-tapping screws, first attaching the inner part of the hinge, and then attaching the outer side to the box.

This design is suitable for almost any type of door leaf, with the possible exception of heavy solid oak doors. Hinges for heavy doors are slightly different from ordinary ones; they have a thicker flange and have built-in bronze bushings.

For greater clarity, we recommend watching a selection of videos on installing butterfly hinges.

Video:

Solving possible installation problems

Since the ideal installation of this type of fastener is possible only with a perfectly flat door leaf (which is rare), some shortcomings may arise during the work: non-critical, but nevertheless requiring correction. We'll tell you how you can correct possible defects that appeared during the installation process.

It is important to correctly set the gap between the door and the frame

The most common problem when installing butterfly hinges is the gap between the hinge plate and the door frame. If there is such a defect, this means that the door will not be able to close tightly, which over time will lead to loosening of the structure and rubbing of the threshold. A small spacer made of cardboard, wood chips, or rubber band (even a match can do) solves this problem. The presence of such a gasket will slightly worsen the quality of installation, however, it will successfully solve the gap problem. If you are not satisfied with the fact that the butterfly hinge plates close too tightly, you can “drown” one part of the hinge a little into the thickness of the door frame.

Features of overhead fittings

Installation specialists call butterfly hinges “card hinges.” This most likely happens because they have the ability to fold. The main feature of this piece of fittings is that its adjacent parts, when closed, have the ability to hide in each other. This allows you to mount this element on the door frame, while the counter parts are superimposed on the plane of the door leaf. It is worth highlighting the advantages of this type of loops:

• They allow installation work to be carried out in an accelerated manner;
• There is no need to insert a groove. It is enough to make markings and screw on the “wings”;
• Even if the door is non-standard, it is easy to install using such hinges;
• No special equipment is required for installation work. It is enough to have a screwdriver, a construction pencil and a ruler on hand;
• The cost of this fittings is lower than traditional hinge options.

What is important is that there are a huge number of variations of butterfly loops. They are produced in various sizes, shades, and differ in the metal used and density. An important feature of this fittings is the built-in bearings. This fact immediately suggests that, unlike ordinary loops, the butterfly will last much longer. The main thing is to install it correctly. However, I shouldn’t place high hopes on this hardware, because there are also disadvantages:

• The first thing you need to know about the butterfly hinge is that it is designed for lightweight door structures. With its help, it is easy to install a plastic or wooden door, but a product made of metal or other heavy material is not. One loop can support no more than 15 kg of weight, which means that a canvas weighing more than 20 kg must be installed on two or three butterflies;
• If in the future a person wants to dismantle the canvas, then the screws will have to be unscrewed, which will damage the doorway and require cosmetic repairs;
• During installation, there must be a perfect box and opening: if there is even the slightest deformation, the device will not fit into place properly. Subsequently, such a design will not work for long. That is why it is worth checking the evenness of the corners before starting work.

Reviews from experts are contradictory. Some argue that, as long as they are kept to the level, the butterfly hinge is a universal part, while others say that it is better to make grooves and put the door on traditional hinges to be sure that the device will last for several decades. There is only one consensus on one point: if the door leaf is not heavy, then using a “butterfly” is more than advisable.

A little about the types of loops

Regular hinges need to be cut directly into the door leaf itself. But in order to do this, you need to have professional skills. Otherwise, there is a high probability of damaging the door. The standard installation of hinges in interior doors with your own hands is a rather complex process that not everyone can do. For this reason, it would be better to entrust this matter to professionals.

Types of mechanisms

There is a solution - butterfly door hinges are overhead, have a very attractive appearance, as well as relative ease of execution. The process of installing such hinges on interior doors can be carried out in several ways. This will depend, first of all, on the type of construction of the butterfly hinges themselves, the type of door leaf, as well as the type of door frame.

Such door hinges are called “butterflies” because their plates are shaped like butterfly wings. They are also called card plates, because one plate is inserted into the cavity of another, which is very reminiscent of the process of shuffling playing cards.

After installation, such hinges look very attractive and neat. The process of installing them is quite easy and simple, because they do not need to be cut into the door leaf, but rather just lay them on its surface and screw it. This procedure can be carried out independently.

Mortise hinges for interior doors are a compact mechanism, made in the form of a cylinder and divided into two parts: one for the door leaf, and the other, respectively, for the door frame. The plates themselves are quite easy to install. However, it is very important to choose the right mechanism based on the total weight of the door, as well as the material from which it is made (plastic, steel, aluminum). The difference between them is mainly in the number of pins. As a rule, there are two of them. But in some cases there may be three or even four.

Hidden hinge designs for items

Sometimes there are situations when door hinges absolutely do not fit into the overall interior of the room, as well as into the design of the door leaf. In such cases, special hidden mechanisms are installed. They have a design that is significantly different from the design of conventional door hinges. After closing the interior door, such hinges will be completely invisible from the outside, because they are mounted in the end part of the door leaf.

The complexity of the design of hinges with a hidden mechanism is as follows: the central axis is rotary; the fixed axis is also rotatable, which makes it completely invisible on the surface of the door leaf even when the door is completely open; In the process of opening and closing the door, moving axes are activated.

The advantages of door hinges with a hidden mechanism include, in particular, their versatility (suitable for interior doors of absolutely any type, often pre-installed); and the ability to see the hinges only when closely examining the door leaf.

However, such door hinges also have disadvantages. Firstly, it is almost impossible to carry out the installation process yourself. And secondly, they have a fairly high cost.

Common Mistakes

The most harmless thing is that it may be an incorrect indentation from the edge of the canvas. If the hinges are installed correctly, but too close to the edges, then you will simply ruin the appearance.

The distance to the edge of the canvas is too small.

The next and most common mistake is when people confuse the installation locations: the small inner part of the hinge is attached to the box, and the large outer part is attached to the canvas. This setup is dangerous for several reasons.

If the outer part of the loop runs along the edge of the canvas, then the holes will be at a distance of a couple of millimeters from the edge, respectively, if you slightly skew the screw and it will come out from the side, or you may get caught in a knot and then the outer edge will break off altogether.

The holes are too close to the edge.

If installed correctly, the holes in the small part of the butterfly will be located almost in the center of the door leaf, which means there is no need to worry about any cracks or distortions.

Correct installation of the loop on the canvas.

Things are no better with the box. The photo shows that the holes are too close, and the thickness of the lightweight box is small, so it can burst under load.

The inner part of the butterfly cannot be attached to the box.

In addition, the box is usually attached to the wall with anchors in 3 places - these are two points under the hinges and one in the lock area. If we do everything as expected, then we will have 2 places left where we can drive the anchor and cover it with a loop, otherwise the anchor will be visible, which is also not very good.

Points at which fastening anchors for the box can be driven.

There is one more nuance: during installation, all hinges must be strictly parallel to each other. The slightest distortion vertically or horizontally will lead to the door starting to “play” and eventually the hinge will burst or the screws will break out.

Vertical and horizontal skew of the loop is unacceptable.

Before going to the store

Before you go looking for door hinges, you need to clarify what features the door design has

Please note the following points:

• is there a porch;
• what is the weight of the canvas;
• how intensively the door will be used;
• in which direction the sash opens;
• width of the door leaf;
• what degree of burglary resistance is required to be ensured.

It remains to decide which loops to choose and in what quantity.

Material

Domestic and foreign manufacturers present models made of various metals and alloys, distinguished by special properties.

• Brass plated. The base is aluminum, zinc or steel alloys. The brass coating ensures easy movement of rubbing parts and protects them from corrosion.
• Brass. Strong and durable material easily withstands high loads and the impressive weight of the door leaf. They are produced in polished form or coated with chrome.
• Steel. The most durable products. Still, their price is appropriate. Therefore, installing them on interior walls is not always economical. In most cases, they are used for entrance groups.

Video description

This video shows how to properly install butterfly hinges

To install hinges on interior doors, you do not need to make cutouts in the panels and doors, which greatly simplifies the task and saves time:

1. The first step is to attach a loop to the side of the canvas at a distance of 200-250 mm from the edge to mark the holes for fastening.
2. Afterwards, indentations are made on the marks with a drill. If you start screwing in the screws right away, the material may crack. This will also create the correct direction for screwing. The inner part is attached to the canvas, because it is problematic to mark the location of the inner side on the box.
3. Next, the distance is measured with a ruler and marks are placed for the screws.

"Butterflies" are very easy to install.

Since the hinges have a non-separable design, you must first drill holes everywhere, and then immediately install the entire finished structure. It is advisable to install the mechanism first on the door, and then on the frame.

During the installation process, sometimes there is a snag: the strip does not fully contact the door. If the situation is not changed, the hinges will not fully connect when the door is closed or will “play.” You can eliminate this problem by placing a strip of paper or elastic under the bar, on the side where it fits tightly.

The door will close tightly if done correctly.

What to look for when choosing hidden door hinges

When choosing such products, you should pay attention not only to their cost, but also to their performance characteristics. It is better to buy fittings from trusted manufacturers such as AGB, Armadillo, Krona Koblenz and others

There is no need to try to save money by buying loops of dubious origin. Door hinges must ensure not only smooth and easy opening of the door leaf, but also reliable fixation to the frame

It is better to buy fittings from trusted manufacturers such as AGB, Armadillo, Krona Koblenz and others. There is no need to try to save money by buying loops of dubious origin. Door hinges must ensure not only smooth and easy opening of the door, but also reliable fixation to the frame.

The Italian company AGB is a well-known manufacturer of hidden hinges

There are no specific instructions for choosing the right hidden loops. To purchase accessories that meet your requirements, it is enough to determine the following parameters:

1. Door opening side. There are right and left loops. You can buy universal models, but their strength is lower.
2. Loop size. To do this, you need to decide on the weight of the canvas. If it is 15–25 kg, then hinges 7–8 cm long are sufficient, and when the door weight is 25–40 kg, then canopies 10 cm long must be installed.
3. Number of loops. This indicator also depends on the weight of the door leaf. For lightweight structures, it is enough to install two hinges. If the canvas is heavy, then 3-4 canopies will be needed.
4. Material. For heavy entrance doors, you need to purchase hinges made of steel or brass. They are more durable, but also expensive. For interior structures, you can use hinges made of tsamak alloy. Their strength is sufficient for reliable fixation of interior paintings, and the cost of such fittings is less than that of steel or brass.

How to lubricate butterfly hinges

There is no need to lubricate anything right away, since they already have factory lubricant. But with daily use it becomes less and an unpleasant sound appears. To get rid of it, you need to pour a little lubricant into the moving mechanism.

There are four options for lubricating the butterfly hinges of interior doors:

1. The easiest and most effective method is the use of sewing machine oil. But not everyone has such liquid.
2. The modern way is to use WD-40, but not everyone has lubricant either. It is without a greasy base and one or two injections are enough for the loop to stop being smeared.
3. The third method is vegetable oil, but this method does not last long.
4. And the last option, which also won’t last long, is a pencil. It is inserted into the mechanism and needs to be moved. The stylus will crumble and treat the inner surface.

WD-40 effectively lubricates hingesSource amazon.com

In order not to damage the mechanism and lubricate the hinges correctly, you need to understand the technology:

1. The door must be opened all the way and secured so that it does not move.
2. The oil is poured inside with a syringe with a needle, after which it is necessary to remove the fixation.
3. Next, the mechanism needs to be developed (close and open the door several times), this will disperse the lubricant.

Since these hinges cannot be removed due to their installation, if the problem is not eliminated by lubrication, it is necessary to replace the structure completely.

Conclusion

Butterfly door hinges are considered perhaps the best option for lightweight interior doors. The instructions given above and the video in this article will help you understand the choice and installation yourself. If you have any questions, write in the comments, I will help as best I can.

Sources

• https://o-dveryah.ru/furnitura/petli-babochki-dlya-mezhkomnatnykh/
• https://sdelalremont.ru/montazh-petli-babochki-na-mezhkomnatnuyu-dver.html
• https://samstroy.com/97747-2/
• https://doorchange.ru/furnitura/dvernye-petli-babochka-vidy-tehnicheskie-parametry-i-ustanovka-za-4-shaga.html
• https://vitdoors.ru/dveri/kak-ustanovit-petli-babochki-na-mezhkomnatnuyu-dver.html
• https://stroy-podskazka.ru/dveri/petli/babochki/
• https://proekt-remonta.ru/dvernye-petli-babochka-kharakteristi/
• https://portaprima.ru/for_customers/articles/ustanovka/ustanovka-dveri-na-petli-babochka/
• https://ODveryah.ru/furnitura/petli-babochki
• https://o-dveryah.ru/furnitura/ustanovka-petel-babochka-na-mezhkomnatnye/

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Turnkey replacement cost

When planning to remove the doors from the old hinges with your own hands and replace the fittings with new ones, you need to understand that mistakes made due to illiteracy or accident will lead to unpleasant consequences:

• damage to the door leaf (dents, scratches, chips, etc.);
• box damage;
• damage to new hinges.

Without the proper skills, you should entrust the dismantling, disassembly, repair or replacement of accessories to specialists. Professionals will carefully and quickly complete the work and offer a choice of hinges that can be installed for a specific design. Excessive savings on calling specialists usually results in additional costs.

Standard repair of an interior door (replacing hinges, etc.) costs approximately 850 rubles. The service may include dismantling, leveling the surface of the canvas and box, varnishing or painting, installing fittings, lubrication, etc. The exact cost depends on the company, the features of the canvas and design, and other factors.

Replacing hinges on interior doors is not particularly difficult when you have experience and the appropriate tools. In other cases, especially when working with expensive solid wood doors and designer structures, it is better to contact specialists. The service will cost less than restoring the door or buying a new one to replace the damaged one.

Hanging the facade

The complexity of this stage of work lies in the need to manually hang the door leaf with installed hinges so that their bodies fall under the platforms fixed to the cabinet panel. All installation work is carried out in the following sequence:

1. If possible, it is worth turning the cabinet into a horizontal position. This will simplify the process of trying on the façade for further installation.
2. Using a pencil, create markings for future mounting strips into which the hinge mechanisms will be installed.
3. Place the planks exactly according to the markings and secure with self-tapping screws using a screwdriver.
4. Install the door on the side of the cabinet, being careful not to deviate from the marked positions for the hinges.
5. You can begin to fully assemble the hinges by connecting their front and base platforms using the housing. The result is finished swing mechanisms, ready for work.
6. At the last stage, you will need to adjust the hinge using a screwdriver. The main role in this task will be played by the corresponding screw in the housing of the central component of the mechanism.