Hinges for glass: types without drilling for a glass door and furniture hinges with a closer, overhead door hinges, other models

Good day to all! It's time to talk about furniture hinges without inserts. Currently, buying such products is not a particular problem. Their price is quite low, but objective shortcomings make you think about whether they are worth buying.

The current range of furniture fittings is huge. Just take a look at what Leroy Merlin or Castorama has to offer.

All overhead furniture hinges can be divided into those that require insertion, that is, the use of a special drill for hinges, as well as simple fastening without preliminary recesses. The second option is easier in terms of do-it-yourself installation. But products without drilling have their obvious disadvantages.

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.

Mortise models: types and installation

Mortise hinges are similar in appearance to overhead awnings with a card structure. The difference lies in the method of fastening and detachable plates.

Popular types of such loops:

1. Brass. They have an aesthetic appearance and are in great demand. There are two types of canopies in the retail chain: chrome-plated and polished.
2. Brass plated. They are made from several alloys. To give an aesthetic appearance, brass, bronze and gold plating is used.
3. Steel. The most reliable and high-quality type of fastening. They are not subject to grinding, therefore they have a long service life. To preserve the aesthetic appearance of the canvas, they are cut into the end of the door frame. The recess and configuration of the recess corresponds to the thickness and shape of the plates.

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.

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.

Selection rules

When selecting hinges for glass, you need to be guided by the basic principles that are important in fastening a fragile material.

• Estimated load. It is calculated based on the weight of the suspended structure and the number of holders. The thicker and more massive the sash, the more reliable the hinges should be. The presence of a frame and hanging fittings also needs to be taken into account.
• Opening angle. It determines how far the sash can be opened. For entrance groups this indicator should be 90 degrees or more. For hanging furniture doors, a standard right angle is usually sufficient.
• Availability of adjustment. If possible, during operation the hinges can be tightened taking into account the deformation of other elements. This is convenient, but not necessary.
• Appearance. Hinges installed on glass must be in harmony with the design as a whole and provide it with additional attractiveness.

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.

Varieties

Finding a huge assortment of similar loops in Moscow, St. Petersburg and any other city will not be difficult. The price is reasonable, and installation is extremely simple.

Before you begin installation, you should decide on the option that suits you. Depending on the application, they can be divided into the following subtypes:

• Furniture. Now they are used quite rarely. Usually these are furniture designs that are created in a classic style. Also relevant for restoration and repair. They are practically not used on new furniture;
• Interior and entrance doors. They look aesthetically pleasing, and installation does not take much effort and time, even for a person without experience in such matters. If it is a door made of plastic or other thin material, it will not be possible to simply cut off the insert layer;
• Street. This mainly concerns hinges for gates and wickets. The fittings are large and therefore used much less frequently than arrow hinges.

There is another classification, which is based on the design features of the fittings themselves.

In videos where loops are used and installed without the need for time, they usually remember:

• articulated;
• card;
• piano;
• secretory loops.

Each option considered has its own characteristics.

Here we are talking about the following points:

• Card. These hinges also come in mortise versions. But varieties without inserts are somewhat more compact. Depending on their shape, they can be standard or figured;
• Pianos. It is unlikely that you will be able to find such hinges in the assortment of leading manufacturers, including Boyard, Hettich or the same Blum. Morally and technically outdated. In fact, this is a more extended version of the card loop. Used on pianos, folding tables and old cabinets;
• Secretory structures resemble card ones, but differ in rounded shapes. Suitable for doors that open from top to bottom or bottom to top;
• Hinged products are suitable in situations where the thickness of the wood is minimal and it is impossible to make an insert.

Almost everywhere we are talking about the fact that the fittings are outdated. And indeed it is.

The greatest demand now is for mortise structures. By adding hinges with a closer, you get fittings that are optimal in functionality, reliability and versatility.

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.

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.

The best manufacturers

There are dozens of hinge options on the market suitable for use with glass structures, but not all brands are trustworthy. The highest quality fittings of this type are made in EU countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Italy.

Among them we can highlight Dorma, a German company and a recognized market leader. Italian Metalglas is also among the leaders. Among the popular brands are such manufacturers from Germany as WSS, Paul + Sohn GmbH. Russian companies are represented by the brands Atlantic, Kinlong, and Orman.