Thread: Mystery hinge

No idea Andy
but does'nt look too tricky to make from scratch

It's called a "four-bar linkage" hinge. The effective center of rotation is outside the limits of the linkage itself, which makes it convenient for cabinets and automobile bonnets (the most common application AFAICT). Probably made-to-order, although I found a few patents via Google. You might check with aircraft manufacturers - they use a lot of weird hardware. But like underfoot says, could be simpler to DIY. Depending on your project, you might need LH and RH versions.

I couldn't find it in McMaster-Carr, which says a lot about scarcity.

Cheers,
Joe

Well.......bugger me.
I just spent the last 1/2 hour checking out four bar linkages. They're every where.
What interesting stuff.

Thanks Andy & Joe.

These appear to be similar to what you want.

Other , products new home , BLANKET BOX or SEAT HINGE_br_ SPRUNG 12Kg RATING

maybe an email or call to elraco might help.

Thanks for the replies. I got very little from Net searches myself.
I had considered making them this morning, shouldn't be too hard except for getting the solid rivets to rotate freely. Definitely need left and right hand versions.
I don't think the huge and complicated Blum full overlay type will do the job, given the weird cabinet I'm cobbling together!

Cheers,

It's not weird, it's imposingly imprressive!!

Elraco have them under 'Other hinges' in their cattledog

Gerry

Well after not finding exactly what I wanted for this job, I decided to make some from scratch, using the sample as a guide. Took a couple of patient evenings, with lots of filing. Of course there are left and right hand versions, mirror image.
They are made from recycled (what else?) aluminium, some square tube I had lying about. The pivots are hand-peened aircraft rivets, 1/8" aluminium alloy, from a stash I have jealously guarded for 20yrs or so. The finished items have been sand blasted before cleaning and oiled to move smoothly. And they work a treat, at least uninstalled!
I will fit them tomorrow...

Cheers

Great job Andy always something nice about making it yourself.

Originally Posted by Andy Mac

. The pivots are hand-peened aircraft rivets, 1/8" aluminium alloy, from a stash I have jealously guarded for 20yrs or so.
Cheers

I've got a whole bunch of various size alloy aircraft rivets tucked away (for when I build my own plane) give us a yell if you need any

You made than much more in focus than the originals. They look really good Andy.

Cheers
Michael

Top Job Andy!!!!

I remember those types of hinges from the 70s. I was making some kitchen cabinets and the hinges I bought looked, at first glance, like those. Somehow ONE of those got mixed up with my purchase. Caused a bit of head scratching>