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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
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    Default Mid range box hardware

    After seeing the many awesome boxes on display in this forum, I'm itching to have a go at a 'right proper' box. I know my first few (dozen) will most likely be less than stellar so I was hoping to get opinions on some good mid range box hardware - mainly hinges. It would be nice to spring for Smart Hinges on everything but they're a wee bit pricey.

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Kew, Vic
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    Default

    Hi Alkahestic,

    Mid range box hardware is very hard to find.

    It does depend a bit on what you want, too. For example, if you just want butt hinges and you don’t need a stop hinge there are plenty around. For example Anton Gerner has brass butt hinges for around $13 Gerner Hinges

    For your first boxes I’d definitely recommend staying away from quadrant hinges which are as difficult as one-armed wallpaper hanging.

    Butt hinges with a stop generally have a square knuckle, which means either the knuckle has to hang outside the box or you cut angled rebates on the back of the box to stop the knuckle from binding. You can buy this type at several Australian suppliers but I no longer use them as I haven’t found any I would regard as even mid-range quality. If you want this type of hinge the gold standard is the JB from Brusso Hardware
    they are around$US 23 per pair

    BUT - from 11th to 18th July Brusso will be selling their JB101 hinges at half price. Only buying direct from Brusso.

    Rail hinges with a stop are a similar story - I haven’t found any locally that I’d use - they all seem to be brass plated and brittle. That said, I know I’m picky. I use Andrew Crawford’s Smarthinge. Expensive, yes, but I hope my boxes will outlive me so the cost is not so great.

    If you’re willing to do something a bit different you could try these pin hinges from Lee Valley Lee Valley Hidden Hinge Pins - Lee Valley Tools I sometimes make something similar from brass rod and brass tube from the local hobby supplies shop.

    If you do find something in the mid range please let us know!

    Good hunting!


    Brian

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Brisbane
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    Default

    Thanks for the in depth reply Brian! Yes, if I find anything decent I'll certainly post about it.

    I like the look of quadrant hinges but looking at their installation instructions I'll agree with you - I think I better focus on getting the boxes right, then worry about learning to install 'fancier' hinges. I think I'll have to get some of the Gerner hinges and then the Brusso's when they're on sale.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Sydney Upper North Shore
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    4,464

    Default

    Sometime back, Woodpixel was having some brass hinges made.

    New brass hinges being made - can I get opinions

    Send him a PM.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Auckland New Zealand
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    312

    Default

    This one is for you Brian. Seems this is a common problem, the search for affordable quality hinges [emoji16]

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1634...6957169573418/

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Kew, Vic
    Posts
    1,064

    Default

    Thanks for that, Jacques. I admire his enterprise but not the design. Opening to 120 degrees is way too far. Just think of the stress that any open lid will put on the hinge and screws. Much better in my view to go to 91 degrees, 95 at most. Also, I can’t tell if these hinges have the square-bottomed knuckle like the Brusso rail hinges, which would mean the knuckle sitting outside the box.

    What puzzles me is why brass hinges are so expensive. Brass is around $4 per kg. Assuming CNC manufacture. How do we get from there to $60 for a pair of Brusso rail hinges? It’s worse for stainless steel - a pair of SS rail hinges similar to Smarthinge costs a whopping $82 from fineboxhardware. That makes $45 a pair for Smarthinge seem a bargain!

    Homey shuffles away, muttering dark imprecations....


    Brian

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