Thread: Hinge fitting

It sounds like one or more of the screws is sitting proud, preventing the lid from closing properly. Sometimes it's necessary to countersink the holes in the hinges a little more than they come with. I've also found that on some screws, the head is a little higher (i.e. thicker) than others. You may have to sort through them to find the best ones to use.

This has become a problem since most developed companies have stopped manufacturing brassware for OH&S reasons, and it is now difficult to buy good quality brass butt hinges and screws.

Originally Posted by AlexS

This has become a problem since most developed companies have stopped manufacturing brassware for OH&S reasons, and it is now difficult to buy good quality brass butt hinges and screws.

Hi Alex, can you expand on this, what are the OH&S reasons for stopping manufacturing?

Without thinking you've done something wrong my first thought is the hinges are bad.

Check out this video from Matt Eslea, outlining his method of tuning the hinges.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia-nMPKJPoY

Hi,

I find strap style hinges for treasure chests works best. To stretch the butt hinge get some 3mm steel rod place across the hinges then close the box this will stretch the hinges may do the trick.

Cheers RGP

Hi Sporter,

Would it be possible for you to take some photo's?.

I had this problem for a while and found the screw only had to be a very small amount proud to stop the hinge from closing
and found the only way to correct it was to grind the head back with a dremel tool at the time

I bought one of these : https://www.timbecon.com.au/snappy-h...xoCRtYQAvD_BwE

that centres the guide hole in the countersink of the hinge for the screw to seat squarely, problem solved

I've also found that it doesn't pay to mix up the hinges once you have drilled and mounted them

Hodgo

Its called hinge bound. To remedy fold a piece of paper 2, 3 or 4 times and cut to suit the length of the hinge. Then back off the screws on one flap of each hinge and insert the folded paper between the hinge flap and the timber and retighten the screws. Its a bit of trial and error so you may have to fold the paper thicker or go the opposite. If it becomes too thick then the cardboard backing from a writing pad is ideal.

Originally Posted by DJ’s Timber

Hi Alex, can you expand on this, what are the OH&S reasons for stopping manufacturing?

As I understand it, the manufacture and working of hot brass creates fumes that can be dangerous if inhaled, so proper extraction and handling is required, which is expensive. Some countries don't care, but they typically don't make good quality, so they have priced most of the quality manufacturers out of business.
There are still some quality manufacturers around, eg Rockler, but they aren't cheap.

Another thing that can make the screw head proud of the hinge leaf is if the hole for the screw is not right in the centre of the hole. This stops the screw from bottoming out fully in the countersunk hole.

Have checked hinges and found one has a slightly bent leaf on box.I have now straitened hinge and refitted with success.Thank you for your help,I will check out the video you mentioned…cheers

I have a passionate dislike for butt hinges, piano hinges included.

I work as a customer technical advisor for a national hardware supplier and received a call one day from a woman complaining that our solid Brass piano hinge was no good, why i ask, because the door won't close she says, i ask if she has checked the leaves in, ???????????????, i'll put you on to the builder she says, i ask him the same question and he says you don't check in piano hinge, so i go on to explain what he needs to do and he cuts me off with, have you ever fitted a piano hinge?, yes i say i'm a joiner by trade and have been doing woodwork for 45 years and have fitted many many piano hinges, he hung up. In this game there are many wrong customers.