Door Hinges

Frequently Asked Questions

Types of Hinges

Residential options are lighter-weight and perfect for everyday applications.

Commercial options have a thicker, sturdier design and are an absolute must for heavy-duty applications.

Spring types are self-closing, great for exterior and garage doors – especially if you have small children or pets.

Ball Bearing is much smoother and quieter and provides better wear than other options. They are recommended for high-traffic and solid core doors.

Specialty Hinges are the harder to find applications and we offer a range of these options for your needs.

Not sure what type of door hinge to get?

For most applications, a residential grade door hinge will be sufficient for what you need. If you have solid wood doors- or just taller heavier doors - you will probably want to go with a heavy-duty door hinge. Something else to consider is the location. Solid brass door hinges may hold up better for exterior applications than a steel option would (in coastal regions especially). We sell both kinds of hinges and many variations so we should have what you need.

Besides the material they are made of, there are three basic styles:

square corner, 1/4" radius corner, and 5/8" radius corner. You'll want to be sure to order the correct type to replace what you have. If you have square corner hinges, it's pretty easy to figure out that you need square corner hinges to replace them. Radius corner door hinges are sometimes a little more difficult to know what you have, so we have a simple test below to help you determine what you need.

1/4" Radius Corner Door Hinge

If you hold up a dime in the corner of the door hinge as shown to the left and the radius is just smaller than the dime, this is a 1/4" round corner door hinge. If it is larger, try the next step.

5/8" Radius Corner Door Hinge

If you hold up a quarter in the corner of the door hinge and the radius is pretty much the same as the quarter, you have a 5/8" radius corner door hinge. Order the same to replace it. If the radius is smaller, you probably have 1/4" radius corners.

Does it really matter?

It is true, a 5/8" radius hinge will operate a door exactly the same as a square corner hinge. However, as you will notice in the picture to the left, it just doesn't look good. If you plan on doing all the work of replacing door hinges, it would be best to get the correct door hinge the first time to save on time and hassle.

How to Replace Door Hinges:

Probably the easiest way to replace the hinges on an existing door is to leave the door hung on the jamb (frame). Start at the top and remove the first hinge on both the door and the door jamb. Install the new door hinge in its place. Do the same on the middle and bottom hinge. If you remove the door and remove all hinges and then replace them while it is not hung, it will be much more difficult to get the job done and harder to get all the hinges to align and work properly.

If you are replacing a house full of hinges to get rid of the old brass or painted over hinges, you'll want to consider using a cordless drill with a screwdriver tip. At 6 screws per hinge on average and 2-3 cabinet hinges per door, your wrist will be tired by the time you are done without the use of a drill. If a screwdriver is all you have on hand, it is still a good way to perform the task. Upgrading your old door hinges can help your door operate smoothly but can also give your home an upgraded look.

What are the different types of door hinges?

There are five types of door hinges, each designed with specific uses. These are residential, commercial, spring, ball bearing, and specialty.

Residential door hinges are made with lightweight materials and typically used for everyday applications like interior and exterior doors.

Commercial hinges are made with a thicker gauge metal, so they're sturdier and more reliable for enhanced security.

Often used on garage and exterior doors, spring door hinges are self-closing and easy to adjust for the perfect tension. If you have pets and small children, these are great as an additional security measure.

Ball bearing hinges are the quietest and smoothest of the group, which in turn makes them more costly. The lubricated bearings make the hinges very durable and long-lasting. They may not be what you want for your entire home—although they can easily be used in place of residential hinges—but we recommend them for solid core and exterior doors.

Lastly, specialty hinges are required for uncommon applications. These include double-acting hinges, square corner hinges, and swing-clear hinges.

Which door hinge is best?

This depends on your needs! The hinges you'd choose for a home would differ from those for a business. For residential use, you can choose either residential or ball bearing hinges. This choice depends on your budget and longevity needs. If you are installing a new door with unique hinge requirements, you'll need a specialty hinge. The best door hinge for your needs will be determined by the location at hand and your budget.

Is WD-40 bad for door hinges?

Not at all. WD-40 has been a tried and true lubricate for years! Even on their official website, WD-40 offers instructions on how to use their product to resolve squeaking doors. You can read more here.