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Anatomy of a Hinge
There are as many types of hinges as there are uses for them, but almost all styles use the same parts in one form or another. To properly describe the hinge that meets your requirements, refer to this diagram.
The portion of the hinge that extends laterally from the barrel. The leaf generally revolves around the pin.
Overall Leaf Length
The length of the leaf as measured parallel to the pin.
Pin
The rod or wire running the length of the pin through the barrel. The leaves, which pivot around it, are held together by the pin.
Pitch
The dimension from a given point on the knuckle to the same point on the adjacent barrel on the same leaf.
Leaf Material
The type and thickness of metal used for leaf manufacture. The most common raw materials are:
- Cold rolled steel
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Monel
- Bronze
The overall dimension of the leaves as measured perpendicularly to the pin.
Leaf Width
The dimension of the leaf from the center of the pin to the edge of the leaf.
Paint Clearance
The length of a joint plus its adjacent space.
Barrel
The circular, hollow section of the knuckle of a hinge through which the pin passes. Also referred to as the knuckle, curl, loop, joint, or node.
Barrel Length
The dimension of the barrel as measured parallel to the pin.
Joint Length
The length of one section of the barrel.
Side Play
The degree of perpendicular movement between the leaves and the pin.
End Play
The degree of axial movement between the leaves.
