Hinges
Does a heavy door sag a bit, drag across the floor, or do you want to hang a solid exterior door that needs to keep swinging smoothly for years to come? Then you will quickly find yourself looking at butt hinges. This type of hinge supports more weight than a standard hinge and is therefore the trusted choice for heavy interior doors, exterior doors, and projects. Whether you are hanging a monumental panel door or want to neatly hang your new build doors, with the right butt hinge, your door will swing quietly and stably.
On this page, we will calmly explain exactly what a hinge is and the four types available. You will learn what DIN left and DIN right mean, which size fits your door, and when you need a security version with an anti-burglary claw. We also tell you how many hinges you use per door and which brands and colors we carry. This way, you can choose the hinges that suit your doors with peace of mind. Read on!
What exactly is a hinge?
A paumelle is a hinge in which a pin on the door side slides into a bushing on the frame side. This differs from a standard hinge, where two leaves rotate together around a shared pin. Because the weight rests on the pin, paumelles bear more weight than a standard hinge and keep a door stable, even during heavy use. The French word paumelle refers to the palm shape of the hinge leaf. Traditionally found in classical architecture, they are today the standard for robust door suspension in Dutch residential construction.
In practice, you choose a hinge whenever a door is heavy or frequently used, such as a solid interior door, an exterior door, or a door in a busy building. At Deurbeslag Expert, you will find around sixty hinges from brands such as Intersteel, Dulimex, and Griff Meister, in finishes ranging from brushed stainless steel and matte black to gun metal, copper, lacquered white, and matte gold. If you would like to see the complete range side by side, please also view our broader collection of hinges. If you are unsure about the right type, our advisors will be happy to help you.
What are the four types of hinges?
There are four main types of hinges, which you choose based on your door and the desired comfort. A ball-pin hinge has a ground ball under the pin, allowing the door to turn smoothly and close more softly; pleasant and quiet for interior and light exterior doors. A pin hinge has a flat base without a ball, turns slightly stiffer but is more affordable and does not experience ball wear. Additionally, there are ball-bearing hinges with integrated ball bearings for maximum smooth rotation on heavy, heavily used doors, and inset hinges that disappear virtually invisibly into the door and frame.
Which type fits best depends on weight and usage. For a standard interior door, a ball-pin or pin hinge is more than sufficient, while for a heavy door in an office, school, or hospitality establishment, you are better off choosing a ball-bearing hinge that remains smooth for years. If you prefer a sleek, modern look where the hinge blends in, invisible hinges or recessed hinges are a nice choice, although they have a more limited load capacity of approximately 30 to 40 kilos per set. So, determine how heavy your door is before making a choice.
What do DIN left and DIN right mean?
DIN left and DIN right indicate which side a hinge pivots on, an important specification for pin and ball-bearing hinges. Stand in front of the door on the side you are walking towards: if the hinges are on the right, you need DIN right; if they are on the left, it is DIN left. Pin and ball-bearing hinges are direction-dependent and only fit on one side. Ball-bearing hinges, on the other hand, are symmetrical and fit in both directions of rotation, which makes choosing easier.
This is especially important for replacements and projects, as one door in a home may swing to the left and another to the right. Therefore, when replacing a door, carefully check which way your existing door opens and order the hinge in the same direction. If you make a mistake with the direction, the hinge will not fit and you will have to order again. If in doubt, note the opening direction for each door before placing your order. This will help you avoid surprises during installation.
What size hinge do you need?
The size of the hinge you need is determined by the weight of your door. A 76 mm hinge is suitable for light interior doors up to approximately 30 kilos, such as bedroom and closet doors. The 89 mm size is by far the most common in the Netherlands and supports medium-weight interior doors weighing 30 to 60 kilos; this fits standard 40 mm thick doors. For heavy doors weighing 60 to 100 kilos, such as solid exterior doors or fire-resistant doors, choose 102 mm. The heavier the door, the larger the hinge leaf you need.
In addition to the size, the angle of the hinge leaf also plays a role. A leaf with rounded corners fits into recesses made with a milling machine and has a modern appearance; this is by far the most common version. A leaf with straight corners fits hand-milled or chiseled recesses, such as those found in older and monumental doors. When replacing, look at your existing recess: if you see rounded corners, choose a round leaf, and for straight rectangular corners, a straight leaf. This ensures the new hinge fits neatly without extra milling work.
When do you choose a security version with an anti-theft claw?
You choose a hinge with an anti-burglary claw as soon as you install an exterior door where burglary protection is important. The anti-burglary claw is a metal hook on the hinge leaf that engages in a recess on the opposite side when the door is closed. If a burglar tries to pry the door open on the hinge side by knocking out the pins, the claw holds the door in place. This ensures your door remains secure on the hinge side as well, and not just on the lock side.
For residential construction, there are ball-bearing hinges with an anti-burglary claw bearing the SKG quality mark, available in 89 or 102 mm and in brushed stainless steel or matte black. These meet the Police Security Mark for Safe Living; for villas and corner houses with a higher risk, a three-star version is recommended. For an exterior door, count on at least three hinges to ensure the weight and burglary resistance are well distributed. If you want to finish your entire door in the same shade, match the hinges to your other stainless steel or black door.
How many hinges do you need per door?
The number of hinges you need per door depends on the height and weight of the door. For a door up to 2 meters and 30 kilos, two hinges are sufficient, placed approximately 20 cm from the top and bottom. For a door up to 60 kilos, choose two to three, and if in doubt, preferably three for extra stability. Heavy doors up to 100 kilos require three hinges, and doors over 100 kilos or taller than 2.5 meters require four, evenly spaced. An extra hinge prevents a heavy door from sagging over time.
For exterior doors meeting burglary requirements, always use at least three hinges with anti-burglary claws, regardless of weight, as prescribed by the Police Security Mark for Safe Living. For very tall or extremely heavy doors, you can distribute the load even more evenly with an extra hinge. Mount the hinges straight and at the same height for a clean look and smooth operation. If you are unsure about the correct number, send a photo of your door and frame along with the dimensions to info@deurbeslag-expert.nl, and our specialists will assist you.
Why order your hinges from Deurbeslag Expert?
You order your hinges from Deurbeslag Expert because here you can choose from all types, sizes, and finishes, from a solid Intersteel to a classic bronze Griff Meister, along with honest advice. Whether you are hanging a light interior door or a heavy exterior door with an SKG quality mark, you will find the hinge that suits your door and situation. The most requested models are in stock, so you can get started quickly. If you are unsure about the type, size, opening direction, or the correct quantity, our specialists are happy to help you via info@deurbeslag-expert.nl. Order before 4:00 PM? Then your hinges will be delivered tomorrow.