Buying hinges and pivots for your doors?
Is a door in your house hanging a bit crooked, dragging across the floor, or making an annoying squeaking sound? Then the cause often lies with the hinges. They are hardly noticeable, but they are the pivot point on which your door must continue to operate smoothly for years. If you choose hinges that are too light or worn out, doors will sag, no longer close properly, and eventually the lock will start to jam. With the right hinges, you prevent this and ensure every door remains pleasant to use.
On this page, we help you make the right choice. You will read about the difference between a hinge and a paumelle, the different types available, and which size suits the weight of your door. We also explain how many hinges to install per door, when to choose an SKG-certified version, and how best to maintain them. This way, you know exactly what to look for before ordering. Read on!
What is the difference between a hinge and a paumelle?
The difference between a hinge and a paumelle lies in the way you can remove the door. A standard hinge has a continuous, fixed pin and is primarily used for interior doors of normal weight; to remove the door, you must unscrew the hinge. A paumelle, on the other hand, is removable: thanks to the separate, reinforced pin, you can simply lift the door out of the frame without unscrewing a single screw. This is useful for painting work, for heavy doors, and for monumental buildings where you want to be able to remove the door regularly. Functionally, both perform the same work as the pivot point of your door.
Which of the two you choose depends on your door and your situation. For interior doors in modern new-builds, ball-bearing hinges are the standard because they turn smoothly and require little maintenance. For classic villas and 1930s homes with heavy panel doors, a butt hinge is often the more pleasant choice. There is also a butt hinge, a hybrid model that combines the solid appearance of a butt hinge with the simple installation of a standard hinge. If you are unsure which variant suits your door, our specialists would be happy to help you.
What types of hinges and butt hinges are there?
There are various types of hinges and pivots, each with its own application. A ball bearing hinge has a built-in bearing and therefore rotates smoothly, even under load; it is the most commonly used type for modern interior doors. A standard sliding bearing hinge is intended for lighter doors that are opened and closed less frequently. For heavy doors and exterior doors where you want to be able to remove the door, choose a pivot. Thus, there is a suitable pivot point for every door type.
In addition, there are special versions to meet specific requirements. Invisible hinges are recessed into the door side, are 3D adjustable up to approximately 80 kg, and remain completely out of sight, making them ideal for sleek designer doors. Hinges with a separate pin work just like a butt hinge, allowing you to remove the door without screws. Belgian hinges with a decorative head and vase-head butt hinges with an elegant top look particularly beautiful in monumental, Art Deco, and 1930s homes. We offer these versions from Intersteel, AXA, Dulimex, and Olivari, among others.
What size hinge do you need?
You determine the size you need based on the weight and height of your door. For light interior doors up to approximately 25 kg, an external dimension of 76 x 76 mm is sufficient, while 89 x 89 mm is the Dutch standard for regular interior doors up to about 40 kg. For heavy doors up to 80 kg or for front doors, choose 100 x 100 mm. Additionally, pay attention to the corner: rounded corners are universally applicable, while straight corners are intended for milling work in the same shape. With the correct size, your door will hang neatly and close properly.
If you are replacing existing hinges, first measure your old ones and check the outer dimensions, the angle shape, and the spindle diameter, which is usually between 10 and 14 mm. Then look for the same dimensions so that the screw holes align and you do not need to re-mill or drill. Hinges are supplied in sets of 2, 3, or 4, ensuring you have enough in one go. For a new door, you can choose freely based on the weight. If you are unsure about the correct size, please provide the dimensions and weight of your door, and our specialists will be happy to advise you.
How many hinges do you install per door?
The number of hinges you install per door depends on the height and weight of the door leaf. Three hinges is the Dutch standard for interior doors up to approximately 210 cm high and ensures good weight distribution. For light doors up to 25 kg, such as some bedroom or office doors, two hinges suffice: one at the top and one at the bottom. For extra-high doors over 230 cm or for heavy solid doors, install four to prevent sagging and warping. This ensures that every door hangs stably and tautly in the frame.
The fourth hinge is typically placed slightly above the center of the door, as this is where the most pulling force is generated. For front doors, always use at least three hinges, and for heavy panel doors, preferably four for optimal load bearing. A properly hung door closes smoothly and retains its alignment for years. If you are unsure whether two or three hinges are sufficient for your door, base your decision on the weight: if in doubt, it is better to choose one extra hinge. Our advisors are happy to assist you with this assessment.
When should you choose an SKG-approved hinge?
You should choose an SKG-approved hinge whenever a door is accessible from the outside, such as for your front and back doors. These hinges feature reinforced, drill-resistant pins that prevent a burglar from damaging the hinge and prying the door out of the frame. For a fully SKG-certified front door, matching SKG hinges are even mandatory; a good cylinder and a security rosette alone do not make the door certifiable. Therefore, combine them with matching security hardware and an SKG cylinder lock. This way, you meet the requirements of the Police Security Mark for Safe Living.
If you live in a corner house or a neighborhood with a higher risk of burglary, security hinges with an anti-burglary claw are highly recommended. This anti-burglary claw is a steel pin that grips the door frame and holds the door in place, even if the pin is removed from the outside. This ensures your door remains closed even during an attempted burglary. For standard interior doors, an SKG certification is not required, and a regular hinge is more than sufficient. Therefore, choose the level of protection that suits the situation for each door.
How do you maintain your hinges?
You maintain your hinges by lubricating them twice a year with a silicone or Teflon spray. Do not use WD-40 for this, as it attracts dust and dirt and eventually causes the mechanism to seize up. If you hear a door creaking, lubricate it first before considering replacement, as dry hardware is usually the real cause of the noise. Additionally, check once a year that all screws are still securely tightened, especially on heavy doors. With this little bit of attention, your doors will continue to open and close smoothly for years.
For coated hinges, proper cleaning is important to keep the finish looking good. Wipe a PVD-coated or matte black hinge only with a damp microfiber cloth and mild water, and avoid scouring pads, ammonia, acetone, and chlorine-based cleaners, as these will irreparably damage the coating. For matte black, it is also best to avoid alcohol-based products, as they can leave slight shiny spots. If a door does start to sag over time, you can often adjust this using a spacer under one of the hinges. This prevents unnecessary replacement and keeps everything neatly aligned.
Why order your hinges and pivots from Deurbeslag Expert?
You order your hinges and butt hinges from Deurbeslag Expert because here you can choose from a wide range of top brands, with honest advice and competitive prices. From ball bearing hinges and butt hinges to invisible and SKG-approved versions: you will find the right size and finish for every door and weight. The most requested models are in stock, so you can get started quickly. If you are unsure between two or three hinges, or between a hinge and a butt hinge, please provide the dimensions and weight of your door via info@deurbeslag-expert.nl. Order before 4:00 PM? Then your hinges or butt hinges will be delivered tomorrow.