Are all piano hinges made equal?

[DiabloCanyon]

I realize that you get what you pay for but I was looking at the piano hinges sold at HD and then some sold at Rocklers (for a lot more) and they look comparable. Perhaps the material is more solid with Rocklers but any thoughts or recommendations on which brand/supplier of piano hinge to go with for the door?

Many thanks,
Tom

[3822sean]

dont know the different brands but as long as it is stainless you should be go to go

[Kevin & Sandy]

Have you tried McMaster's ? They have a wide variety.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#piano-hinges/=cgymhn

[Steve_Cox]

Have you tried McMaster's ? They have a wide variety.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#piano-hinges/=cgymhn

+1

From the hazardous location continuous plastic hinge to aluminum and stainless piano hinges, I've been happy with all the piano hinges I've purchased from McMaster.

[Artificer]

+2 on the McMaster Carr hinges. Thats where I order mine from, along with a lot of other materials for work and home.

McMaster will charge a bit of a premium because they have a wide selection, and its in stock. Tools, nuts/bolts, steel... I can get it cheaper locally. If its not available, however, McMaster Carr is my first place to look.

"You get what you pay for" really is true with the piano hinges. Thin, cheaply plated hinges at the local box store are decent quality, but they're made of thin metal, and the plating will not stand up to the weather. As others have said... go with stainless. If you look at the Rockler stainless hinge, its 1-1/16" wide. Is that the wing, or total open width? If its the open width, McMaster has it beat on price, and they'll tell you specs on the hinge. Want thicker? They have it. They'll also have SS flat head wood screws to install them with. (like item 90294A201)

Michael

[b.bodemer]

I found stainless steel piano hinges at Lowes. THey worked nicely for my td doors and on my front awning/shutter.
Barb

[LDK]

I went with an aluminum offset piano hinge from Grant at little bear tag alongs.

[CARS]

I went with an aluminum offset piano hinge from Grant at little bear tag alongs.

What is the purpose of the off-set hinge?

Or maybe the better question is what dictates the need for an off-set hinge??

[LDK]

With this particular hinge the screws are on the inside and the offset gives you room for a seal around the door.

[CARS]

With this particular hinge the screws are on the inside and the offset gives you room for a seal around the door.

OK, I understand the hinge end of the door seal. But what do you do with the other 3 sides?? Use a wider T moulding??

[LDK]

With this particular hinge the screws are on the inside and the offset gives you room for a seal around the door.

OK, I understand the hinge end of the door seal. But what do you do with the other 3 sides?? Use a wider T moulding??

With that hinge the offset is for the door. The seals go on the inside of the t-molding. In other words the door is out from the sides just alittle. The offset is only about 1/8", just enough room for a seal of some kind.

[CARS]

Thanks Larry.

I guess that I didn't think that the door needed to be out.

Kinda makes sense now