There are two types of butt hinges: one made from solid brass with a fixed pin (left), and one that uses loose-pin ball tips.
Learn how to adjust non-adjustable butt hinges here.
Fixed or loose pin?In many cases the choice will depend on the style in which youre working, but generally speaking, a loose-pin hinge makes it easier to fit large doors: You can remove the pin and take the door off for planing without the need to unscrew the hinge leaf from the cabinet.
Size
Consider the leaf width when ordering hinges. You may find that the leaves are too large for your door’s thickness. To avoid breaking out, it is best to leave as much meat behind the hinge and at the back of your door stile.
Brass or steel?
There are many hinges available in different metal plating options, sometimes with various finishes such as antique brass and oiled bronze.
Quality
Technically speaking, a good butt hinge will have a pin that fits snugly between the leaves. Any sloppiness in this fit will complicate your job of getting a door to fit precisely in its opening.
Product Recommendations
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
