How do I get my door to open to 180 degrees?

Use a broad butt hinge where the throw of the selected hinge is sufficient to pivot the door around the frame and architrave.

How do I determine the handling of a hinge when using a lift off hinge?

Hold the hinge leaf with the pin in your hand and lift the other leaf off. 

When hinge knuckle is facing you, whichever side of the hinge lifts off determines the ‘handing’. For example, in the illustration, the right side would lift off.

In a Retail store how can I tell the type of hinge from the colour packaging?

Refer to our icon and colour coding guide at the front of the catalogue with full explanations.

What is a split hinge and when is it used?

When two styles of hinges are combined either in size or style. A split hinge may be where one side of the hinge is screw fix, where the other is weld fix. Alternately it could be when a hinge has half the leaf of a 100 x 75mm hinge and the other half is 100 x 100mm leaf hinge. Split hinges are commonly used for customised jobs or even OEM.

My builder says my screw pattern is imperial and not metric?

The illustration below shows the difference in screw patterns. If the installer chooses not install a modern hole style hinge patter (metric) they will need to have specially made hinges to suit the original hole pattern.

What is the difference between a 316 grade to a 304-grade stainless steel?

Most stainless steel ordered around the world is 304 grade (304). It offers the standard corrosion resistance, formability, strength, and easy maintenance for which stainless is known. While 316 grade (316) comes in second in terms of quantities sold, it offers vastly superior corrosion resistance to chlorides and acids and is often referred to as marine grade stainless. 304 can and may tarnish depending on the conditions and where it is used i.e. near an ocean, river etc.

Can you paint over hinges – if so which finish of hinge do I select?

You can paint over the hinges though we recommend the prime coated and zinc plate finishes for this purpose.

What strain does installing a door closer / seals have on hinges?

It adds on an approximate 25% of force.

Do you supply in pairs?

Only the polymer gate hinges are supplied in pairs.

Are architectural hinges fire-rated?

Hinge rated to e-core is the R1-1100F. Commercial knobs and levers and door closers are also rated to e-core. For firecore see table below:

What does an anti-ligature hinge do?

This particular type of hinges are designed to eliminate points where a cord, rope, or other items can be looped or tied to a fixture in order to create a strangulation point, which may result in self harm or in extreme cases, loss of life.

When should I specify a Hospital Hinge?

Hospital hinges should be used when looking to maximize the total open width of a door (double door) way or aisle.

What is the difference between a flat and kinked Hirline hinge?

Please refer to illustrations below. The choice in using a flat or kinked hinge is dependant on the installer and the application it is required for. Kinked are more common to use.

When should I consider a 316 Stainless Steel hinge?

In an application where the hinge will be exposed in extremely corrosive environments.

When and with what should I lubricate my hinges?

When the operation of a hinge is squeaking or not opening as smooth it is recommended to use graphite or a silicon/teflon based lubricant.

Do your products come with screws?

If the product code ends in a ’20’ then those hinges DO NOT come with screws.

What gauge screws should I use with my hinges?

Refer to page 3.06 of the Trio catalogue.

Are the Trio M5 metal thread screws undercut?

Yes, metal thread screws should be under cut.

What grade stainless steel are our hinges made of?

Generally, all our stainless steel hinges are 304 grade. 

Is the piano hinge drilled or undrilled?

Undrilled– except for the T0P31 hinges. Piano hinges are a very versatile hinge because they can be cut down and drilled/ countersunk as required by the installer.

How many hinges do I need for my door?

Refer to page 3.04 and 3.05 of the Trio catalogue.

How do I know if I need a right hand lift off or a left hand lift off?

Refer to page 3.09 of the Trio catalogue.

What is the benefit / reason for selecting ball bearing hinges as compared to standard?

The bearings in ball bearing hinges (also called ball bearing butt hinges) reduce friction, which is especially helpful on heavier doors, like those at an entry or with an automatic closer. The bearings make opening and closing a door consistently easier, smoother and quieter.

Is PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) a better long-term surface finish than powder coat?

PVD (physical vapour deposition) coating, also known as thin-film coating, is a process in which a type of film is vaporised in a vacuum and deposited onto the surface of a part.

Are our black products electroplated, powder coated or PVD?

They are usually electroplated.

Weight load of single & double action spring hinges?

WL45/46 up to 15kgs. BWL47 approx. 25kgs.