Subject: Re: Strap hinges

From: [email-masked] (Thomas Boudreau)
Date: Sun, 4 Feb 1996 22:40:14 -0400

>I am in the process of forging some hinges for a pair of doors on my new
>shop. These doors are pretty heavy, 2x6 frame with 1x4's nailed on diagonally
>and insulation in between.
>
>I am wondering if there are standards for the size stock to use and the
>number of hinges required to carry the weight. I am thinking three hinges
>from 1/4 x 1-1/4.
>
>The doors are 54 inches wide by 72 inches high -- don't know the weight.
>
>Would appreciate advice.
>--Jim McCarty
>
>       These are very heavy doors, however the stock you want to use would
be good, even 3/16 would be ok.  That 1/4  is a devil to work if you want to
forge a design. I think what is most important is the amount of bolts (or
hand forged nails) and a good pintle. Three hindges is also a good idea for
strength and keep from twist or warpage. 

                Good luck!!   Tom:

---

From: "S.Kayne" <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 5 Feb 1996 13:06:28 -0500

> > Subject: Strap hinges
> .
> >-- End of excerpt from [email-masked]
> 
> For what it's worth, a rule of thumb is that strap hinges be 2/3 the width of
> the door in length, in this case 36". I don't know about thickness & width 
> but
> the stock you suggest seems substancial enough.
> 
> 
> -- 
> Dr. Mark E. Williams
> 
> Bldg N-159, Rm E-215
> NASA/GSFC/WFF/EG&G
> Wallops Island, VA 23337
> 804-824-1744
> 
> [email-masked]
> 
> Self-confidence is walking barefoot through a cowpasture at midnight on a 
> moonless night.                                                               

The way we do it, your hinges would be 48" long, at least 1/4" thick, and 2"+ 
wide at widest point.  Bolt, drive or face pintles would shorten the effective 
length going across the door and adjustments would be made.  The function of a 
strap hinge is to strap the door together between the batten and the strap 
hinge.  The optimum is to pick up the furthest  vertical plank in the door.  
That is why the strap hinge must be long.  Form follows function.  You may see 
many exceptions.  The reasons for them are this is what what available from the 
scrap pile, antique store, etc.  Hope this helps. Steve and Shirley Kayne