Hidden door hinges are an important element door hardware and are widely used when installing entrance and interior systems. Appearing on mass sale about 25 years ago, the products immediately attracted the attention of consumers and quickly gained popularity.

Peculiarities

Hidden hinges are a structure consisting of a metal body, a hidden hinge located inside this body, a lever and an anti-friction bushing designed for better sliding. The lever, in turn, consists of 2 parts connected to each other using a movable axis made of steel and providing a connection between the hinges and the blade. There are three types of hidden hinges: left-handed, right-handed and universal.

And if the latter are able to function when installed on any side of the canvas, then the first two types have a narrow specialization and can only be installed on a certain side. Internal hinges provide 180-degree mobility of the blade and can withstand up to 200,000 opening-closing cycles. In addition, the devices ensure easy and silent movement of the door leaf, prevent the door from spontaneously moving away from the frame and have the ability to fix it in extreme positions.

The material used to make hidden door canopies is an alloy called tsamak, which contains aluminum, magnesium, copper and zinc. Tsamak is absolutely safe for the health of others and is highly durable and wear-resistant. The alloy casts well at sufficient low temperatures melting and is characterized by a smooth surface and uniform structure.

Finished goods coated with chrome, brass-plated or left matte. This allows us to produce models in a wide range of designs and colors, which greatly simplifies the choice when purchasing them.

Hinges for heavy metal doors are made of high-alloy steel. The metal has significantly greater strength than alloy and is able to withstand heavy weight loads. In addition, steel hinges do not corrode and are highly resistant to extreme temperatures. This allows you to install internal hinges in garages, warehouses and entrance groups private and apartment buildings.

Hidden hinges are irreplaceable species door fittings when installing overlapping doors(and a quarter). The peculiarity of such systems is the method of attaching the door leaf to the door frame, which can be made in the form of a quarter on the door leaf and a counter quarter on the frame, or a quarter made only on the door leaf and forming an overlapping rebate when closing. The design features of the door block do not require the use of classic hinges and are designed only for the installation of internal fittings.

Advantages and disadvantages

High consumer demand and The growing popularity of hidden hinges is due to a number of undeniable advantages of this fittings.

• Doors equipped with hidden hinges are highly burglar-resistant and significantly reduce the likelihood of illegal entry into the premises. Concealed models are completely hidden in the door leaf, so it is almost impossible to saw or cut them out.
• A wide variety of models of different capacities and sizes allow you to choose a product for both a wardrobe and a powerful armored door.
• Thanks to the large opening angle, the door leaf can swing open to the adjacent wall, which is quite convenient when moving large objects through the door.
• The technology for installing hidden models involves their complete immersion in the box and door leaf. This allows the hinges to withstand very serious mechanical loads and gives the structure sufficient rigidity.

• Aesthetic component. Internal hinges do not clutter the door leaf and can be installed on any type of door structure, including systems with an “invisible frame” and secret doors in an office or apartment.
• The high reliability of internal hinges allows them to withstand loads much greater than traditional canopies can withstand. For example, models for interior doors can easily withstand weight up to 50 kg, while their overhead counterparts are designed for only 30 kg. The situation is the same with products for metal sheets: especially durable models can withstand up to 300 kg of weight, which also exceeds the endurance of conventional hinges by more than 90 kg.
• The ability to adjust in three planes makes hidden hinges irreplaceable elements door fittings when installed in new buildings. Often new houses begin to shrink a few years after construction, which inevitably leads to misalignment of door frames and poor closing of doors.
• The versatility of many models is due to the ability to install them on wooden, plastic and metal surfaces.

The disadvantages include the rather high cost of many products. For example, a fairly common model for interior doors, Armadillo 3D-ACH-40, adjustable in three planes (depth, height and width) and belonging to the middle price category, costs 1,890 rubles. Hinges for metal doors are much more expensive. Thus, the Italian model SPEV250 will cost two and a half thousand rubles. There are, of course, options for 600 and even 300 rubles, but these will most likely be low-quality products that are not adjustable and can quickly fail. In addition, some canopies have a non-removable design, which means that if it is necessary to remove the doors, you will need to completely dismantle the hinges.

Also, the disadvantages include the rather large sizes of hidden models, which is not always convenient during installation. First of all, this applies to products for interior paintings, during installation of which it is often discovered that there is simply no space for such hinges. This is especially true for door frames, in which the wall thickness is so minimal that there may not be enough depth to install the canopy.

Some installation nuances are also considered disadvantages of hidden hinges. It is noted that there is a need to form niches in the door leaf and frame, which, with the slightest inaccuracy, can lead to damage decorative surface and loss of attractiveness of the door.

Varieties

Classification of hidden door hinges occurs due to a number of signs.

• Adjustment. According to this criterion, models are divided into adjustable and unregulated. The first ones are the most universal and allow you to change the position of the door leaf without removing it from its hinges. Adjustment, as a rule, is performed in three planes, thanks to which you can not only raise or lower the door, but also adjust the tightness of its fit to the door frame. Such models are somewhat more expensive than unregulated products, but the difference in price is well justified by the ease of their use. It is reasonable to install non-adjustable hinges on stable systems that are not prone to deformation. For example, in metal garage or a wardrobe, installing such products would be quite advisable.

• Power. Based on this criterion, models are divided into products for interior doors and awnings for heavy steel sheets. The former are able to withstand up to 60 kg, while the latter can easily cope with a weight of 300 and even 350 kg. Often an important condition for the operation of awnings on massive canvases is the need to use three or more copies at once, which allows for a more even distribution of the load on the hinges and significantly increases their service life.

• Functionality. Based on this feature, a distinction is made between simple products and models with a closer. The latter appeared on the door hardware market relatively recently and immediately attracted the attention of consumers. The engineers managed to combine a hinge and a door closer in one device, which automatically eliminated the need to install two mechanisms on one door at once. Externally, improved models are not much different from traditional ones, however, they have a spring shock-absorbing mechanism in their design, which, when the door is opened, stretches and then slowly returns to its original position.

At the same time, the shutter also slowly begins to close until it reaches the door frame. The smooth running of the blade is explained by the presence of an oil shock absorber. The oil moves through the valve system along the cylinder with the spring, thus creating the necessary resistance and preventing the spring from quickly compressing.

Models with a closer are designed for installation on wooden, aluminum and plastic doors, whose weight does not exceed 90 kg. Thus, for a fabric weighing up to 50 kg it will be enough to install two loops, while for products weighing up to 90 kg it is recommended to install three loops.

How to choose?

When choosing hidden hinges, you should pay attention to a number of nuances. So, it is better to purchase products from trusted manufacturers who produce high-quality products and have a good reputation. The most famous and reliable manufacturers of canopies are the Italian AGB, Armadillo and Krona Koblenz. These companies have long specialized in the production of door hardware and produce high-quality and time-tested models.

In addition to the brand, it is necessary to focus on the technical components of the products. It is necessary to decide on the location of the door and, in accordance with this, choose a right or left model. If the future location of the furniture is not yet known for certain or the door opening side has not yet been selected, then it is better to purchase universal models that can be used on both sides.

The choice of standard size is also important. So, for a door weighing 15-25 kg, two short canopies 6-7 cm long will be enough, while for doors weighing 40 kg, ten-centimeter hinges will be needed. The number of canopies also entirely depends on the weight and dimensions of the door structure and is 2 pieces for light ones and three for heavier ones.

Installation

Installation of hidden canopies is not particularly difficult and can be done with your own hands. The whole work consists of several successive stages, the first of which is the formation of a niche in the canvas. To perform carpentry work, you need to stock up on a good tool, for example, a hand router. Using chisels can lead to accidental damage wooden covering, after which it will no longer be possible to restore the original appearance of the door.

The hand cutter must be equipped with a removable frame, which is fixed to the door leaf or frame. The frame usually comes with several special templates, without which it will be impossible to form a neat niche. Using the first template, a place is cut out for the outer part of the hinge, and with the help of the second, a recess is cut out for the deep inner part of the canopy.

However, the bed and templates are not cheap, so there is no point in purchasing such a tool for one-time use. In this case, you can use homemade templates, according to which, provided they correct production, you can form recesses no worse than the factory ones. To make them, you can use a piece of strong plywood or a couple of planks.

Sometimes it happens that when forming a lower recessed niche, the dimensions of the cutter may not be enough. In this case, you should take a drill, put a feather drill on it and make several blind holes around the perimeter of the internal template. Then carefully, using a knife and a hammer, you need to tap out the excess wood and clean the edges of the niche. Next comes the very important step of transferring the markings to the door frame strip. To do this, you need to press the striker against the door and draw marks in the right places. Then, using the same technology as described above, you need to form a niche in the door frame.

The next step will be drilling narrow holes for self-tapping screws to fix the canopy. It is not recommended to screw them in without pre-drilling: if you use a screwdriver ineptly, the hardware can go to the side and disrupt the geometry of the hinge. The final stage will involve screwing the canopy and installing a decorative trim covering the control mechanism.

Adjustment

Adjustable canopies come in reinforced and lightweight versions. Vertical adjustment of the latter is carried out using a thin hex key. The adjustment screw for such models is usually located in the upper part at the junction of the holders. The maximum adjustment stroke is 1.5 mm. Horizontal adjustment It is also done using a hexagon, and the adjustment screw is located in that part of the canopy that is embedded in the canvas. The maximum working stroke of the mechanism is 1 mm. Adjustment of the pressure of the leaf to the door frame is carried out using an eccentric and is also carried out with a hex key. The eccentric is located in that part of the canopy that is installed in the box. The maximum stroke is also 1 mm.

Reinforced hinges are regulated slightly differently. Vertical adjustment is made by means of six screws and is carried out using a hex key. The screws are located on the part of the canopy embedded in the box. Horizontal adjustment is also carried out using a hexagon using two screws located in the door. The clamp is adjusted with two screws located in the box.

Thus, hidden hinges for door structures are a practical and easy-to-use invention. They are easy to install, completely invisible on the door leaf and can last a very long time. In addition, the installation of secret canopies significantly increases the inviolability of the home, thereby ensuring maximum safety for residents.

In the next video you will find an insert of hidden loops.

Every home craftsman should know how to install hinges on a door. High-quality functioning directly depends on the correct installation of these small parts. interior designs.

Many of us, when choosing, don’t even think about what great value have loops for such structures. We are sure that the design of the door leaf and the reliability of the purchased frame are much more important, and everything else is trifles. This approach to choosing a door is incorrect. A canvas without well-chosen awnings will be just a blank. There's no point in it. Only after installing the hinges does the door turn into a functional structure.

Hinges for interior doors

There are five types of door awnings that are most commonly used these days. Before you install hinges on an interior door with your own hands, you need to understand their design. The specifics of the latter determine the features of the installation of canopies. Below are the common types of loops:

1. Card (otherwise called straight). The simplest canopies, equipped with special plates on the sides.
2. Angular. In essence, they are the same card loops, from which they differ only in the shape (angular) of the plates. Such canopies are usually placed on interior doors of a pendulum design.
3. Hidden. Hinges mounted on expensive products. Hidden awnings have a special hinge that is recessed into the door leaf.
4. Screw-in. Such products do not have plates. Instead, there are pins on the rotating axis. Roll-in awnings are ideal for lightweight canvases.
5. Italian. They have a hinge with a special design. Such hinges are usually mounted on doors made in Europe.

Canopies for interior structures are also divided into universal, left- and right-handed. The first of these can be placed on any side of the canvas. According to the installation method, hinges are divided into mortise (they form a single surface with the door, as they are mounted in recesses prepared in advance), overhead (placed directly on top of the door structure) and screw-in (they are screwed in using pins).

We begin to figure out how to properly install the different types of hanging products that interest us. The very first step is marking the door leaf. You need to step back from the top and bottom of the door by 0.2 m and mark the starting lines (use a simple pencil). After this, apply the hinges to the marks made (be sure to take into account the direction in which the door structure will open), trace their outline. And then put the appropriate marks at the attachment points.

Fitting and installation of hinges

At this stage, you should carefully examine the condition of the canvas. The areas where the awnings will be installed should not have any defects, in particular knots or cracks. If during installation you begin to screw fasteners into problem areas, there is a high probability that the door will split or warp. If defects are found in the marked area, re-mark so that the attachment points for the canopies are a couple of centimeters away from cracks and knots.

Now you can collect door block and mark the mounting points for the hinges on the box. In this case, it is necessary to maintain small (literally 2–3 mm) gaps between the door leaf and the door frame. This procedure is easiest to perform before the door structure is mounted in its proper place. If you have already installed the door, secure it (as tightly as possible) with wooden wedges in the opening.

When the weight of the interior door is large enough, you need to hang it not on two, but on three hinges. The latter should not be embedded in the middle of the canvas, as many believe, but with some offset towards the canopy located on top. In this case, you will be able to correctly adjust the load that affects the fittings used. A third hinge must be installed if the door has dimensions larger than standard (50 mm thickness, 200 cm height, 80 cm width).

Card type hinges (corner and simple) are very easy to install. Moreover, this operation can be performed in two ways. The first is suitable for awnings, the two parts of which are characterized by different shapes. Hinges of this type fit one into another when closing the interior door. Due to this, they are installed directly on the surface of the canvas.

Card type loop

To install such canopies you will need and electric drill. There are two nuances here:

1. If the hinges are placed on a heavy door, you must pre-drill holes in it, only after that you can start screwing in the screws.
2. Hardware can be screwed in immediately, without first making holes for them, if you are dealing with lightweight structures made of plastic or wood fiber material.

The second installation method involves slightly recessing the awnings into the door. In this case, when closing, they will never stop the canvas (when using the first installation method, this situation arises quite often).

It is recommended to make the notches for the hinges with a regular chisel. Simply use it to cut off the material on the opening and on the door itself to the depth of the canopy being installed. And then attach the latter to the area where it is installed and secure it with fasteners. Corner products should be mounted and secured in the same way. Place one half of them on the end of the door leaf, the second - on the door.

Modern models of interior doors, as a rule, are equipped with higher quality and innovative fittings. Such structures need to be mounted on hidden canopies. Such hinges are much easier to care for; they rarely need repairs, as they differ high level operational reliability. And a purely externally installed covert canopy makes the appearance of the door more attractive, without burdening the door with clearly visible hanging elements.

Hidden loop example

For correct installation Hidden hinges require an electric router. Without it, you will not be able to perform the operation yourself. The installation itself, if such a tool is available, is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. Mark the attachment points of the canopies according to the algorithm described in detail above.
2. Use an electric router to cut out the recesses for the hinges. And then you further process these areas with a chisel.
3. Disassemble the hidden canopy into two parts. There is very important point. The loop elements have different geometric dimensions. You need to install a part with large parameters in the door frame, and a smaller part in the door leaf. And nothing else!
4. Secure most of the mechanism using self-tapping screws.
5. Connect the mounted elements into a single structure and, with some force, but very carefully, tighten the fastening screw.

Screw-in type canopies are most often used for installing enclosed interior structures. It is very easy to distinguish such loops from ordinary card loops. The former have special threaded pins on the sides. It is they who allow the installation of canopies. Let us repeat that screw-in products cannot be placed on doors that are heavy. Italian awnings are mounted similarly to standard card awnings. But with one peculiarity. They are placed at the bottom and top of the door leaf, and not at the ends, as is the case with card products. We hope that now you can install hinges of any type on your interior door structures without the help of specialists. Good luck!

Until relatively recently, hidden door hinges belonged to the category of little-known fittings. Such designs appeared in mass use no more than 20–25 years ago. Nowadays, hidden hinges for metal doors and similar canopies for wooden doors are widely in demand, as they have a number of significant advantages. Today we will look at why such door hinges are good, and you will also learn how to install them yourself and adjust them correctly.

Door hinges for hidden installation can have a variety of designs.

Since you're thinking about installing hinges hidden installation, it wouldn’t hurt to first learn about their strengths and weaknesses. As usual, let's start with the positives.

• The first, and perhaps the main advantage, is safety, because hidden loops for entrance doors it is impossible to cut down or knock out. These structures are simply not visible, which means there is nothing to cut.
• Very wide in this direction the lineup, there are both lightweight canopies for installation in a closet, and massive steel hinges for doors with a quarter.
• If the main thing for steel doors is reliability and strength, then in interior doors it is desirable that the hinges are invisible. And here nothing better than hidden canopies has yet been invented.
• Most models provide an extended opening angle for the door leaf; as a result, the doors become parallel to the adjacent wall and do not interfere at all.
• Hidden hinges for doors are made of either steel or high-strength alloys, so they can withstand heavy loads. Plus, the mechanism itself is recessed into the frame and door leaf, which adds additional reliability to the structure.

Awnings for heavy iron doors made from high quality steel.

As for the shortcomings, it should be recognized that there are no ideal things in this world, which means that hidden door hinges have their own shortcomings.

• First of all, experts point out that installation is quite troublesome. Installation requires a special tool, but we'll talk about that a little later.
• A good hidden canopy costs the right amount of money; now the price starts from 1800 rubles. a piece. Of course, there are products for 600 rubles, and if you want you can find them even for 300 rubles, but the quality of the hinge is very mediocre, and besides, such awnings are not adjustable.
• Continuing the topic of cost, we can also say about a large number of fakes: people want to buy cheaper, but as a result they purchase low-quality accessories.
• Not every hidden canopy can be dismantled. In cheap models, in order to dismantle the doors, you need to completely remove the awnings.
• Hidden door awnings- the thing is quite voluminous. There is often enough space in the door leaf, but a thin interior door frame may not be designed for such depth.

There may not be enough space in a thin interior door frame for a hidden canopy.

How to embed and adjust hidden hinges

Installation of hidden hinges for iron and wooden doors, from a technology point of view, is practically no different. At first glance, everything is simple, you need to cut out a niche, insert the mechanism into it and secure it. But in any job there are a lot of nuances.

Insert into a wooden panel

In this case, in order to efficiently embed a hidden canopy at the amateur level, you will need a good tool, and the most important element here is a hand cutter. Believe me, with chisels and others with hand tools home handyman this job cannot be done.

Without a hand cutter, it is almost impossible to embed hidden hinges.

It is advisable that the cutter have a removable frame that can be attached to the door leaf or frame. This frame also comes with a couple of special templates, but in extreme cases you can do without them.

For auxiliary work you also need:

• electric drill with a feather drill;
• roulette;
• pencil;
• chisel;
• screwdriver;
• hammer.

If on this moment If you don’t have a good tool, then the wooden door leaf can be temporarily hung on the “Butterfly” overhead hinges; you can get by with just one screwdriver. When everything you need appears, the butterflies are unscrewed in five minutes, and hidden loops are cut into their place. Characteristics of “Butterflies”, as well as step-by-step instruction There are inserts with photos and videos.

Butterfly hinges can be a good temporary replacement for hidden awnings.

Since we cut the hinges into the end, the door leaf is placed on its side and fixed in a vertical position. The outer canopies are always installed at a distance of 200–250 mm from the edge.

In order to clearly cut out a place for the top of the canopy with a milling cutter, it is advisable for us to acquire two templates. The first template is designed for cutting out the upper, outer part of the canopy, and using the second template, the deep inner part is cut out. The templates are inserted into a special frame, which in turn is attached to the canvas with clamps.

Not to say that such a professional stand with templates would be too expensive, but for a one-time job there is no point in buying a special tool that may no longer be needed. Therefore, many people make such templates with their own hands from a piece of plywood and a couple of planks.

First, according to the first template, it is removed upper layer. Then the template changes and the lower level is removed.

Often the size of the cutter is not enough to go deep as expected, so next we take a drill with a feather drill and drill a series of blind holes according to the size of the hinges. Then, using a chisel, knife and hammer, we select the excess.

After finishing the stripping, you should end up with something similar to what is shown in the photo below.

The technology for cutting out a cell in a box is exactly the same, so there is no point in repeating it again. The only thing that should be noted is the stage of fixing the canopy with screws: you need to drill holes for the screws with a thin drill, and only then drive them into the array.

At the end, the loops are screwed in and the adjustment system is covered with a decorative cover.

Hidden canopies for steel doors

Often everything metal doors They come already with built-in canopies. At home, you can embed a hidden canopy into iron doors with your own hands only at the assembly stage homemade doors. If for some reason you need to hang a finished door into an assembled frame, it is better to give preference to simple external “male-male” canopies.

Standard male-female canopies.

Prefabricated designs typically use adjustable metal hinges. The thing is quite convenient and reliable. Looking ahead a little, we note that adjusting such structures is not particularly difficult. How to adjust iron hinges, including on Chinese doors, shown .

Exists folk version hidden hinges for steel doors, made on the basis of an external canopy.

• First, a slot is made in the side wall of the frame (the one that borders the end of the door leaf), a little more than half the size of the canopy.
• Then the lower part of the loop (male) is welded to the box.
• The upper part of the hinge (mother) is welded to an arc-shaped extension, which in turn is welded to the frame of the door leaf. The photo below illustrates this principle clearly.

There are factory models of hidden hinges that are made according to the same principle. The most interesting thing is that more than half is real heavy doors safe type weighing from 250 kg are hung on just such structures.

A few words about adjusting hinges

Hinges with an adjustment mechanism can be lightweight or reinforced; accordingly, their adjustment technology is different. First, let's talk about lightweight models like “ELEMENTIS”.

Vertical (height) adjustment is performed with a thin hex key. The adjusting screw is located at the junction of the hinge holders, in the upper part. The maximum adjustment stroke is 1.5 mm.

Horizontal adjustment of lightweight hinges is done using another hexagon. The adjusting screw here is located on the part of the hinge that is embedded in the door leaf. The maximum adjustment stroke is 1 mm.

Adjustment of the pressure of the door leaf to the frame is carried out using an eccentric with the same hexagon. This eccentric is located on the part of the hinge that is embedded in the box. The maximum adjustment stroke is 1 mm.

Now a few words about adjusting reinforced hinges like “SIMONSWERK”

Vertical adjustment here is carried out using six hexagon adjustment screws. All these screws are located on a hinge embedded in the box.

Adjustment of the pressure in these hinges is carried out with two screws, which are also located on the part of the hinge that is embedded in the box.

Horizontal adjustment of the door leaf is performed on the part of the hinge that is embedded in the door leaf. There are two hexagon screws for this purpose.

Conclusion

Hidden door hinges are a convenient thing, and if you have the appropriate tools, installing them will not be a problem, just remember to lubricate them. How this is done is written. In addition, all the intricacies of installation and configuration are shown in the video in this article.

Peter Kravets

Reading time: 4 minutes

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A hatch from the inside of the house closes the descent into the basement, underground or cellar. The lid is hidden under the floor covering in the room, finishing with the same materials as throughout the house.

The device operates quite simply and reliably if all structural elements are installed correctly.

Arranging loops is one of the important stages installation The strength of the mechanism and the smooth opening of the lid depend on their stable operation.

Definition of a door hinge and its purpose

A hinge is a mechanism that ensures the opening of any hatch, door, frame or other plane relative to a fixed part. In addition to opening, the hinge holds the entire mass of the leaf and attaches it to the door or window opening.

To be effective, the mechanism must provide:

• A reliable and durable connection to the box is necessary due to heavy weight covers or doors. Hinges are usually made of steel or metal alloys, which are highly durable;
• Quality rotary mechanism, which is achieved due to minimal play between the moving elements of the structure. This will ensure that there is no jamming;
• Accessibility during maintenance, for which holes are made in the hinges for lubrication with oils;
• Easy installation due to countersunk screw heads. This reduces the load on the mechanism when closing;
• The aesthetic appeal of hinges galvanized in bronze, copper or nickel. Besides, this additional protection from corrosion.

Types of loops

Several options for the hinge mechanism are possible:

Overhead loops.

The peculiarity of this type of hinge is that it is attached not to the end, but to the visible plane of the turning blade. As a rule, these canopies are made in an unusual shape with a pattern or imitation of forged elements.

Mortise design

Under the hinges, a sample is installed, the thickness of the sash. This type is used most often because it is reliable and easy to install. The simple design of such hinges is easy to disassemble and makes it possible to dismantle the rotating blade.

Hidden door hinges

A hidden loop of this type is absolutely invisible when the device is closed. This is quite difficult to do structurally, which increases the cost, but looks better from a decorative point of view.

Screw-in type hinges

One of the parts of the loop is attached to the platband or fixed part, and the other is attached to the end of the rotating part. The door should not be installed flush with the frame. Such mechanisms can be adjusted, although there are also non-adjustable designs.

Bar hinge design.

The design is distinguished by opening in both directions. This becomes possible thanks to the hinged arrangement of the mechanism. It is supplemented with springs, which return the spring wings to their original state.

Loops for

Non-standard version of loops. How to make a basement hatch invisible? Do secret hatch. This is quite possible if the lid is finished with flooring material, matching the finishing pattern.

In order for the stroke to be indistinguishable, all gaps must be removed. The lid should open easily, and if there is no gap, the side surfaces will get caught. There is a special loop for the pantograph.

When manufacturing and installing a metal door, the quality and thickness of the metal play a very important role in the duration and efficiency of its use. However, such a seemingly insignificant detail as hinges is one of the most valuable elements for the entire structure. Properly selected hinges for metal doors can not only extend their effective service life, but can also serve as an additional anti-burglar protection element.

During the manufacture of hinge mechanisms for use in metal entrance structures the most commonly used materials are carbon or of stainless steel. This is due to the sufficient strength of the material, as well as the ability to withstand various negative conditions.

In some cases, more expensive materials are used in the form of an alloy of brass and steel. This base requires additional coating in the form of chromium spraying.

Types of loops

When selecting door hinges, it is necessary to take into account such nuances as: the location of the door block, the opening side, the weight of the entire structure complete with fittings. It is also important to consider how intensive the use of the canvas will be. There are many cases where one of the main factors when choosing a hinge for metal doors was taste preferences, which is still not entirely true.

Based general principle When opening the door leaf, hinges are divided into right-handed, universal and left-handed. The main advantage of using right- or left-handed hinge structures is the ease of removing and installing the door leaf.

The use of universal hinge mechanisms contains a number of disadvantages. The main disadvantage of a product of this type can be considered a rather labor-intensive procedure for removing and installing the door leaf. However this disadvantage easily covered by the advantages of the design. Universal hinges contain spacers between the cylinders in the form of bearings. Thanks to this, the service life of such a mechanism significantly exceeds the period of effective use of hinges with strictly defined sides for installation.

In addition to the opening side, when dividing hinge mechanisms into separate groups, classification is often used based on the established state standard.

So, according to GOST 5088-2005, door hinge mechanisms can be:

• Screw-in;
• Invoices;
• Mortise;
• Hidden;
• Combined.

Screw-in

Such mechanisms consist of two relatively small cylinders. During installation, one of the elements having a pin is mounted on the door frame. Another cylinder with a hole inside is installed on the end of the door leaf. The door installation process is carried out by placing the door leaf with a cylinder hinge onto an element with a pin mounted on the frame.

Such hinges for metal doors are quite common. During their preventive maintenance the process of lubrication of elements can be carried out without disassembling the mechanism. To do this, just lift the door leaf and pour lubricant between the cylinders.

However, such mechanisms are recommended for use in door leaves with a weight not exceeding 100 kg. Otherwise, during operation the door will warp quite quickly. To avoid this, if there is a heavier fabric, it is important to proportionally increase the number of loop mechanisms, which is not always convenient.

Overhead and mortise

The design of hinge mechanisms of the overhead and mortise type consists of plates with special holes for fastening. The main difference between these products is the way they are secured. To install overhead mechanisms, only fasteners are required in the form of self-tapping bolts or metal rods. In the case of mortise systems, it is necessary to have special recesses in the door leaf and frame.

Overhead and mortise type door hinges used on metal doors must be lubricated periodically for preventative maintenance. If it is impossible to disassemble the entire structure, it is enough to treat the joints of the moving elements with lubricants using a medical syringe or pipette.

Hidden hinge mechanisms are one of the most popular for installation on entrance door leaves. This is explained by a number of reasons, the main one of which is their complete concealment when closing the metal entrance door. This fact is also the main advantage of such hinge mechanisms over others.

However, hidden hinges have a significant drawback. The angle of movement of the structure is very limited. Therefore, if it is necessary to open the door leaf by more than 900, you will have to use other hinge mechanisms.

But this disadvantage is largely compensated by the high reliability of the device. It is precisely due to their burglary resistance and low probability of knocking out or cutting that hidden type door hinges are very popular.

The main advantages of hidden hinges for metal doors include:

• The inability to reach them from outside the premises to break into the structure by sawing it off;
• Organic and finished appearance of the door;
• Possibility of using absolutely any decorative elements on the canvas.

In progress installation work the door leaf is installed very tightly and securely in relation to the door frame. In addition, such hinges help prevent the door from sagging under the weight of the structure. The door block itself wears out much more slowly, thanks to a system of bearings or steel balls. Opening and closing a door with hidden hinges does not require much effort.

In addition to all this, hidden hinges for metal doors do not require special care and regular lubrication, since the entire mechanism is hidden inside the door structure and is practically unaffected by external factors.

Among hidden loops, two types of mechanisms can also be distinguished:

• Lamellar;
• Cylinder.

The main difference is their design. Thus, plate hinges for metal doors are a set of plates connected to each other using pins. However, since such mechanisms have a fairly large number of disadvantages, their use is limited to very light structures of entrance doors.

Appearance of plate hinges.

Cylinder-type hidden hinges are distinguished by a high degree of strength and endurance. Such structures are able to quite effectively withstand the significant weight of the door.

Combined

Combined type door hinges are a combination of elements of overhead, mortise and hidden mechanisms. In most cases, a plate with holes for fasteners is installed on the box. A T-shaped pin, which fits into the grooves with its head, is screwed into the door leaf.

The use of such loops is advisable only if the weight of the entrance structure is insignificant.

Installation of hinges

Installation work directly depends on the type of products used. Thus, hinges for a metal door, based on the installation principle, can be divided into bearing mechanisms and hidden devices. The common measure in both cases is the need to welding work.

Hinges with bearings

Installation of such mechanisms is quite simple. First, you need to insert the door leaf into the frame, installed strictly horizontally. After this, it is carefully leveled until uniform gaps are obtained between the canvas and the frame.

Loop mechanisms are generously treated with lubricants. This procedure is necessary because insufficient lubrication can lead to the elements seizing together during welding. After processing the mechanism, the loops are applied to the canvases so that the pin points upward.

After such manipulations, the mechanisms are welded using a welding machine. During the work, special attention should be paid to the parallelism of all hinges used for the metal door. In case of even minor deviations, the door may close and open incorrectly and tightly.

Installing hidden hinges

Installing such mechanisms is quite a difficult task. Before starting preparatory work in the form of creating special slotted holes both in the door frame and in the door leaf itself.

For proper operation and hiding the mechanism used, cells are made rectangular shape. Making such a hole yourself at home is quite difficult.

Special boxes are placed in the hole cavity itself. It is in them that the mechanism of hidden loops itself comes into play. After inserting the boxes into the cells, they must be electrically welded.

In most cases, loops are installed in the amount of 2 pieces. However, this principle should be adhered to total weight design, not exceeding the 150 kg mark, as well as with an average degree of intensity of operation. If the nominal permissible weight of the door is exceeded or if it is used frequently, the number of hinges must be increased.

Source: http://o-dveryah.ru/furnitura/petli-dlya-metallicheskikh/

Hidden door hinges: description, advantages and disadvantages, as well as how to install correctly

Door hinges secure the door leaf to the frame and use them to open and close the door. There is a large selection of such fittings, but hidden ones are very popular. They provide smooth and silent opening of the canvas. In addition, such designs behind closed doors are not visible from the outside, have a long service life and are affordable. Some models of hidden hinges allow doors to open 180°, which makes moving large items much easier.

Installation of hidden door hinges

For smooth and easy opening of doors, the hinges must be correctly selected and installed. Secret or hidden hinges are popular. To install them, special holes are made in the door frame and leaf, and when the door is closed, such canopies are not visible.

According to regulations, door hinges, including hidden ones, must provide the following characteristics:

• free opening and closing of the door leaf;
• reliable fixation of the door and frame during operation;
• safety, they should not allow spontaneous separation of the leaf from the door frame;
• possibility of fixing the blade in extreme positions;
• high-quality performance of functions during the warranty period.

Hidden hinges from well-known manufacturers are highly durable and can withstand up to 200,000 operating cycles.

To create hidden hinges installed on interior doors, an alloy of four metals called tsamak is usually used. It contains magnesium, aluminum, zinc and copper. Tsamak has good fluidity at a low melting point, so high-temperature furnaces are not required to organize production. It has sufficient strength and a smooth surface.

To give finished loops an attractive appearance Nickel, chrome or brass coating is used, which can be glossy or matte.

Hidden door hinges do not spoil the appearance of the door leaf, since they are not visible in its closed position

If we talk about the design of hidden hinges, it will be more complicated than that of overhead or mortise models.

The invisibility loop includes the following elements:

• metal case;
• hinge, it hides in the hinge body;
• lever, this element consists of two parts, which are fastened together by a steel movable axis, and ensures the connection of the hinge and the blade;
• anti-friction bushings, they serve to improve sliding.

The hidden hinge consists of the following main elements: a central rotary (1) and two fixed axes (3), a lever (2)

Before purchasing hidden hinges, you need to decide on the direction in which the door will open. There are left-handed and right-handed products, as well as universal ones. The latter can be installed on any side of the box.

In addition, there is a division of hidden hinges into unregulated and adjustable. It is clear that the cost of the latter will be higher. If we talk about the materials of the door frame and sash in which such hinges are installed, then these are wood, aluminum or steel.

To ensure maximum service life, experts recommend installing three hidden hinges, especially for heavy door leaves.

Depending on the load the hidden hinges are designed for, their sizes will differ. For interior doors, it is enough to install parts that can withstand a load of 40–50 kg. The weight of entrance doors can reach up to 200 kg, so more powerful models will be needed here.

Although universal hinges are more convenient to install, they are less reliable. Experts recommend choosing hidden hinges taking into account the opening of the canvas.

Left and right door hinges are more reliable, but universal models can also be purchased

Hidden hinges with closer

These models appeared relatively recently. Since the hinge and the closer are combined in one mechanism, there is no need to additionally install a shock-absorbing device. Externally, such products are practically no different from traditional ones. They may be larger in size, but the main difference is in the design.

A hinge with a closer has a built-in shock-absorbing mechanism, the main working element of which is a spring. When the door leaf is opened, it stretches, and when released, it begins to shrink. Thanks to this, the sash returns to its original closed position.

In order for the door to close smoothly, an oil shock absorber is used. In this case, the spring is placed in a cylinder. It has a system of valves through which oil moves from one chamber to another. When opening a door, the process occurs in one direction, and when closing it, in the opposite direction. The spring is in a viscous medium, so the compression rate decreases. This allows the door leaf to close more slowly and softly and avoid hitting the frame.

The closer spring, placed in a cylinder with oil, ensures smooth closing of the door

When choosing hidden hinges with a closer, you must take into account that they cannot be installed on all types of doors. Such models cannot be used for heavy products, since the hinges will not be able to perform their functions normally and will quickly fail.

The number of hinges will depend on the weight of the door leaf:

• for a sash weighing 40–50 kg, experts recommend installing two hidden hinges with a closer;
• for doors weighing from 50 to 90 kg, it is necessary to install three canopies;
• For fabrics weighing more than 100–120 kg, it is not recommended to use such loops; it is better to install a powerful closer separately.

Another disadvantage is that the door block must be positioned with a slight deviation from the vertical. This is necessary to facilitate the operation of the parts mechanism. In each case, the angle is determined individually. If you make the slope large, then the door will close on its own even without a closer. At a small angle of the blade, the operation of the mechanism becomes more complicated, and it fails faster.

Due to the presence of a built-in shock-absorbing mechanism, such hinges have a number of advantages:

• no impacts of the canvas on the box, which prolongs the service life, and if there are children in the house, then the presence of a door closer will minimize the risk of injury;
• there is no need to hold the door when closing;
• no drafts.

Advantages and disadvantages of hidden door hinges

At first, hidden hinges were installed only on entrance doors, this is due to their high burglary resistance. Now many people have begun to install such canopies on interior ones, and they are guided by the following advantages of hidden hinges:

1. Attractiveness. Such hinges do not spoil the appearance of the door leaf, so they can be installed on almost all types of doors, including products with an “invisible” frame.
2. High reliability. A pair of hidden hinges can support a door leaf weighing 50 kg, while conventional ones are designed for a leaf weight of 30 kg.
3. Comfort. They can be adjusted in three directions: vertically, horizontally and clamping. This can be done both during installation and during operation. This adjustment is important for new buildings, since after some time the house may shrink, which is why the doors begin to close poorly. Some models of hidden hinges allow you to open the door 180o.
4. Long service life.
5. Versatility. Such hinges can be mounted on canvases made of wood and metal, as well as synthetic materials. Most manufacturers include such accessories in their range.

Despite the large number of advantages, hidden hinges also have disadvantages:

1. High cost of fittings.
2. The risk of deformation of the door frame when trying to suddenly open the doors due to the presence of levers.
3. Low strength of the door structure due to the creation of holes in the frame and door leaf for the installation of such hinges.
4. The width of the rebate at the entrance door on the hinge side is reduced, so the sealing of the gaps is worse.
5. The installation of the platband is difficult, since when the door is opened, the door leaf rests against it.

What to look for when choosing hidden door hinges

When choosing such products, you should pay attention not only to their cost, but also to their performance characteristics.

It is better to buy fittings from trusted manufacturers such as AGB, Armadillo, Krona Koblenz and others. There is no need to try to save money by buying loops of dubious origin. Door hinges must ensure not only smooth and easy opening of the door, but also reliable fixation to the frame.

The Italian company AGB is a well-known manufacturer of hidden hinges

There are no specific instructions for choosing the right hidden loops. To purchase accessories that meet your requirements, it is enough to determine the following parameters:

1. Door opening side. There are right and left loops. You can buy universal models, but their strength is lower.
2. Loop size. To do this, you need to decide on the weight of the canvas. If it is 15–25 kg, then hinges 7–8 cm long are sufficient, and when the door weight is 25–40 kg, then canopies 10 cm long must be installed.
3. Number of loops. This indicator also depends on the weight of the door leaf. For lightweight structures, it is enough to install two hinges. If the canvas is heavy, then 3-4 canopies will be needed.
4. Material. For heavy entrance doors, you need to purchase hinges made of steel or brass. They are more durable, but also expensive. For interior structures, you can use hinges made of tsamak alloy. Their strength is sufficient for reliable fixation of interior paintings, and the cost of such fittings is less than that of steel or brass.

Features of installing hidden hinges

To install hidden hinges with your own hands you will need:

• measuring instruments;
• pencil;
• electric drill with cutter attachment or hand router;
• screwdriver;
• building level;
• chisel;
• hammer.

It will not be possible to install hidden hinges without a router or drill with a milling attachment.

Installing hidden hinges on wooden doors

The installation process of such parts consists of the following steps:

1. Marking the door leaf. At 20–25 cm from the top and bottom edges, mark the places for the loops and outline their contours. If you need to install a third canopy, then it should be located exactly in the middle between the other two. There should be two contours: the inner one for the loop, and the outer one for the lining. Place the loop on the marked place and trace its contours
2. Marking the door frame. The canvas is inserted into the box, the position is adjusted using pegs and fixed. Opposite the marks for the hinges on the canvas indicate the locations for the holes on the box. After this, remove the sash, attach hinges to the frame in the marked places and trace their contours. If the door frame has not yet been installed, then it will be much easier to transfer the marking of places for hinges from the door leaf to the frame
3. Loop insertion. First, using a hammer and chisel, make a hole for the hinge. The depth of the notch should be equal to the thickness of the part. After this, a hole is made with a drill with a milling attachment. To determine the depth, measure the height of the loop without an overlay. Recesses are made both on the door leaf and on the frame. The place for the lining is created using a chisel and hammer, and the place for the hinge is created with a router or drill with a milling attachment
4. Fixing loops. First you need to separate them, to do this you need to unscrew the fastening screw. Large hinge elements are inserted into the finished holes on the box and the fasteners are tightened with a screwdriver. This must be done evenly so that there is no distortion. Now smaller elements are fixed in the canvas. All that remains is to align the canvas and connect both parts of the hinge with a fastening screw. When fixing the hinge, you must tighten the screws evenly so that there is no distortion of the structure

Installing hidden hinges on homemade metal doors

Factory metal doors already have holes for installing hidden hinges and the canopies themselves are included, so there are no problems with installation.

If you decide to install them on your homemade steel doors, there is an affordable option. In this case, hidden loops are created on the basis of an external canopy, popularly called “papa-mama”.

It can only be done during the door manufacturing process. The work is performed in the following sequence:

1. A slot is made in the wall of the box bordering the canvas, which corresponds to half of the canopy.
2. At this point, a part of the loop called “male” is fixed with a welding machine.
3. The upper part (“mother”) is welded to the extension in the form of an arc, and it is already fixed on the door leaf. In this way, a second hinge is created. Hidden hinges can be installed on homemade steel doors based on an external canopy

How to adjust hidden door hinges

After installing the hidden hinges, you need to adjust them. This procedure may also be required due to the fact that the canvas sags during operation.

Hidden hinges are adjustable in three directions:

1. Horizontally. To do this, use a hexagon to turn the adjusting screw located on right side loops at the top. Thus, the canvas is aligned on both sides relative to the box, while the adjustment amount is 1 mm. Horizontal adjustment allows you to move the canvas by 1 mm
2. Vertically. To do this, you need to turn the adjusting screw; it connects the two hinge arms. This allows you to even out the gaps between the sash, the floor and the top of the box. The adjustment amount is 1.5–2 mm. Vertical adjustment allows you to move the blade by 1.5–2 mm
3. By pressure. Using a hexagon, turn the eccentric located on the left side of the loop. Achieve uniform pressure of the sash to the frame along the entire perimeter. You can make an adjustment of 1 mm in one direction or the other. Adjusting the hinges helps to align the door position in any direction

After the hidden hinges have been adjusted, decorative trims can be installed.

Reviews

Although hidden hinges are now very popular, when choosing them one must take into account the fact that they have a higher cost and are more difficult to install. In addition, they are less reliable, although they do not spoil the appearance of the door.

• Polishchuk Ruslan
• Print

Source: https://prodveri.guru/elementy-i-komplektuyushhie/petli/petli-dvernyie-skryityie.html

Insertion of hidden hinges - accessible with manual instructions: installation and adjustment - Fittings-info

The correct installation and adjustment of hidden hinges completely influences the further operation of the door. Therefore, if you decide to install hidden hinges yourself, you need to read this article. Also in it you will find information about what tools are needed to perform all the required actions, and how to adjust the products after installation.

Appearance of a hidden door hinge

Advantages of hidden hinges

Surely you chose to install hidden hinges for a reason, and this is the right choice. Here are the qualities you can use after installing the hinges:

• Absolute safety. Even with all their desire, intruders will not be able to enter your home by cutting off the hinges, since hidden-type products are hidden from outside interference.
• High strength. Hidden hinges can support the weight of not only wooden, but also heavy metal entrance doors - no restrictions on installation.
• Decent reliability. Standard hidden type hinges proper care will serve you for many decades - perhaps even longer than the door itself.
• Aesthetics. Hidden loops cannot be seen from outside doors, making door leaves look more attractive, especially for wooden ones.

Aesthetic appearance of hinges

Now that you are sure that your choice is correct, you can prepare to install hidden door hinges.

What tools are needed for the job?

In order not to be distracted by extraneous factors during work, it is recommended to immediately prepare necessary tools, equipment and materials presented below:

• Pencil for marking.
• Ruler or construction tape.
• Screwdriver and set of screws.
• Drill and cutter.
• Building level.
• Hammer and chisel.

After you have prepared all the specified tools and placed them in work area, you can start.

Marking the door for installing hinges

Before marking, you should decide exactly how many hidden hinges will be installed on the door. If the sash has average weight and consists of wood, you can use two hinges, but on a heavy steel door it would be a good idea to install three or even four hidden hinges to reduce the load on each of them individually and extend their service life.

Marking the sash

The process is quite simple:

1. Mark a distance on the door leaf 200-250 mm from the top and bottom edges and put dots in these places with a pencil.
2. Next, place the centers of the hidden loops at these points and trace them along the contour.
3. If you plan to install a third loop, it should be mounted strictly in the middle between the two outer ones, and the fourth – in the center relative to the two adjacent ones.

Options for correct marking for inserting hidden loops

It should be remembered that it is necessary to outline two contours - the inner one for the loop, the outer one for the lining.

Marking the box

It's more difficult task, correct execution which is carried out as follows:

1. Place the door leaf in the door frame opening, and using building level and wooden pegs, secure it in a position strictly parallel to the box and perpendicular to the floor.
2. Mark at the end of the door frame the places for inserting hinges opposite the similar ones located on the door leaf.
3. Place the hidden loops at the marked points and circle. The door can be removed.

After the door frame and leaf have been correctly marked, you can safely pick up the tools and start inserting.

Correct markings for installing door hinges

Milling

The first step is to prepare a small recess for the hinge overlay, which should be made manually using a chisel and hammer. The notch is knocked out by carefully tapping along the outer contour. The depth will depend on the thickness of the loop you need to measure.

Next, special recesses are made to install hidden hinges. This operation is carried out using a drill and a special milling attachment. Before forming the recesses, carefully measure the height of the hinge without the lining - this is exactly the depth of the hole you will make in the box.

To do this, turn on the drill and, using gentle pressing movements, mill the end of the door strictly along the internal contour outlined in the previous step. After reaching the required depth, move on to the next contour and beyond.

Forming a recess for the overlay along the outer contour

Recesses must be made not only in the door leaf, but also in the frame, in a similar way. The entire operation, if performed carefully, will take you no more than one hour.

Screwing the hinges

After you have cut out the required number of recesses, clean them internal surfaces from knots so that they do not interfere with installation. Direct insertion of hidden loops is carried out as follows:

1. Insert the loop into the resulting recess and seat it firmly in the socket.
2. Use a screwdriver to drill holes for the screws.
3. Insert the screws into the holes formed and carefully tighten them, at the same time making sure that there is no distortion - the hinge should be installed evenly.
4. Repeat the above steps with all hidden hinges to be installed.

The installation of hinges on the door frame is carried out after the door leaf has been placed and firmly secured in the opening of the frame using wooden wedges. The process of attaching the hinges is no different from the above.

After installation is complete, you need correct adjustment hidden loops. So let's figure out how to do it.

Hinge Adjustment Basics

Depending on the design of the hinges, the adjustment features may differ. So, the most common manual is suitable for adjusting the hidden hinges of most models known today and looks like this:

1. Remove the hinge cover, if equipped, exposing the adjustment screws.
2. To change the vertical distortion of the door leaf, turn the corresponding bolt on the hidden hinges using a hex key.

Adjustment for vertical misalignment

1. In order to raise or lower the blade, you need to adjust the screw, which is usually located under the hinge's release panel.

Adjusting the vertical position of the blade

More complex adjustable hidden hinges provide greater three-dimensional customization options. To familiarize yourself with the features of adjusting such hinges, you can watch the video below.

Adjusting the door position in the third plane

It is a great injustice to pay attention to the choice of door hinges when purchasing accessories at the most last resort. Using hinges purchased at random is not a good idea, because not only the operational comfort and service life of the door structure, but also the safety of residents will depend on the correct selection, quality and design of the hinges.

Source: http://furni-info.ru/skrytye-petli-svoimi-rukami.html

Hidden door hinges - advantages and installation methods

Until relatively recently, hidden door hinges belonged to the category of little-known fittings. Such designs appeared in mass use no more than 20–25 years ago. Nowadays, hidden hinges for metal doors and similar canopies for wooden doors are widely in demand, as they have a number of significant advantages. Today we will look at why such door hinges are good, and you will also learn how to install them yourself and adjust them correctly.

Door hinges for hidden installation can have a variety of designs.

Pros and cons of hidden door hinges

Since you are thinking about installing hidden hinges, it would be a good idea to first learn about their strengths and weaknesses. As usual, let's start with the positives.

• The first, and perhaps the main advantage, is considered safety, because hidden hinges for entrance doors cannot be cut down or knocked out. These structures are simply not visible, which means there is nothing to cut.
• There is a very wide range of models in this direction; there are both lightweight canopies for installation in a closet, and massive steel hinges for quarter doors.
• If the main thing for steel doors is reliability and strength, then in interior doors it is desirable that the hinges are invisible. And here nothing better than hidden canopies has yet been invented.
• Most models provide an extended opening angle for the door leaf; as a result, the doors become parallel to the adjacent wall and do not interfere at all.
• Hidden hinges for doors are made of either steel or high-strength alloys, so they can withstand heavy loads. Plus, the mechanism itself is recessed into the frame and door leaf, which adds additional reliability to the structure.

Canopies for heavy iron doors are made of high quality steel.

As for the shortcomings, it should be recognized that there are no ideal things in this world, which means that hidden door hinges have their own shortcomings.

• First of all, experts point out that installation is quite troublesome. Installation requires a special tool, but we'll talk about that a little later.
• A good hidden canopy costs the right amount of money; now the price starts from 1800 rubles. a piece. Of course, there are products for 600 rubles, and if you want you can find them even for 300 rubles, but the quality of the hinge is very mediocre, and besides, such awnings are not adjustable.
• Continuing the topic of cost, we can also say about a large number of fakes: people want to buy cheaper, but as a result they purchase low-quality accessories.
• Not every hidden canopy can be dismantled. In cheap models, in order to dismantle the doors, you need to completely remove the awnings.
• Hidden door awnings are quite a big thing. There is often enough space in the door leaf, but a thin interior door frame may not be designed for such depth.

There may not be enough space in a thin interior door frame for a hidden canopy.

How to embed and adjust hidden hinges

Installing hidden hinges for iron and wooden doors, from a technology point of view, is practically no different. At first glance, everything is simple, you need to cut out a niche, insert the mechanism into it and secure it. But in any job there are a lot of nuances.

Insert into a wooden panel

In this case, in order to efficiently embed a hidden canopy at the amateur level, you will need a good tool, and the most important element here is a hand cutter. Believe me, a home craftsman cannot do this work with chisels and other hand tools.

Without a hand cutter, it is almost impossible to embed hidden hinges.

It is advisable that the cutter have a removable frame that can be attached to the door leaf or frame. This frame also comes with a couple of special templates, but in extreme cases you can do without them.

For auxiliary work you also need:

• electric drill with a feather drill;
• roulette;
• pencil;
• chisel;
• screwdriver;
• hammer.

If at the moment you don’t have a good tool, then the wooden door leaf can be temporarily hung on the “Butterfly” overhead hinges; you can get by with just one screwdriver. When everything you need appears, the butterflies are unscrewed in five minutes, and hidden loops are cut into their place. Characteristics of “Butterflies”, as well as step-by-step instructions with photos and videos are “here”.

Butterfly hinges can be a good temporary replacement for hidden awnings.

Since we cut the hinges into the end, the door leaf is placed on its side and fixed in a vertical position. The outer canopies are always installed at a distance of 200–250 mm from the edge.

Marking the canvas for inserting hidden loops.

In order to clearly cut out a place for the top of the canopy with a milling cutter, it is advisable for us to acquire two templates. The first template is designed for cutting out the upper, outer part of the canopy, and using the second template, the deep inner part is cut out. The templates are inserted into a special frame, which in turn is attached to the canvas with clamps.

Professional frame with a template for inserting hidden hinges.

Not to say that such a professional stand with templates would be too expensive, but for a one-time job there is no point in buying a special tool that may no longer be needed. Therefore, many people make such templates with their own hands from a piece of plywood and a couple of planks.

Elementary homemade template.

First, the top layer is removed using the first template. Then the template changes and the lower level is removed.

Often the size of the cutter is not enough to go deep as expected, so next we take a drill with a feather drill and drill a series of blind holes according to the size of the hinges. Then, using a chisel, knife and hammer, we select the excess.

We go deep with a feather drill to the required depth.

After finishing the stripping, you should end up with something similar to what is shown in the photo below.

We transfer the markings to the box.

The technology for cutting out a cell in a box is exactly the same, so there is no point in repeating it again. The only thing that should be noted is the stage of fixing the canopy with screws: you need to drill holes for the screws with a thin drill, and only then drive them into the array.

At the end, the loops are screwed in and the adjustment system is covered with a decorative cover.

Hidden canopies for steel doors

Often all metal doors come with built-in awnings. At home, you can embed a hidden canopy into iron doors with your own hands only at the stage of assembling homemade doors. If for some reason you need to hang a finished door into an assembled frame, it is better to give preference to simple external “male-male” canopies.

Standard male-female canopies.

Prefabricated designs typically use adjustable metal hinges. The thing is quite convenient and reliable. Looking ahead a little, we note that adjusting such structures is not particularly difficult. How to adjust iron hinges, including those on Chinese doors, is shown “here”.

Hidden adjustable awnings for iron doors.

There is a popular version of hidden hinges for steel doors, made on the basis of an external papa-mama canopy.

• First, a slot is made in the side wall of the frame (the one that borders the end of the door leaf), a little more than half the size of the canopy.
• Then the lower part of the loop (male) is welded to the box.
• The upper part of the hinge (mother) is welded to an arc-shaped extension, which in turn is welded to the frame of the door leaf. The photo below illustrates this principle clearly.

DIY hidden loop.

There are factory models of hidden hinges that are made according to the same principle. The most interesting thing is that most of the really heavy safe-type doors weighing 250 kg or more are hung on such structures.

Removable hidden hinge with arc for heavy metal doors.

A few words about adjusting hinges

Hinges with an adjustment mechanism can be lightweight or reinforced; accordingly, their adjustment technology is different. First, let's talk about lightweight models like “ELEMENTIS”.

Vertical (height) adjustment is performed with a thin hex key. The adjusting screw is located at the junction of the hinge holders, in the upper part. The maximum adjustment stroke is 1.5 mm.

Adjustment of the canvas vertically.

Horizontal adjustment of lightweight hinges is done using another hexagon. The adjusting screw here is located on the part of the hinge that is embedded in the door leaf. The maximum adjustment stroke is 1 mm.

Horizontal hinge adjustment.

Adjustment of the pressure of the door leaf to the frame is carried out using an eccentric with the same hexagon. This eccentric is located on the part of the hinge that is embedded in the box. The maximum adjustment stroke is 1 mm.

Adjustment of the canvas according to the clamp.

Now a few words about adjusting reinforced hinges like “SIMONSWERK”

Vertical adjustment here is carried out using six hexagon adjustment screws. All these screws are located on a hinge embedded in the box.

Vertical adjustment.

Adjustment of the pressure in these hinges is carried out with two screws, which are also located on the part of the hinge that is embedded in the box.

Horizontal adjustment of the door leaf is performed on the part of the hinge that is embedded in the door leaf. There are two hexagon screws for this purpose.

Horizontal adjustment.

Conclusion

Hidden door hinges are a convenient thing, and if you have the appropriate tools, installing them will not be a problem, just remember to lubricate them. How this is done is written “here”. In addition, all the intricacies of installation and configuration are shown in the video in this article.

Drawing of a hidden homemade canopy for a metal door.