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There are a number of different ways to install hinges on a chest. Among them are Piano hinges, Surface-mounted butt hinges, and Non-swaged butts. However, you must be aware of some basic principles before installing these hinges. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you. Once you’ve finished reading this guide, you should have a better understanding of how to install hinges on a chest.
Piano hinges
If you want to hang a piano on a chest, there are several things you need to know before getting started. For starters, piano hinges are great for all wood cabinetry. They’re 6 inches wide, and the leaf thickness is unheard of at 06″! To make installation easier, piano hinges are available with countersunk holes spaced 3 inches apart. You can find piano hinges at your local hardware store for less than $10 each, and follow the installation instructions on the hinge’s packaging.
Another way to install a piano hinge on a chest is to follow the instructions for mortising the hinge. This will ensure that the two pieces are positioned uniformly. To make installation easier, you can also use piano hinges that are slotted. You may want to purchase a set that is slotted. Make sure you know which way to fold the piano before putting it on the chest. You also want to make sure the hinges are visible both when open and closed.
After you have determined the right location, install the piano hinge on the lid. To do this, you’ll need a Phillips-head screwdriver. The piano hinge should be placed so that the lid can be opened or closed. You may need a helper to hold the lid while you mark the mounting holes. Once you’ve done this, attach the piano hinge to the chest with wood screws.
To install a piano hinge, you’ll need a measuring gauge. A marking gauge can be useful for figuring out how wide and deep the mortise should be. You can use this to mark the position of the hinge, or use a knife to draw a pattern. You’ll also need to mark the placement of the hinge with a pencil. Before you install it, use a marking gauge to make sure that the barrel is perfectly aligned.
Surface-mounted butt hinges
Surface-mounted butt hinges for storing clothing are a convenient and affordable way to attach trunk lids and doors to your furniture. The butt hinge is made of two metal plates, each with interlocking teeth, also known as knuckles. The hinges are connected by a metal pin that passes through the knuckles and allows the two pieces to open and close face-to-face.
Most butt hinges are pre-drilled and come with mounting screws. However, each manufacturer uses a different pattern for the screws. The screw location and size can vary from brand to brand, which is intended to encourage users to stick with a certain manufacturer. Many older models of butt hinges have metal knuckles that created friction when the doors were opened. However, newer models come with ball bearings between the knuckles. This can reduce friction and extend the life of the hinges.
Unlike conventional butt hinges, surface-mounted butt hinges are easy to install. When installing them, use a sharp chisel to smooth out the recessed area. When installing a new hinge, be sure to choose the one with a deep enough recess. Otherwise, the hinge may pull out when the chest is closed. So, always check local codes before installing the hinges.
Before installing a surface-mounted butt hinge, you need to measure the length of the door. For instance, a 3-inch butt hinge requires a depth of 3 inches, whereas a 36-inch piano hinge requires a depth of 36 inches. In order to determine the correct depth of the hinge, you can use a depth gauge or butt marker. Another method is to use a pencil or scratch awl to mark the depth of the hinge.
Non-swaged butt hinges
If you’re building a new chest or drawer, you can follow a step-by-step guide to install non-swaged butt hinges. First, lay out the hinge spacing on the top back edge of the chest. With a router fitted with a 1/4-inch bit, route a recess for the hinge. Make sure to use a laminate trimmer’s base to cover the recess. Stop the routing short of the knife line. Once the mortise is complete, clean it up with a sharp chisel.
Next, determine the material of the hinges. A common type is sheet metal. Solid brass hinges are sturdier than sheet metal ones. The leaf thickness of flatback hinges is usually greater than that of swaged ones, and their barrel diameter is smaller. The choice between swaged and flatback hinges should be made based on taste and period. Flatback hinges are often found on lighter-weight pieces, while swaged hinges are generally made of thicker materials.
The style of non-swaged butt hinges will affect how they are installed. In general, butt hinges are installed on the edge of the door or on the interior face of the carcase, although some grass hinges use a 42mm boring pattern. When installing butt hinges on a chest, make sure to mark the door and carcase beforehand. This way, you’ll have a consistent layout for the hinges.
While simple hinges have served the basic hinge purpose for millennia, they are still a weak option. They lack a fixed pivot point and center, which makes them ineffective for higher-stress hinged items. Moreover, they require close attachment points. Since stress is concentrated in a small area, they are prone to premature failure. While strength is important, predictability is more important.
Lid support torsion hinges
Whether you’re building a child’s dresser or a vintage antique chest, installing torsion hinges on a chest’s lid will add style to any piece of furniture. These hinges mount flush to the case without mortising the wood. Because they are designed to stay open at any angle, they are a safe choice for cabinetry, especially if you have small children. These hinges are usually less expensive than traditional versions and require a minimal amount of work.
The first step in installing a torsion hinge is to set the hinge’s support inside the lid. You can use a combination square to ensure that it is positioned exactly where it should be. Once the support is in place, tighten the screws on both the top and bottom supports. Don’t overtighten them as this will damage the wood lid. Once you have tightened the screws, the hinge is ready to close.
Next, you need to determine how much support you’ll need. If the lid is too heavy, the hinge would fail to support it. If it is too weak, it would be difficult to close the lid. A strong torsion hinge will support the lid, but a weak one will not. A sturdy hinge will also prevent the lid from falling onto the child and damaging the toy box.
When installing torsion hinges on a chest, you must remember to consider the weight of the piece of furniture that will be supported by the torsion supports. If the lid is 14 pounds, the torque required is 175 pounds. If you are installing a lid support that holds more than one or two hinges, be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the correct torque amount.
Metal butt hinges
There are many styles of metal butt hinges, so it can be confusing to know which ones to choose. But with a little guidance from Garrett Hack, a contributing editor for Fine Woodworking, you’ll be able to install these on your own chest, regardless of whether or not you’ve worked with them before. This article will walk you through the process of choosing and installing the most common style of hinge.
A butt hinge is used for the top of a chest or box lid. You can choose stamped or machined hinges. Stainless steel and extruded brass hinges are better choices for outdoor applications. They are also more durable than stamped butt hinges. The type you choose should match the rest of the chest’s finish. Metal butt hinges are available in a wide range of materials.
If you’re looking to install a metal butt hinge on your chest, you’ll need to buy two pieces. A butt hinge is typically six inches long and is made of two metal plates with interlocking teeth, or “knuckles.” Both leaves are connected by a metal pin, which passes through them at regular intervals along the hinge’s length. This allows the hinge to pivot 180 degrees and close face to face.
Butt hinges are the most common type of hinges used in woodworking projects. They’re usually made of solid brass links and are invisible from either side. While they’re used for utility applications, you can also find decorative strap hinges for ornamental chests and boxes. Another type of butt hinge is called a T-hinge, which has a strap hidden in the inside jamb.
