Replies

1. 
   Link | Jun 05, 2007 03:09am | #1

   Why 4 hinges?  I've hung 8' tall by 2 1/4 thick antique doors on two hinges without any problem.  I used 4 1/2" solid brass hinges with screws that went into a reinforced jamb.  I feel that middle hinges do little to help hold the door to the door jamb.  The top hinge is being pulled out and the bottom hinge is being pushed in.  what's the middle hing(es) for?  The pivot point?  I can see that they help keep some doors from warping...  maybe.

   Anyway, I put the center of the top hinge 7" down and the bottom hinge 12" up.  I'd equally space any hinges in the middle.

   That's what I do...  I'm sure other people have their own ideas.

1. 
   slykarma | Jun 05, 2007 07:23am | #4

   2 hinge doors are PITA if you have to adjust those hinges at some point. A third or fourth hinge means the door won't tip outward when you take off that top hinge to shim it.

   Extra hinges on tall 8-0 doors are a must. They keep the door true and swinging freely as there is less load per hinge. All the pre-hung doors I see these days have 4 hinges if they're over 7-0 high.

    Lignum est bonum.

1. 
   Link | Jun 05, 2007 03:42pm | #5

   I knew some people would not like 2 hinges on my 8' door but that is what this antique door had for over 100 years so that's what I used 15 or 20 years ago when I reused it in its new location with a new door jamb,  It's never been adjusted, and the door still swings freely.  It's the front door to one of my apartments and gets a lot of use.  If you're concerned about the weight of a door then get commercial hinges with thrust bearings.  My door has the original hinge where the pin is fixed and the door drops down onto the pin. 

   BTW. I consider it a PITA to line up and space out more than 2 hinges on a door.  And, how can you adjust a door with 3 or 4 hinges by moving only one hinge?

1. 
   slykarma | Jun 05, 2007 04:37pm | #6

   You often don't have to adjust the centre hinge on a typical door, throwing the top or bottom hinge will often achieve the desired result. On a 4 hinge you will need to move the top or bottom two (one at a time), but at least the door isn't flapping around while you shim the hinges.

   Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

    

2. 
   Piffin | Jun 06, 2007 01:53am | #9

   An antuque door with stable well cured lumber is a different animal than most doors today. 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   Piffin | Jun 05, 2007 03:58am | #2

   I'd go about 6-1/2" down from top to first and 9" up from bottom to that one, then equalize the rest. I'd use four hinges on this too.

    

    

   Welcome to the
   Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
    where ...
   Excellence is its own reward!

3. 
   davidmeiland | Jun 05, 2007 07:05am | #3

   Hinges are generally rated for the weight of the door, i.e. door weight = X then you must use Y number of hinges. It's not always easy to find these ratings, but most residential hinges are not rated for only 2 on a 8' 2-1/4" thick door. On your door I'd hire Piffin to hang it, or I'd do it the same as he would if he couldn't get to it in time, what with the ferry rides and all.

4. 
   mike4244 | Jun 05, 2007 07:57pm | #7

   7" down to the top of the top leaf.10" up to the bottom of the bottom leaf, space two hinges in the center.

   mike

5. 
   Steinmetz | Jun 05, 2007 10:02pm | #8

   Use ball bearing hinges. Ask for non template ball bearing butt hinges 4-1/2" x 4-1/2" You are wise to use two pair.. The proper layout for entry doors is 5" down to top of top hinge and 10" up from bottom of door to bottom of hinge divide the hinge centers equally
   For using only three hinges, The center hinge's BOTTOM should be located at the center of the other two.

   Template hinges are used on metal frames and doors Non-template, are designed for wood. The holes are alternated ,to prevent possible splitting between adjacent holes.

   When installing any door, remove one leaf of the top hinge and attach it to the frame. Position the upright door approximately open at 45°.
   Depending on the 'Hand' of the door,(RH/LH) use one hand to raise door at lock level and with the other hand's thumb,lift by the hinge's bottom knuckle and engage the hinge halves. Insert top pinwhile door is still open
   The door will now be secure enough to place one or two screws into the other leaves. (
   Steinmetz.

   
   

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   Edited 6/5/2007 3:08 pm ET by Steinmetz