Since the earliest times, hinges have been a huge part of our homes. Years ago, blacksmiths made a hinge from a piece of steel and used it on fence gates, barn doors, and house doors. They were the first step in providing a convenient way to put up a door or gate to keep animals in your area or to keep people out of your home.

Hinges have now become an important part of door hardware. From crude hammered pieces of iron they have been turned into finely machined mechanisms and even works of art. They were once like Model T Fords: you could get them in any color you wanted, as long as it was black. Now they can be copper, brass, bronze, chrome, brushed chrome, nickel, oil rubbed bronze and many more.

Hinges come in many sizes. The typical interior door on a home will use a 3 ½-inch-wide hinge. Very large hinges are used on drawbridges and small hinges are used on jewelry boxes or music boxes. There is a hinge for every need.

Basic door hinges consist of two plates that have been formed with rolled edges through which a pin is placed that holds the pieces together while allowing the hinge to fold. Fixing a plate to the door with screws and its coupling plate to the door frame allows the doors to open and close easily. When the door is closed, the hinge is practically hidden from view. To attract some artistic attention, a finial can be attached to the hinge pin. Other hinges can be mounted to the outside of the door and door frame so they can be seen and add architectural interest to the door.

Hinges can also be recessed into the frame and door so they are completely hidden from view. They can be electrified for safety and even motorized for controlled door opening.
To select the right hinge for your application, you must determine the following:
1. How heavy is the object I want to attach the hinge to?
2. Do I want the hinge to show?
3. Do I want to make an architectural statement with the hinge because of its design, material or finish?
4. Is this opening part of a security system?

Once you have the answers to these questions, you are ready to make your selection. If you still have questions, you can ask an expert, such as http://www.mydoorhardwarestore.com.