When someone says hinges, you’ll most likely think of the standard door hinge which is a staple in all households. However, there is a wide variety of hinge types available to buy, whether that’s online or in a hardware store, that are often forgotten or underutilised. At Protex, we’re the number 1 manufacturer of over centre fasteners and we also manufacture as well as supply a diverse range of hinges. These hinges aren’t your household staple door hinges, they are designed for many applications including plant machinery, enclosures and industrial storage cases. Not only do we design our own range of hinges, but we also stock a range of Southco hinges to purchase from stock.

In this product guide, we’ll delve further into our hinge range and explain the different uses for each type of hinge.

Positioning Hinges

A position hinge is a specialised hinge that enables precise placement of a door or panel at a specific angle, differing from the conventional hinge, which allows free swinging motion. These hinges find frequent application in scenarios demanding the specific placement of door or panel positioning, notably in industrial machinery, medical devices, and aerospace technologies.

Position hinges are accessible in a range of materials, featuring options like stainless steel and brass. The choice of material hinges depends on the application requirements and demands.   

Removable Hinges

Removable hinges, also known as lift-off hinges, detachable hinges, and rising door hinges, are hinges that allow a door or panel to be easily lifted off its frame for maintenance or repair purposes. Removable hinges are commonly used in industrial settings, as well as in residential homes and commercial buildings.

There are two main types of removable hinges: surface-mounted and concealed hinges. Surface-mounted hinges are the most common type of removable hinge. They are attached to the surface of the door and frame with screws. Concealed hinges are less common, but they offer a more streamlined appearance as they are hidden inside the door and frame. Removable hinges are made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, brass, and zinc alloy. The type of material used will depend on the application. For example, stainless steel hinges are ideal for outdoor use, as they are resistant to rust and corrosion. The Protex range of removable hinges are supplied by Southco in a zinc alloy black or chrome finish.

Continuous Hinges

A continuous hinge is a type of hinge that consists of a single piece of material that runs the full length of the door or panel. This type of hinge can also be referred to as a piano hinge or full-length hinge. Continuous hinges are commonly used in applications where a door or panel needs to swing open or close a large distance, such as in pianos, cabinet doors, and barn doors.

At Protex, continuous hinges are made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel and mild steel. The type of material used will depend on the application. For example, steel hinges are ideal for heavy-duty applications, while stainless steel offers better corrosion resistance.

Adjustable Torque Hinges

Adjustable torque hinges are designed to provide resistance to the pivoting motion of the hinge itself. This is achieved by a mechanism within the hinge that generates friction to provide resistance, which prevents a component from moving unwantedly. Adjustable torque hinges are commonly used in applications where it is necessary to control the speed or force at which a door or panel opens or closes. This makes them great when you want to hold lids, doors, panels, or display devices in a desired position for safety and convenience.

Detent Hinges

Detent hinges, from our Sothco selection of hinges, are sometimes referred to as positional hinges as they are designed to offer a limited angle of rotation when installed. These types of hinges are designed to hold connected objects in place. For example, if you open a cabinet or cupboard door then it will remain open due to the detent hinge design.

Detent hinges are available in a variety of materials and sizes, offering several advantages. Firstly, they exceed conventional hinges in terms of convenience by effectively immobilising doors or connected items. As a result, concerns about doors unexpectedly swinging open or shut become a thing of the past. Some detent hinges even incorporate pre-set detent angles, securing the hinge firmly at specific positions, with variations spanning from 80 degrees to 150 degrees.

Offset Knuckle Hinges

An offset knuckle hinge is supplied in two pieces, a male and female part of the hinge. One will include a pin, which is used for the rotation of the door, and the other part will feature a hole where the pin can sit securely. This type of hinge is used in applications where the door needs to sit flush with the frame and can be removed quickly, easily, and safely due to its design.

Strut Hinge

Strut hinges are commonly used in applications where lids need to be held up securely. They sit flat, in an upright position when the lid is closed but when opened, the strut hinge opens to 90 degrees. Once opened, the strut locks into place and ensures the lid stays open until it’s manually closed. At Protex, our strut hinges are available from stainless steel in a natural finish.

Protex Hinges from Stock

Protex supplies and stocks a wide variety of hinges for many applications and requirements. Whether that’s a stainless-steel hinge to be used in an outdoor environment, a zinc-plated hinge for increased aesthetics or a strut hinge for use in an industrial application, the Protex range of hinges has it all.

For help selecting the right hinge for your upcoming project, contact one of our experts by calling +44(0)1527 63231 or emailing sales@protex.com. Alternatively, you can view their range online.