Hinges are available in different styles. When most people think of hinges, they envision mechanical bearings with two rectangular-shaped leafs of equal sides, which are connected at a knuckle in the center. In addition to standard hinges such as these, though, there are t-hinges.
What Are Standard Hinges?
Standard hinges are mechanical bearings that feature the familiar and universal style with which hinges are associated. They have two rectangular-shaped leafs. The inner side of the leafs has alternating grooves. When the two leafs are placed together, they form a knuckle, which is completed with a pin. A rod-like pin is placed through the hollow grooves of the knuckle to hold the leafs together.
What Are T-Hinges?
Also known as tee hinges, t-hinges are mechanical bearings that receive their namesake from shape They are shaped like the letter T. One of the leafs is longer and protrudes outward than the other leaf.
T-hinges are available in different materials. Zinc-plated steel T-hinges, for instance, are common. Steel is strong, and with zinc plating, it’s resistant to corrosion. Regardless, all T-hinges feature the shape of the latter T.
T-hinges are used in a variety of consumer and commercial applications. With their unique shape, they are able to accommodate heavy loads, such as gates and garage doors. T-hinges are simply shaped like the letter T.
Differences Between Standard Hinges and T-Hinges
Standard hinges and T-hinges both feature two leafs, and they both have a knuckle that’s formed where the leafs meet. Nonetheless, they aren’t the same.
Most standard hinges have rectangular-shaped leafs of the same size. T-hinges typically have one rectangular-shaped leaf. The other leaf, however, is typically longer and tapered. This design results in a T shape.
Aside from their difference in appearance, T-hinges are able to support heavier loads than their standard counterparts. Different hinges can support different amounts of weight. T-hinges are almost always able to support more weight because of their long leaf. The short leaf of a T-hinge can be mounted to a fixed surface. The long leaf of a T-hinge can be mounted to the object that’s designed to rotate.
All hinges are used to allow objects to rotate. Rotating objects can consist of gates and doors. Hinges, of course, must be able to support the weight of the object as it rotates and opens away from the fixed surface. T-hinges have a long arm that offers greater support for heavy objects.