Aluminum is one of the most common materials in which hinges are made. Whether you’re shopping for door hinges, butt hinges, strap hinges or weld-on hinges, you can probably find them in aluminum. Hinges, of course, are available in other materials as well. You can find them in stainless steel, bronze, copper and more. Nonetheless, aluminum hinges offer several benefits that you can’t ignore.
#1) Lightweight
When compared to hinges made of other materials, aluminum hinges are lightweight. Most aluminum hinges, for instance, weigh about one-third the weight of their stainless steel counterparts. With their lightweight properties, they are easy to install and remove.
#2) Corrosion Resistant
Aluminum hinges are also resistant to corrosion. They can withstand humidity and moisture without succumbing to oxidation. Aluminum is actually immune to rust. Rust is an oxidation-related phenomenon that only occurs with iron and iron alloys. There’s no iron in aluminum, so aluminum hinges can’t rust. At the same time, they are highly resistant to other forms of corrosion. Their corrosion-resistant properties make aluminum hinges ideal for exterior doors.
#3) Durable
Another benefit of choosing aluminum hinges is durability. Some people assume that because aluminum hinges are lightweight, they are weak and prone to damage. The truth is that aluminum hinges are very durable. Many automakers use aluminum for various components, including engine components, because of the metal’s high level of durability. Aluminum hinges exhibit this same durability. They can withstand the weight of connected doors and objects without cracking or otherwise sustaining damage.
#4) Recyclable
Aluminum hinges can be recycled. Aluminum is actually 100% recyclable. It can be smelted down for use in other applications. If you decide to replace a set of aluminum hinges in the future, you can rest assured knowing that they can be recycled. Aluminum will retain all of its properties after being smelted down, thus allowing aluminum hinges to be fully recycled.
#5) Inexpensive
Buying aluminum hinges won’t break your bank account. Whether you intend to use them for recreational or commercial purposes, you’ll have to buy them. With that said, aluminum hinges often cost less than hinges made of other materials. Because of its recyclable properties — along with the fact that aluminum is an abundant metal — aluminum hinges are inexpensive.
As you can see, aluminum hinges offer several benefits. They are lightweight, corrosion resistant, durable, recyclable and inexpensive. You should still consider hinges made of other materials. For most applications, though, you can’t go wrong with aluminum hinges.