The function and performance of a hinge relies heavily on proper end play. If there’s too much end play, the hinge may suffer from premature wear and tear. If there’s not enough end play, you may struggle to open and close the door or object with which it’s used. For a better understanding of end play and what it means, keep reading.
What Is End Play?
End play represents the amount of movement a hinge has between its leafs. Also known as axial play, it’s the result of spacing between the hinge’s two leafs. Hinges with a lot of end play have more spacing between their leafs, whereas hinges with less end play have minimal spacing between their leafs.
Most hinges consist of two leafs that, when interlocked together, form a knuckle in the center. While the leafs touch each other, there’s still spacing between them. This spacing consists of small gaps between the knuckle surfaces, which allows the hinge to open and close. End play is a measurement of this lengthwise, axial spacing.
How End Play Affects Hinges
End play affects hinges in several ways. Proper alignment of a hinge, for instance, requires the right amount of end play. Excessive end play can cause large gaps that manifest in the form of a misaligned hinge. One of the leafs may sit higher than the other leaf.
You may struggle to open and close doors or similar objects if the hinges have insufficient end play. End play is movement, which is caused by spacing or lack thereof. Too little end play means the leafs will be pressed tightly together, which will make it more difficult to open and close the door or object with which the hinge is used.
Both too little and too much end play can damage hinges. Too much end play will allow the leafs — as well as the doors or objects with which they are used — to knock around loosely. Too little end play, on the other hand, will cause them to grind against each other.
You may hear creaks or rattling noises coming from hinges with too little end play. As you open and close the door or object, the two leafs will separate from each other due to the excessive spacing, which can result in unwanted noise.
End Play vs Side Play
In addition to end play, hinges have side play. While they both involve the movement of a hinge’s leafs, they aren’t the same.
End play is the lengthwise movement between a hinge’s leafs, whereas side play is the lateral movement between a hinge’s leafs. As the name suggests, side play involves the sideways or lateral movement of a hinge’s leafs.