What is a butt hinge?

If you’re embarking on a cabinet project or replacing existing butt hinge, the choices can be bewildering. Of the many types of hinges available, butt hinges stand out as the most common, traditional style. Chances are your home’s front door hangs with a butt hinge. These hinges offer durability and ease of installation, and you can easily find them at your local hardware store.

Learn about butt hinges

A butt hinge is a surface-mount hinge that sits on the exterior of the door material and requires no mortises or grooves for installation.It consists of two mounting plates, also called leaves, and a barrel held together by a hinge pin. One plate attaches to the side of the door, while the other secures to the door frame or cabinet box. When the door closes, only the barrel remains visible, resulting in a clean, functional design.

When to Use Butt Hinge

Butt hinges are a simple, durable, and reliable choice for a variety of door installations, including cabinet doors, entry doors, and gates. They are also easy to install and require no special tools. Here are some scenarios where butt hinges are particularly beneficial:

Heavy-duty use: When you need a hinge that can support the weight of a solid wood door or other heavy material.
Removability: If you need a door that needs to be easily removed for maintenance or access.
No Mortise Tool Required: If you lack the tools to carve grooves for mortise hinges, butt hinges are a perfect choice (note that larger doors may still require some mortises).
Traditional Aesthetics: If you prefer visible hinges to concealed hinges and want a classic look.

Types of Butt Hinge

While standard butt hinges serve commonly, several variations offer unique features and functions, such as self-closing mechanisms or removable pins. They come in a variety of finishes, including stainless steel, brass, and colored metals, and there are also decorative options to choose from.

Common Variations:

Ball Head: This hinge functions like a standard butt hinge, but features decorative ball heads on the top and bottom of the barrel for added visual appeal.
Sliding Bearing: Best for lighter, less frequently used interior doors, these hinges do not have ball bearings.
Ball Bearing: These hinges are ideal for doors that receive heavy traffic, and they offer smoother operation and less friction, extending their lifespan.
Rising Butt Hinge: These hinges lift the door slightly as it opens, making them ideal for doors with thicker floors that might prevent smooth operation.
Self-Closing or Spring Hinge: Ideal for doors that need to stay closed, these hinges use a spring mechanism to automatically pull the door closed.
Removable Pin vs. Fixed Pin: Removable pins allow for easy door removal, while fixed pins provide enhanced security, making them ideal for exterior doors.
Piano Hinge: A continuous hinge spans the entire length of the door, often suits piano covers but also works well for cabinet doors and storage boxes..
Strap Hinge: A decorative variation features a plate designed to be visible, adding beauty to the installation.

If butt hinges don’t meet your project needs, there are many other hinge types to explore. Special options like pivot hinges (for doors that swing in both directions) or concealed barrel hinges (for delicate projects like jewelry boxes) can provide a solution for nearly any application.

Learn More About Cabinets

For those looking to deepen their understanding of cabinetry and related skills, consider taking an online course. Goodich offers video-based courses that cover construction basics and real-world applications, such as building cabinets. These courses feature professional production videos taught by experienced craftsmen, as well as supplemental materials such as quizzes, blueprints, and other resources to help you master your skills.

Contact Us

To learn more about butt hinges or to explore our extensive hardware selection, please contact Guangdong Goodich Hardware Co., Ltd. at info@goodich-hardware.com or call +86-15618525178. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to help you find the perfect hinge for your project!