Hinge size measurement depends on what aspect you need to determine. Generally, you'll need to consider the width and height, and possibly the thickness or leaf length.
Measuring Hinge Width
The most common measurement is the width of the hinge when fully open. To get this crucial measurement:
- Lay the hinge flat on a surface.
- Fully open the hinge.
- Use a tape measure to measure from one edge of the hinge to the other edge, across the center. This method is described in several sources, like the one found on Access Hardware's blog.
This provides the overall width of the opened hinge, perpendicular to the hinge pin. As noted by Essentra Components, this measurement is important for proper fit. Marlboro Manufacturing similarly recommends stretching the ruler or tape measure over the hinge to capture the distance between the edges of the leaves.
Measuring Hinge Height
Many hinges have equal height and width dimensions. A standard size for residential door hinges is 3 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches, though other sizes exist (Access Hardware). However, always measure to confirm.
Measure the height of the hinge using the same method as above, but measure vertically from the top to the bottom edge of the hinge.
Other Relevant Measurements
Depending on the hinge type and application, you may also need to measure:
- Leaf Width: The width of a single hinge leaf.
- Leaf Length: The length of the individual hinge leaf. As noted on Screwfix Community Forum, be clear whether this refers to the entire length or only a portion.
- Thickness (or Depth): The distance from the face of the hinge to the back.
- Hinge Pin Length: The length of the pin holding the hinge leaves together.
Remember to consider factors like door thickness, weight, and usage when selecting the correct hinge size (HardwareSource). You may need additional information beyond simple width and height to ensure proper installation and function. For eyeglasses or sunglasses, a common method involves measuring the distance between the hinges using a ruler (Ray-Ban and Costa Del Mar).
