Understanding the dimensions of a hinge is key to identifying or replacing it correctly. While a hinge "pattern" can refer to several aspects like leaf size, knuckle length, and screw hole placement, a fundamental measurement is the hinge's open width. This measurement tells you the overall spread of the hinge when fully extended.
Steps to Measure Hinge Open Width
According to common practice for hinge measurement, including information from the provided reference, here is how to measure the open width of a hinge:
- Open the Hinge Fully: A hinge consists of two sides, also known as leaves. These leaves are joined by a vertical pin in the middle, around which they pivot. To measure the open width, open the hinge completely so that both leaves lie flat and are in a straight line.
- Prepare Your Measuring Tool: Use a standard tape measure or ruler.
- Measure Across the Entire Hinge: With the hinge laid flat, stretch the tape measure across the entire span of the hinge, from the outer edge of one leaf to the outer edge of the other leaf.
- Record the Widest Point: Ensure you are measuring across the hinge at its widest point to get the correct open width dimension.
This measurement, the open width, is a critical part of the hinge's overall specifications and helps determine the hinge's size and suitability for a particular application.
For example, a hinge with an open width of 2 inches will span that distance when flat. This measurement is often needed alongside other dimensions, such as leaf length and screw hole spacing, to fully define a hinge's characteristics or "pattern".
