What hinges for a 30kg door? (Ed.)

[Stuart_1]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice for the type of hinges to use with my new door. The existing door due to be replaced is a standard 35mm door which is fixed with 2 x 100mm hinges (which i beleive are typically used with fire doors). These hinges are cut into the door but not the door frame. (See photo)

The new door, also 35mm will weigh more than the current installation at around 30kg and the manufacturer recommended 3 hinges be used. My questions are

1. Do I need 3 hinges
2. Should I use the same hinge size as previous? This might make like easier although these seem quite large for a 35mm door? I'm wondering if it might be worth re-doing using 75mm hinges.
3. And finally should I cut out the hinges into door frame? The existing door does not have this but is cut deeper into the actual door.

 

[Wayners]

Fit 3 hinges as recommended.
Quality ball bearing hinges required.
To get a 3mm gap around door you will need to cut hinges in the door and frame.
Up to you on size of hinges required.

 

[JohnD]

Quality ball bearing hinges required.

I've also used lift-off hinges with a phosphor-bronze bearing instead of balls

Lift-offs are very handy on heavy doors.

 

[Wayners]

I've recently seen lift off hinges on heavy fire doors. Fitted maybe 10+ years ago and need replacing now.
Interesting.

 

[JohnD]

Fitted maybe 10+ years ago and need replacing now.
.

Oh dear

Do you mean worn out?

Are they the modern type with a short cone, or the old long pin?

Mine look like this, though some are branded Eclipse and some are brushed stainless

https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/browse/hinges-seals-and-intumescent/hinges/fire-door-hinges/filter/ironmongery_type%3e%7blift20off20hinge%7d

I like the PVD brass on stainless best, but they were hard to find.

 

[Wayners]

@JohnD
There hinges. Discontinued

 

[JohnD]

Thanks. Looks like the pin has rusted. No visible marking stamps.

Incidentally, I just saw these which look like a bargain.

https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/product/altro-twin-ball-bearing-grade-13-fire-door-hinge-100-x-75-x-3mm-stainless-steel-pair-738448

IME balls will rust on external doors.

 

[johnny2007]

3 hinges 75mm fire rated will hold 30kg doors without any problem.
I prefer them to the chunkier 100mm, so if you're within tolerance you might go for them.

 

[Stuart_1]

Assume there's no issue in cutting the hinge in at double the depth on the door and just screwing the hinge (without a cut out) direct to the frame as previously done?

 

[boringoldcodger]

Assume there's no issue in cutting the hinge in at double the depth on the door and just screwing the hinge (without a cut out) direct to the frame as previously done?

To get a 3mm gap around door you will need to cut hinges in the door and frame.

 

[Stuart_1]

Thanks boringgoldcoder but there's more than 1 way to skin a cat and I'm assuming cutting double the depth into the door negates the need for cutting into the frame to achieve the necessary gap.

Has anyone else seen it done this way much. As I mentioned that's how my existing doors have been hung, hence wondering I should do the same.

 

[johnny2007]

No, don't do it.
It will look bad and hinges won't work as intended.
That routed rebate basically holds the door.
Screws only keep it still, but the weight is on the rebate.