Struggling with door hinge maintenance or security, because you don’t comprehend whether the pin in your hinge is removable and what kind of pin it is, can lead to frustration and potential door damage. If you don’t know whether the pin in your hinge is removable, you could waste time and risk your security.
All door hinges don’t have pins you can take out. Many hinges, especially the ones for the outside doors, have pins that you can’t take out to improve the security and to keep criminals from doing whatever they want. Knowing your hinge type is important for proper use and installation.
This article talks about the different types of hinge pins you’ll find in doors and how to deal with them.
What is a Removable Pin Hinge?
A hinge with a removable pin lets you take the pin that connects the two halves of the hinge apart quickly. You typically find this feature in a Butt Hinge, which you see in a house that’s used on interior doors because you can take the door off to paint it, or you can remove the door and put a new one on there.
All you do to take the pin out is punch it out from the bottom with a screwdriver, nail, or whatever you have, making it easy to do maintenance or adjustments.
The problem with these is, if they are on your outside doors, they pose a huge security risk. How? Anybody with access to your door can get the pins out and lift the door up, pulling it away from the opening. Therefore, people usually don’t use these for outside doors.
What is a Non-Removable Pin Hinge?
Non-removable pin hinges don’t allow you to take the pin out. They prevent someone from taking the hinge apart because the pin either has a set screw in it (the screw is just a tiny little screw that goes into the barrel of the hinge permanently holding the pin in place) or the pin is welded in place.
These are the hinges you should see at your outside doors or some kind of high-security application. An example of this would be a commercial building where they don’t want someone to be able to pop the pins out. Another example is Cold Storage Room Hinges.
Their purpose is to help secure the door because you can’t take the pin out. They do well on outside doors, which is why they are often used in those locations. Any place you need security or people are going to be around, use a non-removable pin hinge to prevent problems.
How to Identify If Your Hinge Has a Removable Pin
To determine whether your hinge has a removable pin, examine the top of the hinge. If there is a visible head that can be tapped out, it’s likely a removable pin. You can also look for a small screw at the hinge’s base, which secures the pin, a common feature in non-removable types.
For more detailed inspection, try gently tapping the pin upwards with a hammer and nail. If the pin starts to move, it’s removable. However, if the pin doesn’t budge and you spot a set screw or welded joint, it’s a non-removable pin hinge.
How to Remove a Removable Pin Hinge
Removing a removable pin is straightforward. First, close the door and position yourself on the inside. Insert a nail or thin object under the head of the hinge pin. Using a hammer, tap upwards until the pin becomes loose, then lift it out by hand.
This process works well for standard hinges like Piano Hinges and Detachable Hinges. However, always ensure that removing the hinge pin won’t affect the door’s alignment or lead to any unintended damage during removal.
How to Handle Non-Removable Pin Hinges
Non-removable pin hinges are deliberately designed to prevent pin removal. If you’re dealing with these, it’s important to recognize that the pin cannot be removed without damaging the hinge. In cases where maintenance is required, the entire hinge must be replaced instead of just the pin.
In some commercial-grade hinges, such as Marine Hinges or heavy-duty exterior hinges, additional features like set screws or locking pins are integrated to bolster security further, making any attempt at removal difficult without specialized tools.
Benefits of Non-Removable Pin Hinges
One of the primary benefits of non-removable pin hinges is increased security. Exterior doors equipped with these hinges are much more difficult to tamper with, making them ideal for preventing break-ins. Even if the hinge is exposed, it cannot be disassembled from the outside.
Moreover, non-removable pin hinges tend to be sturdier. For example, Heavy Duty Hinges used in industrial or outdoor applications are often equipped with non-removable pins for added strength and longevity, ensuring they hold up under stress.
Common Misconceptions About Door Hinges and Pins
Contrary to popular belief, not every hinge has a pin. Hinges like spring hinges or concealed pivot hinges operate without a pin mechanism. This often confuses customers who expect all hinges to have removable or non-removable pins.
Additionally, hinge pins are not universally interchangeable. Using the wrong pin on a hinge can cause misalignment or even damage to the door or frame, especially if the hinge is of a specific design like Aluminum Hinges or tailored to fit a particular weight load.
How to Maintain Door Hinges Without Removing the Pin
Maintaining door hinges doesn’t always require pin removal. Lubricating the hinge directly on the joint, moving the door back and forth, can help distribute the lubricant effectively. This method works especially well for non-removable pin hinges, eliminating the need for pin removal while still keeping the hinge functional.
Regular cleaning also plays a role in maintaining hinge performance. Wiping down the hinge to remove dirt and debris helps prevent squeaking and prolongs the life of both removable and non-removable pin hinges.
Installing Non-Removable Pin Hinges
Installing a non-removable pin hinge is similar to regular hinge installation. Ensure the hinge is properly aligned, and use screws to secure it. The key difference is that once the hinge is installed, the pin cannot be removed, so ensure it’s correctly positioned before finalizing the installation.
For hinges with set screws, make sure they are fully tightened to lock the pin securely in place. This is particularly important in applications such as security doors or Climatic Test Chamber Hinges, where preventing pin removal is critical for safety.
Choosing the Right Hinge for Your Needs
When deciding between removable and non-removable pin hinges, consider the door’s function and location. For interior doors, removable pin hinges provide flexibility and ease of maintenance. However, for exterior doors or doors needing extra security, non-removable pin hinges are the better choice.
Always take into account the specific application. For example, heavy-duty applications like Trailer Door Hinges may require non-removable pins to ensure the door stays securely in place under tough conditions.
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