What is a continuous hinge
A continuous hinge is a long hinge with a wide range of motion commonly used in cabinet and furniture manufacturing. Also known as piano hinges, continuous hinges are often used as a unit, spanning the entire length of the hinged area of a door or lid.
The hinges are supplied in long lengths and can be cut to size, usually pre-drilled in each fender with equal spacing between the holes. In most cases, continuous hinges are made of lightweight metal with fairly light knuckle and pin sections relative to the fenders, heavy duty hinges are available if required.
Instead of screws or rivets, hinges are also available in a plastic material suitable for epoxy connections. The continuous hinge was originally developed by the people who used the drill to provide the hinged connection on the piano lid, hence its other name.
To achieve a strong and unobtrusive connection in this application, the hinges are designed to be light, with a small center pin and knuckle, allowing the piano lid to close with very little hinge clearance, or to open all the way back without Will spoil the look of the cabinets.
To ensure that the hinge provides sufficient strength for the usually heavy lid, it is designed to span the entire length of the lid and fastened with wood screws. Hinges are ultimately used by cabinet and furniture manufacturers for a wide variety of low-profile applications. Often available in extended lengths, even if sometimes presented on a roll, continuous hinges are made from light rail, wide-wing galvanized steel associated with relatively small pins and segments.
In most cases, the hinge pin is slightly larger than the heavy-duty wire core that runs along its entire length. When a hinge is required, measure the desired length and cut the hinge with a hacksaw. A series of equally spaced holes are usually pre-drilled in each fender. These holes are usually close together, so during installation, the number of screws or rivets used can be adjusted to suit the application.
The facet portion of the continuous hinge allows for a good range of motion and fine articulation gaps. They can also be used in heavy camouflage if desired, however, if desired. There is also a choice of lightweight plastic or acrylic continuous hinges in a wide range of colors. These hinges are usually not pre-drilled for screw or rivet connections, but are designed to work with acrylic adhesive.
