Metal Piano Hinges

Ideal for heavy-duty applications, piano hinges are also known as continuous hinges. Piano hinges function as supports for the entire length of a surface or device. Since piano hinges uniformly support and distribute weight evenly, they are valuable for a wide variety of heavy-duty applications and installation projects.

Piano hinges are commonly used in commercial applications such as commercial doors or high-traffic applications where wear and tear may be extensive.

Common Piano Hinge Metal Materials

Piano hinges that can accommodate heavy-duty applications are primarily manufactured in aluminum, stainless steel, or steel. These high-quality metal materials offer corrosion-resistance and strength for various commercial and industrial applications.

How Strong are Piano Hinges?

Due to the form and function of piano hinges, these hinges minimize the stress put upon the components they support. Because they distribute weight evenly, they are considered heavy-duty hinges that are ideal for commercial and industrial purposes and projects. 

Piano hinge strength is largely dependent upon the direction of the load and hinge leaf thickness.

• The thicker the hinge leaf, the higher the strength
• For horizontal applications, longer hinges provide more strength
• For vertical applications, short hinge knuckles provide more strength

How to Install a Continuous Hinge

Per general installation guidelines, your hinge length should be an inch shorter of your door or surface size. If your door size is 6’, then your continuous hinge should be 72.” Piano hinges should be cut and filed to the correct size, marking where screw holes should align to attach the hinge as well as marking the end of the hinges. Please note that installation will vary, depending on the continuous hinge material and application.
For accurate cutting, it is recommended to have hinges custom cut to fit exact specification requirements for professional, finished-edged hinges.

Measuring Continuous Hinges

Continuous hinges can be measured with the hinge on a flat surface. The width of the hinge will be the distance between the ends of the hinge.

Applications that Benefit from Piano Hinges

Common applications that utilize piano hinges include:

• Hospitals and medical facilities
• Commercial buildings
• Industrial buildings
• Retrofit applications
• Cabinetry and lid applications
• Architectural applications
• Fire doors
• Piano lids

Industrial Uses for Aluminum and Stainless Steel Piano Hinges

Aluminum piano hinges are widely used in applications that require corrosion-resistance and the ability to withstand environmental stressors. Marine environments such as boat components and outdoor applications often use aluminum piano hinges due to its mechanical properties.

Stainless steel piano hinges are often used for hospital or food service settings due to the hygienic properties stainless steel provides.

Check out Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless Steel Piano Hinges

Find the piano hinge you need with a variety of metal materials, knuckle lengths, and thicknesses. IMS also carries a wide selection of heavy-duty hinges with various coating color options.