Pros and Cons of a Brass Butt Hinge

A brass butt hinge is perhaps the most common type of door hinge being installed in homes today. It's a simple device that uses two leaves supported by a joint in the middle. brass butt hinges are very attractive and can add good visual contrast to a doorway opening, however, there are certain advantages and also certain disadvantages to using brass butt hinges. In this article, we will discuss both the pros and the cons.

The Pros

One of the most obvious benefits of brass butt hinges is their wide availability and the variety of styles that are available for specific applications. Brass butt hinges can also be found in a variety of sizes and thicknesses that are made for use on different types of doors.

For instance, some hinges use ball bearings instead of cotter pins and they are better-suited for installation and use on very heavy doors. There are also security type butt hinges that make the hinge inaccessible when the door is closed so thieves cannot remove them and the door along with them.

And The Cons

Perhaps the biggest downside to brass butt hinges is the fact that a recessed opening must be cut into the door and door jamb. Therefore, they may not be appropriate for hollow doors or door jambs that have very little wood, or a weak, flimsy composite material to cut into. This would provide a very negligible measure of protection from intruders or burglars.

Another potential drawback to brass butt hinges is that the brass surface requires periodic cleaning and polishing in order for the brass to avoid becoming tarnished and unsightly from oxidation. Brass polish and a clean cloth will facilitate that project admirably. Simply wipe the brass polish on the surface of the hinge with one part of the cloth and then allow it to dry for a few minutes. Then wipe the polish off with the clean part of the cloth and buff it lightly with the washcloth to bring out the finish and make it gleam like new.