What is a pivot hinge (speun)?
A speun is a hinge for a cabinet door or window in which the door turns on a pin at the top and bottom, allowing it to open to about 180 degrees. A pivot hinge usually consists of two parts: a plate or lip with a pin, screwed to the cabinet or frame, and a counterpart with a hole, fitted to the door. So the door does not turn on a hinge leaf at the side, as with a fits hinge (butt hinge), but on an axis located above and below the door. In English this is called a pivot hinge.
Characteristics
- Almost invisible. With the door closed you see little or nothing of the hardware, which makes pivot hinges suitable for clean-lined furniture.
- Wide opening angle. The door can swing far open, up to around 180 degrees, so the cabinet interior is easy to reach.
- For light doors. Pivot hinges are intended for relatively light doors; the maximum door weight is given in the manufacturer’s specification.
- Sizes. Pivot hinges are sold in standard sizes, for example 40 × 65 mm, zinc-plated or nickel-plated.
Application
- Determine the pivot point. The pivot point determines how the door moves relative to the cabinet. Leave enough clearance between door and side panel, or the door will catch.
- Top and bottom in line. Fit the top and bottom pivots exactly in one vertical line. Even a small deviation results in a binding or crooked door.
- Fit the bottom one first. Fix the bottom pivot, place the door on the pin and then fix the top pivot.
- Pre-drill properly. Pre-drill in chipboard and MDF, and choose screws of a suitable length so they do not come through the board.
Common mistake: hanging a heavy door, for example one with a mirror or glass, on light pivot hinges. The pin bends or tears out and the door sags. Choose heavier hardware instead.
Related terms
- Fits hinge
- Kantelaaf paumelle
- Drill-in hinge
- Hinge
- Curved hinge
- Interior door
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