What Is a Hinge Pin?
A hinge pin is a crucial component in hinge systems, primarily used for enabling the opening and closing of doors, lids, and other movable parts. It is attached to the edge of the component that needs to pivot and is inserted into a corresponding hole in the frame or body, functioning as a pivot point.
Specifically, a “hinge pin” refers to a rod-like pin that rotates within the hole of the receiving component, facilitating smooth movement.
Uses of Hinge Pins
Hinge pins find diverse applications, including indoor mechanisms, vertical-opening window locks, box lids, fitness equipment, and other fixtures. They are also integral to hydraulic door stoppers and manual paper cutters, where they aid in the movement of parts. In heavy-duty applications, such as tool cabinet doors and coin-operated lockers, hinge pins provide enhanced durability and frequent usage capability.
Principle of Hinge Pins
When installed correctly with durable materials like stainless steel or hardened steel, hinge pins offer semi-permanent performance, barring issues like rust or dust accumulation. The basic mechanism is straightforward: a rod (the hinge pin) rotates inside a cylindrical receptacle. This simple design allows for various connection types and adaptability to different applications.
For example, in office paper cutters, the operational part and the fixed part are joined with a type of hinge pin connection known as a ‘split stop.’ Stronger connections, like the ‘key stopper,’ offer greater stability. There are also various fastening types, including set-ring, set-screw, and nut-fastening, each differing in serviceability.
Hinge pins are also commonly used in less visible applications, such as commercial refrigerators and car bodies, including hood and trunk mechanisms which often combine hinge pins with door catches.