Butt Hinges

Learn more about butt hinges

A butt hinge is the standard hinge for hanging doors. It has two flat leaves joined by a central pin, or knuckle, with one leaf recessed into the door edge and the other into the frame. When the door swings, the leaves pivot around the pin.

Most butt hinges are mortised in, so each leaf sits flush in a shallow recess for a neat, close-fitting finish. On heavier or higher-traffic doors you'll want more robust hinges and, in some cases, an extra hinge to spread the load.

Fixed pin butt hinges have a permanently set pin and suit most standard internal doors. Removable pin butt hinges let you tap the pin out to lift the door off without unscrewing the leaves, which helps with servicing and refurbishment. Plated butt hinges carry a coating or finish to match surrounding ironmongery and improve corrosion resistance.

Typical uses

• Internal timber doors in properties, flats and commercial buildings.

• Door sets where a simple flush-fitting hinge is needed for a neat finish.

• Projects needing fixed pin butt hinges, removable pin butt hinges or plated butt hinges depending on access and maintenance needs.

• Door replacement and refurbishment work where compatibility with existing hinge cut-outs matters.

How to choose the right butt hinges

• Check the door type, thickness and weight so you can match the hinge to the load and the fixing conditions.

• Choose the material and finish to suit the application, whether that's plated steel butt hinges, brass butt hinges or a finish that fits the surrounding ironmongery.

• Confirm butt hinge sizes against the existing mortise and screw positions if you're replacing like for like.

• Decide whether you need a fixed pin or removable pin hinge based on access, servicing and removal requirements.

• Review whether fire-rated butt hinges or other specialist options are needed.

• If you're working on external or higher-load doors, look for heavy duty butt hinges and check suitability carefully.

Before you order

• Measure the existing hinge leaf size, thickness and mortise depth so the new hinge matches the frame and door.

• Check the fixing method and screw pattern to reduce rework on site.

• Make sure the chosen hinge type is compatible with the door material and the existing cut-out.

• Confirm whether the job needs a flush fitting or a standard fixed pin pattern.

• Check replacement compatibility if you're swapping one brand for another.

• If the door is heavily used, make sure the hinge selection suits the level of traffic and wear.

Explore our range of butt hinges

Compare butt hinge types across common trade applications, from standard internal door fittings to more robust options, and review finishes and materials such as plated butt hinges, brass butt hinges and plated steel butt hinges.

Look at the sizes and load suitability so you can choose confidently for each project, and pick the right hinge for wooden doors, replacement work or commercial fit-outs with the compatibility you need. With local branch stock, free Click & Collect and trade support from people who know what's what, you can keep the job moving.