Handles and hinges are essential to the function of any door, so it is essential that they work properly. Beyond that, broken or missing door handles, cabinet handles, door hinges and cabinet hinges can give customers a bad impression of your business. So chances are, you'll want to fix any broken handles and hinges as quickly as possible.

When you start using handles and hinges, you'll find they are fairly easy to install and replace. This guide will help you do that by showing you how to:

1. Install door and cabinet hinges;

2. Install door and cabinet handles;

3. And replace missing door and cabinet handles and hinges.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Install door and cabinet hinges

Installing and repairing door and cabinet hinges, even industrial hinges, is a task that most people should be able to handle with ease. You'll need some basic information on hinges, along with the hinge hardware and a few basic tools, such as a screwdriver, level and hammer.

I recommend: Check out eHow for easy-to-follow directions on how to install hinges. The process is broken down into nine simple steps. If you prefer to see a demonstration on how to install hinges, go to Expert Village. A minute-and-a-half-long video will walk you through the entire process.

Install door and cabinet handles

Commercial and industrial handles are even easier to install than hinges. You just need some basic tools, including a screwdriver or drill, and about a half hour of time.

I recommend: For a step-by-step guide with written directions and pictures, take a look at HammerZone.com. The directions cover everything from drilling a hole in the door to installing the striker plate. The DoorKnobDiscountCenter.com has detailed installation instructions that are specific to many popular brands of door knobs and handles.

Find replacement handles and hinges

A broken door handle or hinge can go from a small problem to a major frustration when you can't find a matching replacement part, especially if the broken handle or hinge is in an area that is visited by customers or clients. So an important part of working with handles and hinges is to be able to find replacement parts quickly. Start by contacting the handle or hinge manufacturer. If that doesn't work, visit one of the websites that carry a robust selection of replacement handles and hinges.

I recommend: Spokane Hardware Supply has nearly 500 different door handles and knobs in its inventory. If it doesn't stock your exact handle, chances are it has something very similar. Allied Trade Group stocks nearly 150 styles of hinges. If you can't find what you need on its website, the company's sales reps will try to help you track it down.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When replacing handles and hinges with a different product, make sure that the replacement handle or hinge is the same size as the existing handle or hinge.

Having a good selection of cabinet handles and cabinet hinges for residential homes draws customers who value quality and variety of choice. There are different required needs for industrial handles and industrial hinges versus residential.

Industrial supply storage facilities sometimes need chrome chest handles and strong hinges to equip heavy metal doors. Not all manufacturers of cabinet handles and cabinet hinges make both industrial and residential styles.

Things to consider for both types of handles and hinges:

1: Choose supply companies that carry a wide range of styles for residential customers. Have a wide price range that can meet the need of any customer.

2: Hinges play a major part in the quality of cabinet doors, whether residential or industrial. Good quality hinges help cabinet doors look more attractive and hold up better over time. Hinges can be beautiful, functional or “invisible.”

3: Industrial handles and industrial hinges have a variety of styles to choose from. Functional features such as lock-down handles for heavy metal drawers are available. Consider the different needs of clients who store goods and supplies in warehouses or those who store where the public sees. Some clients prefer attractive industrial handles.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find dandy door handles and hinges in daring styles

Go European with cabinet hinges unseen from the outside of the cabinet. Choose cabinet handles that add an unusual flair or some that suit the simple.

I recommend: Request a newsletter and get on the email list for product information about a wide variety of cabinet handles from MyKnobs.com. View products and get detailed descriptions of hinges for both residential and industrial needs.

Handy hinge-matching service and awesome antique accessories attract customers

Difficult jobs such as trying to match replacement hinges can be easier with this unique service. Antique handles and hardware made from brass, glass, cast iron and porcelain for cabinet doors lend creativity for antique-lovers.

I recommend: Contact Cabinetparts.com and use their hinge-matching service to find replacement hinges from most any hinge manufacturer. Find information on hinges, handles and accessories and request a catalog containing wholesale prices to companies and contractors. Get free shipping on orders over $100 within the US from House of Antique Hardware.

View wide selection of industrial parts for individual needs of companies and clients

Get familiar with all that's available in the industrial realm of handles and hinges.

I recommend: View 3d models of industrial handles from MonroeEngineering.com and fill out a registration form for information. Request specific product information, get a hardware catalog and have a salesperson contact you from a company that specializes in chrome parts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Chrome chest handles and hinges come in handy on residential as well as on industrial products. Chrome adds a contemporary look that many customers enjoy.

Handles and hinges are essential to the proper operation of any door or cabinet in any shop, restaurant or office. With that said, you'll want to make sure you get door handles and door hinges that are well-made, are long-lasting and can take abuse from customers and employees.

The pricing and costs of handles and hinges vary dramatically. For example, when buying something like cabinet handles, you can spend as little as $5 or as much as $800 for one handle. So before you begin your search, try to narrow down what you want by asking yourself the following questions:

1. Do I want to buy standard door and cabinet handles?

2. Do I want to buy standard door and cabinet hinges?

3. Do I need industrial-strength handles and hinges?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase door and cabinet handles

When buying door handles and cabinet handles, you probably want something that is functional and attractive, especially if the handles will be in an area frequented by customers and clients. Good basic handles can be found for around $20. Designer handles made of stainless steel or wood can cost between $200 and $800 dollars.

I recommend: For a great selection of door knobs, handles and levers, check out DoorKnobDiscountCenter.com. Free ground shipping is offered on all orders that are more than $99. The Door Handles Group has a great inventory of unique door and cabinet handles. Some of the handles are made especially for commercial use and cost hundreds of dollars each.

Purchase door and cabinet hinges

Hinges don't have as many aesthetic components as handles, so when you start to get information on hinges, you'll learn most hinges fit within a small price range. General solid brass door and cabinet hinges will cost between $10 and $40. Specialty hinges, such as reproduction hinges, are usually between $20 and $40. Double-acting spring hinges can run as high as $100.

I recommend: Spokane Hardware Supply sells hundreds of types of spring hinges, specialty hinges, strap hinges, cabinet hinges, residential hinges and commercial hinges. HardwareSource also has an excellent selection of hinges, including baldwin hinges, butt hinges, invisible hinges, spring hinges and pivot hinges.

Purchase industrial handles and industrial hinges

Because industrial handles and hinges are made with heavy-duty materials, they will cost you more than most other types of handles and hinges. Of course, this also means that they should last you longer. Expect to pay at least $100 for a standard industrial door handle and at least $20 for industrial hinges.

I recommend: Directdoorknobs.com has a wide selection of sturdy handles for offices, classrooms, storerooms, restrooms and other industrial and commercial purposes. Marlboro Manufacturing is an industrial hinge manufacturer. The company stocks hundreds of sizes of continuous, butt, slip-joint and weld-on hinges and can also custom make hinges.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you buy handles and hinges, check the retailer's return policy. Some retailers charge large restocking fees on returns and make you pay for return shipping.

Selecting a hinge or door handle seems a simple task until you begin shopping and face a plethora of types, styles, colors and finished surfaces of both hinges and handles. Do you want a handle or a knob? Should the hinge be invisible? If you decide to do the installation yourself, you will run into another set of terms.
Knowing handles and hinges key terms will be a big help in your selection process. To complete your project, you will need to decide on the type of hinge, the style of both hinge and handle, the material (such as metal, glass or ceramic) and the best method of installation.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Leaf

The hinge leaf is the flat plate part of the hinge that extends from the pin receptacle to the edge of the hinge. It can have a rounded or squared edged for rectangular-shaped hinges, or another fancier shapes. Hinge measurements refer to the leaf, its width, length and thickness or gauge.

I recommend: For full definitions of hinge parts, refer to Marlboro Manufacturing. Beside hinge leaf, you will find definitions for other hinge terms, such as swaging, offset and knuckle.

Butt hinge

A butt hinge is the type of hinge used on a bedroom or front door rather than a cabinet door. It works to ensure that there is no space between the door and the door frame when you close the door.

I recommend: Monroe Engineering shows butt hinges, along with other kinds, so you can compare of the different types.

Mortise

The mortise is the recess cut into the door or door frame that will accept the hinge leaf. Door latches and striker plates may also require mortising. If you are installing your own hinges or door handles, you will want to know about this key term.

I recommend: Ace Hardware explains how to cut the recess, or mortise, for installing a butt hinge, complete with illustrations. Its explanation also details types of butt hinges.

Stile

If you plan to install hinges or door handles yourself, you will need to become familiar with such terms as stile. The stile is the vertical part of the door to which you attach the hinges or to which you fit the door knob. The door rails are the top and bottom parts of the door. Together, the stiles and rails form the perimeter and shape of the door.

I recommend: By providing step-by-step instructions for repairing a door where the stile and rail separated, Hammer Zone.com gives you a good picture of the stile and rail.

Rosette

The rosette acts an escutcheon, covering the hole in the door through which you install the lockset. In some cases, it holds the lockset to the door with screws passing through it.

I recommend: Aubuchon Hardware presents three examples of rosettes. Direct Door Hardware has a selection of classic rosettes.

Finish

Finish describes the look of the surface of the hinge, handle or pull. For handles or knobs, various metals comprise finish choices, such as brass, bronze, chrome, nickel, pewter or stainless steel. Finish also includes choices of polished, satin, aged or oil-rubbed surface looks. Some finishes are available in different colors. Finish can also be glass or ceramic.

I recommend: Door Knob Discount Center presents a display of metal finish choices for door knobs. For glass knobs, check out Kilian Hardware.