File Tip:

For the bulk of filing hinges we use two files, both with safe edges. We use a square bastard file (6 or 8 inches long) that has had one side ground smooth. We use a fine flat file (6 inches long) that has a safe edge or has one edge ground smooth. The safe edge is used against the surface that is not to have material removed, generally the barrel for the square file and the bevel for the flat.

Pins:

For smaller hinges we use nails for pin stock, generally 16 penny box or common. The pins are cut to size (slightly longer than hinge barrel) after the ends are chamfered (cut off the pointed nail end first).

We use a hinge pin tool (made of a piece of bar stock) for heading small pins that has a hole drilled slightly larger than the pin diameter and just the right length for the hinge barrel. A pin that has been heated (but still at a black heat for small pins) is placed into the tool chamfered end first and headed with a ball peen hammer. The pin is then knocked out of the tool.

There are a number of other ways to head the pin (while hot in the hinge, for example), and tools to hold pins while heading.

Go back to Making a Hinge.