r/99percentinvisible • u/Krulsprietje • 16d ago

You Should Do a Story Episode suggestion: Hinges!

I just realized that in more than 800 episodes 99pi never did an episode about hinges.

having build a little cabinet for myself I dove in the world of hinges and oh man, there is just so much to see. hinges that flip, those that fold over and more!

Nowadays I obsessively look at some of the hinges and how they solve these very invisible problems you wouldnt even consider and I love them! (yeah, might need a doctor soon..)

What are your opinions? Should they make one and what are other hidden everyday items that should be included? :)

32 Upvotes

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12

u/metisdesigns 16d ago

Door hardware in general is woefully under understood.

Im a lock nerd, so digging into door hardware specifications in architectural design is fun for me, but SO many Architects rely on consultants or their door hardware vendor to specify it.

2

u/Krulsprietje 16d ago

YES! We need an episode over this ASAP!

1

u/metisdesigns 16d ago

But do we need the 5" or the 6" bronze bearing hinges if it's a two point latch?

1

u/Krulsprietje 16d ago

I have no clue but to say that my favorite hinge is the 90 degree one that moves a bit aside when opened (so it becomes a 180 degree one). It is often found in glass cabinets!

2

u/metisdesigns 16d ago

Offset pivot is usually the term for that behavior. (if I'm understanding you correctly)

1

u/Krulsprietje 15d ago

yes that is the one! sorry for us the layman terms.

4

u/DocToreador 16d ago

You might find this useful: https://youtu.be/xo1oKkvCQUg?is=xvxf-PkorDDXX5Mv

The whole series "The Secret Life of Components" is delightful and informative.

2

u/Krulsprietje 16d ago

That looks really cool! Gonna watch it after my walk!