PD018 Small Butt Hinge For Wooden Box

What Is a Small Butt Hinge For Wooden Box?

A small butt hinge for wooden box is a compact, reliable two-leaf hinge commonly used for connecting the lids or doors of small to medium-sized wooden boxes such as jewelry boxes, keepsake boxes, craft and tea boxes, cigar boxes, and much more. Characterised by its simple, straight profile and center pin (knuckle), the butt hinge is one of the most widely-used and easy-to-install hinges in woodworking.

Key characteristics:

• Typically two identical leaves joined by a central pin or knuckle.
• Surface-mounted or sometimes mortised into the box edge for a flush appearance.
• Engineered for smooth pivot action between box lid and base.
• Made of sturdy metals with various finishes for both strength and decor.

Small butt hinges are essential hardware for both industrial manufacturers and hobbyists due to their simplicity, strength, wide availability, and versatile styles.

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Small Butt Hinge Structure & Main Features

Main Structural Elements

1. Two Hinge Leaves:
Each plate (leaf) is fixed to adjoining surfaces (box lid and body), creating a pivot joint.

2. Central Pin/Knuckle:
Holds the leaves together, allowing rotation. Can be removable or fixed.

3. Screw Holes:
Pre-drilled countersunk holes for easy mounting and flush screw fitting.

4. Leaf Thickness:
Optimized for box sizes, ensuring strength without bulk.

Key Features

• Compact, Low-Profile Design: Unobtrusive and functional for small boxes.
• Smooth Opening Angle: Typically 90° to 120°, up to 180° in some designs.
• Easy Mounting: Suitable for both surface mounting and mortise installation.
• Wide Range of Finishes: From plain steel/zinc to elegant plated or enameled styles.
• Affordable and Readily Available: Standard for global woodworking.

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Types of Small Butt Hinges

1. Standard Flat Butt Hinge:
Basic compact leaf design, suitable for most general purpose wooden boxes.

2. Loose Pin Butt Hinge:
Features a removable pin, allowing for easy lid removal or replacement.

3. Fixed Pin Butt Hinge:
Central pin is riveted for higher security—typically used in keepsake, jewelry, or children’s boxes.

4. Decorative Butt Hinge:
Ornate designs or fancy knuckles, sometimes with engraving or painted details.

5. Half-Mortise/Half-Surface Butt Hinge:
One leaf set into a shallow recess (mortise) for a nearly invisible fit, one surface-mounted.

6. Miniature Butt Hinge:
As small as 10–15mm, ideal for tiny ring boxes, sample cases, or dollhouse furniture.

7. Heavy Duty Small Butt Hinge:
Reinforced, slightly thicker, for heavier or more frequently used box lids.

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Materials and Surface Finishes

A. Common Materials

• Brass: Traditional, rust-resistant, easy to polish. Favored for decorative and premium box hinges.
• Steel: Strong and affordable, usually plated for corrosion resistance.
• Stainless Steel: Superior rust resistance, ideal for humid environments.
• Zinc Alloy: Economic and versatile, easily plated in various finishes.

B. Surface Treatments

• Polished Brass: For classic look and anti-tarnish.
• Nickel/Chrome Plated: Modern, bright silver finish.
• Antique Brass/Bronze: Vintage style, darker shade.
• Matte Black/Powder-Coated: Contemporary or craft boxes.
• Gold-Colored Plating: Luxury accessory boxes.
• Painted/Enameled: For custom color themes.

All finishes can be provided eco-friendly, RoHS/REACH/CPSIA compliant for international safety standards.

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Standard Sizes & Technical Parameters

Size (mm)	Leaf Width	Knuckle Diameter	Leaf Thickness	Mounting Holes	Material	Finish
10 x 16	5/8"	Small	0.7-1.2 mm	2/2	Brass/Steel	Nickel/Brass
15 x 20	3/4"-7/8"	Small	0.8-1.5 mm	2/2	Steel/Zinc	Antique/Nickel
20 x 25	1"-1 1/8"	Small/Medium	1.0-1.5 mm	2/3	Steel/Brass	Gold/Chrome
25 x 30	1 1/8"-1¼"	Medium	1.1-1.7 mm	2/3	Brass/Steel	Customized
30 x 35	1 5⁄16"	Medium/wide	1.2-1.8 mm	3/3	Brass/Steel	Any color/finish

Custom sizes, shapes, colors, and hole patterns available upon request or OEM order.

Advantages of Small Butt Hinges for Wooden Boxes

1. Reliable Strength in a Small Size
Can support surprisingly heavy lids or doors with minimal hardware footprint.

2. Easy Installation
Simple for both professionals and DIY hobbyists—surface or mortise mount to suit.

3. Smooth, Secure Movement
Central pin ensures stable, repeatable pivot with no wobble.

4. Discreet Appearance
Low-profile design keeps the box’s exterior and interior clean and elegant.

5. Design Versatility
Wide range of sizes, styles, and finishes—perfect for creative, luxury, traditional, or modern box designs.

6. Affordability
Low-cost, high-value hardware for both mass production and individual makers.

7. High Durability
Quality metals and finishes resist corrosion, tarnish, and daily wear-and-tear.

8. Global Availability
Standardized sizes and installation—parts and replacements can be sourced worldwide.

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Common Applications

• Jewelry boxes: Protects delicate contents and matches premium wood/finish.
• Keepsake and memory boxes: Reliable opening for years of regular use.
• Gift & presentation boxes: Clean look, often supplied with matching latch/lock.
• Tea, spice, and trinket boxes: Easy lid alignment and secure closure.
• Cigar boxes: Traditional style with brass or gold finishes.
• DIY craft projects: Popular for home woodworking and educational kits.
• Children’s boxes & toy chests: Fixed pin for safety; smooth, flush mount for fewer sharp edges.
• Mini drawers, cabinets, pen cases, watch boxes: Small dimensions and custom finishes.
• Display boxes, specimen & coin collection cases: Reliable and visually appealing.

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How to Choose the Right Small Butt Hinge

1. Box Size and Weight:

   • Match hinge size and leaf width to the lid/door's area and weight.
   • Small (10–16mm) for tiny boxes, 20–30mm for most jewelry or keepsake boxes.

2. Wood Thickness:

   • Leaf thickness should be less than the wood thickness; check screw length to avoid interior damage.

3. Finish & Design:

   • Classic wood: brass, antique bronze. Modern: nickel, chrome, matte black.
   • Custom projects: painted, engraved, or color-matched.

4. Pin Type:

   • Fixed pin for security (kid’s box, keepsake); loose pin for easy lid removal.

5. Mounting Method:

   • Mortise for flush close and premium boxes; surface for quick/easy DIY fit.

6. Safety & Compliance:

   • Choose RoHS/REACH/CPSIA certified hardware for children’s products or export.

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Comparison: Butt Hinges vs. Other Hinges

Feature	Butt Hinge	Barrel/Cylinder Hinge	Butterfly Hinge	Piano (Continuous) Hinge
Appearance	Classic, minimal, versatile	Hidden/almost invisible	Decorative, fancy	Long, visible, uniform
Installation	Simple (surface or mortise)	Drill press needed	Surface, easy	Longer, more precise
Box Size	Small–Medium boxes	All sizes, esp. mini	Small, decorative	Medium–Large
Durability	High	High	Medium	Very high
Cost	Low–Medium	Medium	Low–Medium	Medium
Security	Good, fixed or loose pin	Best (tamper proof)	Moderate (surface screws)	Good
Use Case	Universal	Luxury, DIY, premium	DIY, craft, antique	Heavy lids, display

Installation Guide

Tools Needed

• Small screwdriver
• Drill (for pilot holes)
• Measuring tape, soft pencil
• Small chisel (if mortising)
• Template (optional)

Step-by-Step

1. Mark Hinge Position:

   • Typically, position hinges 15–30mm from box ends for stability.
   • For small boxes, use two butt hinges; three for wide/heavy lids.

2. Mortise (Optional):

   • Outline hinge leaf on box edge
   • Chisel a shallow recess for flush seating—optional for seamless look

3. Pre-drill Screw Holes:

   • Use a bit slightly thinner than supplied screws to avoid splitting.

4. Fix Hinges to Lid:

   • Lightly screw in, align knuckle with lid edge.

5. Attach to Box Base:

   • With box closed, fit second leaf to body so lid lines up flat.

6. Final Adjustment:

   • Open and close lid to ensure smooth, even motion.

Pro Tips:

• For softwoods or MDF, add a dab of glue with screws.
• For painted boxes, touch up over screw heads after install for seamless aesthetics.

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Care and Maintenance

• Routine Cleaning:
  Wipe with dry or damp soft cloth to prevent dust build-up.

• Avoid Abrasive Chemicals:
  No acids or abrasive pads on plated/painted finishes.

• Check Screws:
  Tighten annually, especially for often-used keepsake boxes.

• Lubrication (if needed):
  A drop of sewing machine oil will keep movement smooth for years.

• Polishing:
  For brass or gold-plated, use a non-abrasive polish to restore shine if needed.

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Customization & OEM/ODM Service

• Size and shape customization:
  Special dimensions, angle, hole configuration, or designed knuckle upon request.

• Logo engraving or unique pattern:
  Laser, chemical etching for brand, series, or limited edition projects.

• Color/finish matching:
  Perfectly pair hinges with brand hardware or box design.

• Retail or bulk packaging options:
  Individual bag, box set, retail cards.

• Matching hardware kits:
  Coordinate catch, lock, handle, or feet for your complete project.

• Eco-friendly/child-safe:
  All finishes/procedures available RoHS/REACH/CPSIA for international export.

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Industry Trends

• Micro/Mini Hinges Growth:
  Increasing demand for mini and micro butt hinges for compact gift boxes and collectibles.

• Sustainable/Eco-Friendly Finishing:
  Rise in lead-free, recycled metal, and green surface treatments.

• Decorative and Personalized Hardware:
  Trends include custom engraving, color coating, and DIY sets.

• Soft-close or Hidden Integration:
  Pairing with soft-close or magnetic lid modules for high-end jewelry packaging.

• Export Compliance:
  With enhanced safety and chemical compliance for toys and international gifting channels.

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SEO Keywords (Naturally Integrated)

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Technical Data Sheet (Sample)

Item	Specification
Material	Brass / Steel / Stainless / Zinc
Size	10x16mm / 15x20mm / 20x25mm / Custom
Thickness	0.7–1.8mm
Finish	Nickel, Brass, Antique, Black, Gold
Leaf Type	Flat, rounded, decorative, mortise
Screws	Included (matching finish), optional
Usage cycle	10,000+ opens
Compliance	RoHS / REACH / CPSIA
Application	Wooden box, crafts, jewelry boxes

Why Choose Us

• Decades of experience serving global box, furniture, and giftware manufacturers
• Genuine materials only: brass, stainless, eco-friendly plating
• In-house engineering and QC: sample to mass production control
• Flexible MOQ: small lots, OEM, and bulk
• Custom design, engraving, and packaging
• Factory-direct pricing and global door-to-door logistics
• Responsive service in multiple languages

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Get a Quote or Free Sample

Looking for the best small butt hinges for wooden boxes—for craft, luxury, or professional production?
Contact us now for sample packs, detailed catalogs, custom order support, and friendly technical advice.
Let’s help you create beautiful, durable, and functional wooden box solutions with world-class hardware!

Additional Information

• Packaging & Delivery:
  Careful bagging or boxed sets, retail and bulk packing, quick dispatch with tracking.

• Sample Policy:
  Free or discounted samples for craftsmen, box makers, brand buyers, education providers.

• Quality & QC:
  Each lot inspected; full certificates and MSDS (SGS, RoHS, REACH) available.

• Global Shipping:
  Full documentation, customs support, and rapid international delivery.

• Technical Support:
  Drawings, installation templates, and consultation for special box designs.

• Full Hardware Sets:
  Matching latches, feet, locks, and handles for one-stop box hardware solution.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many small butt hinges per wooden box lid?
A: Two are standard, three for wide or heavy lids.
Q2: Can I install small butt hinges without mortising?
A: Yes, surface-mount is common for most DIY or gift boxes.
Q3: Are brass and gold-plated hinges rust-proof?
A: Brass resists rust; plated hinges are protected unless the surface is scratched deeply.
Q4: What is the best way to ensure my hinge lasts?
A: Install with care, clean gently, occasionally oil the pin, and avoid harsh chemicals.
Q5: Can you provide cutomized packing or branded hardware kits?
A: Yes, we offer bulk, retail card, gift-boxed, and branded hardware kit solutions.
Q6: Are these hinges safe for children's keepsake boxes?
A: All supplied finishes available RoHS/REACH compliant for global safety.
Q7: Can small butt hinges be used in MDF or plywood boxes?
A: Yes, pre-drill pilot holes and use the correct screw length for best grip.