1016 × 51 × 2mm Self-Colour Mild-Steel Piano Hinge

This medium-duty mild-steel piano hinge, also known as a continuous hinge, measures 1016mm long and 51mm wide when fully open. Its 2mm-thick leaves, 4.7mm hinge pin and self-colour steel construction provide a sturdy continuous-hinge solution for suitable cabinets, equipment enclosures, doors, lids and engineering projects.

Piano hinges were originally developed to hinge the long keyboard covers and lids fitted to pianos. They are now widely used in cabinet making, architectural ironmongery and suitable engineering applications where continuous support is required along an extended hinged edge.

The in-line fixing holes are positioned at 101.6mm centres and countersunk for No.8 woodscrews or appropriately sized equivalent countersunk fixings. The hinge has 25.4mm-long knuckles and a 4.7mm-diameter pin.

Supplied as one complete 1016mm hinge. This is an uncoated self-colour mild-steel product. Suitable protection should be considered where moisture or corrosion may be present.

Key features

• Medium-duty continuous piano hinge
• 1016mm overall length
• 51mm open width
• 2mm-thick mild-steel leaves
• Self-colour uncoated finish
• 4.7mm-diameter hinge pin
• 25.4mm knuckle length
• In-line countersunk fixing holes
• 101.6mm hole centres
• No.8 countersinks
• Continuous support along the hinged edge
• Suitable for carefully matched cabinet and engineering applications
• Supplied as one complete hinge

Specifications

Typical applications

• Equipment cabinets and enclosures
• Cabinet and cupboard doors
• Toolboxes and storage boxes
• Long lids and covers
• Inspection and access panels
• Workbenches and desks
• Suitable architectural ironmongery
• Sheet-metal and engineering projects

What does self-colour mild steel mean?

Self colour means the mild steel is supplied without a decorative or corrosion-resistant plated coating. The surface has a natural industrial steel appearance and may develop oxidation if exposed to moisture. Painting, plating or another suitable protective treatment should be considered where corrosion protection is required.

Why use a continuous hinge?

A continuous hinge runs along the hinged edge instead of concentrating the connection at several separate hinge positions. This can help distribute movement and stress while maintaining alignment along a long door, lid or panel.

Installation guidance

1. Confirm that the hinge dimensions and construction suit the intended application.
2. Position and align the complete hinge before marking fixing points.
3. Select suitable No.8 woodscrews or equivalent countersunk fixings for the substrate.
4. Drill appropriate pilot holes where required.
5. Fit the fixings evenly without twisting or distorting the hinge leaves.
6. Test movement and alignment before final tightening.
7. Apply suitable surface protection if the hinge may encounter moisture.

Fixing screws are not confirmed as included and must not be advertised as supplied.

Questions and answers

Why is it called a piano hinge?

This continuous-hinge format was originally used for the long keyboard covers and lids fitted to pianos.

What size is this hinge?

It measures 1016mm long, 51mm wide when fully open and 2mm thick.

Why did the old listing say 50mm?

The product reference belongs to the 51mm open-width hinge profile. Use 51mm when checking suitability and installation dimensions.

What is the hinge made from?

It is manufactured from mild steel. It is not stainless steel.

What does self colour mean?

Self colour means the mild steel is supplied in its natural unplated and uncoated condition.

Will self-colour steel rust?

Uncoated mild steel can oxidise when exposed to moisture. Apply an appropriate protective finish where corrosion protection is required.

How are the fixing holes arranged?

The countersunk holes are positioned in line on the opposing leaves at 101.6mm centres.

What size screws should be used?

The holes are countersunk for No.8 woodscrews or appropriately sized equivalent countersunk fixings. Select the fixing length and material for the substrate and application.

Are fixing screws included?

Fixing screws are not confirmed as included.

Can it be used outside?

Self-colour mild steel should not be advertised for exposed exterior use without an appropriate protective finish and application assessment.

Is it fire rated or security certified?

No fire-door rating, security classification or certified load capacity is declared.

Can it be shortened?

It may be cut using suitable metal-cutting equipment. Remove sharp edges and swarf, and protect the exposed cut edge where necessary.

Related piano hinges

For a shorter stainless steel option, view the 290 × 38mm Grade 304 stainless steel piano hinge. For a long polished stainless steel option, view the 1829 × 38 × 1.5mm stainless steel piano hinge.

Browse our door-hinge collection and oversized hardware collection.