Steel Hinge vs. Aluminum Hinge: Which Is Best?

The two most common types of hinges you can find for projects are steel hinges or aluminum hinges. Finding the best one for your type of application will depend on where and what you are using the hardware for. Explore the nuances between the two, so you can choose the right one every time.

Steel Hinges

Steel hinges are mostly made from iron and carbon but can display traces of other elements too. In many cases, steel hinges are made into stainless steel by adding chromium, which gives the metal corrosion and rust-resistant properties. These hinges are strong, long lasting, and highly durable.

Traditional steel will lack resistance to corrosion and rust, but this metal can withstand harsh environments. Most steel is made for heavy-duty weld-on hinges because of the strength and durability they offer. Otherwise, you can use these hinges in commercial or domestic environments.

Aluminum Hinges

Aluminum hinges are not quite as strong as steel ones, but surprisingly, this can help the device in most instances. In applications where you may need more than one hinge, aluminum works well because it won’t add copious extra weight, and it weighs 40 percent less than steel. While the metal can corrode, it will not rust.

This material is extremely cost effective because it is made from recycled materials. Typically you can use these hinges outdoors in an unpredictable climate because they will not rust. Commercial environments benefit from this hinge because it has a fire rating of up to three hours!

How To Choose

While both steel and aluminum hinges have different benefits, neither is better than the other for every instance, so the best one to pick for your project depends on what you plan to use it for. Consider what you need the hinge for to help determine which material is best. Steel is unbeatable in most cases, especially if you are using stainless steel, because it works reliably and looks excellent with everything.

Because both hinges work great in different instances, it comes down to preference and which you think would work the best. If you need something lightweight, choose aluminum; if you need something non-corrosive and rust resistant, choose stainless steel.