The unfinished steel continuous hinge has no holes and is suitable for surface-mounted applications requiring uninterrupted support along the full length of the pieces being joined, such as cabinet lids, folding partitions, and metal storage cabinets. Steel is a stronger material than aluminum, but does not provide the same strength as stainless steel. It also resists rust and is weldable. This hinge can be customized for various surface-mounting needs because it does not have pre-drilled holes; it must be spot welded in place, or drilled for use with screws and rivets. Because it is unfinished, this hinge is better for use in less corrosive environments. The range of motion for this hinge is 270 degrees from the folded position.
Continuous hinges, also called piano hinges, provide support to run the full length of the doors, panels, or pieces being joined together. They are manufactured in a variety of materials and sizes, with or without holes, finished or unfinished, and can be cut to specific sizes. They also vary by knuckle length, pin diameter, leaf thickness, and open width. The knuckle is the tubular part of the hinge through which the pin passes, and knuckle length is the measurement of an individual section. The pin runs the length of the hinge holding the leaves together. The leaf is the flat metal portion of the hinge that extends laterally from the knuckle and revolves around the pin. Open width is the dimension from the outer edge of one leaf to the outer edge of the other when the hinge is fully open.