How to Replace a Storefront Door Butt Hinge

Hey guys, this is Gary with Door Closers USA. Today we’re going to be replacing astorefront door butt hinge on a commercial glass storefront door.

In this example, we’re working with a pair of storefront doors that usenon-removable pin butt hinges. Because this is an 8 ft tall door,you’ll notice it uses four hinges instead of three.

Identifying Storefront Butt Hinges

Storefront butt hinges are different from standard commercial door hinges.They are typically:

• 4 in wide (measured end-to-end when laid flat)
• 4-1/2 in tall
• Designed specifically for aluminum storefront doors

You’ll also notice a small set screw on the hinge barrel.This indicates a non-removable pin hinge.

Why Non-Removable Pin Hinges Matter

For exterior storefront doors, non-removable pin hinges are critical for security.If a removable pin hinge were used, someone could:

• Close the door
• Use pliers to pull the hinge pins
• Remove the door completely and gain entry

That’s why all exterior storefront doors should always usenon-removable pin butt hinges.

How Many Hinges Should a Storefront Door Have?

• 7 ft tall doors: Typically use three hinges
• 8 ft tall doors: Typically use four hinges

Doors using too few hinges often experience premature wear, sagging,and repeated hinge failure.

Replacing Hinges One at a Time

When replacing storefront butt hinges, the easiest and safest method is toreplace them one at a time.

This prevents:

• The door from shifting
• The need to re-shim the door
• Alignment issues during reinstallation

Because the door is already properly aligned, replacing one hinge at a timekeeps everything in position.

Understanding the Backer Plate

Behind each storefront butt hinge is a backer plate.This plate provides threaded support for the hinge screws inside the aluminum frame.

If you ever notice:

• Stripped hinge threads
• Loose hinges that won’t tighten
• Damaged screw holes

The issue may not be the hinge itself, but the backer plate.Replacement backer plates are available for all major storefront door makes and models.

Removing and Replacing the Butt Hinge

Each hinge is secured with:

• Four screws on the door side
• Four screws on the frame side

Once the screws are removed, the hinge leaf will slide out,revealing the backer plate behind it.

Simply:

• Remove the old hinge
• Insert the new hinge into the existing mortise
• Reattach using the supplied fasteners

New storefront hinges typically come with new mounting hardware,making installation even easier.

Final Notes

Storefront butt hinges are extremely durable when sized and installed correctly.If your door is sagging, binding, or difficult to operate, worn hinges are often the cause.

If you’re unsure which hinge or backer plate your door requires,send us photos of your door and hardware and we’ll guide you to the correct replacement.

All storefront door butt hinges and related parts are available at DoorClosersUSA.com.

Thanks for watching, and that wraps up our storefront butt hinge replacement guide.

Watch the Video

Prefer to follow along visually? Watch the full video below to see the storefrontbutt hinge replacement process step-by-step.