How to Make a Brass Hinge

Determine the type of hinge needed for your door. Most interior doors use a barrel hinge, H or strap hinge. For exterior doors, most hinges are of the butt or mortise style, made of brass to prevent rust due to exposure to the elements.

Use a tape measure or ruler to determine the size of hinge you need. If replacing an existing hinge, remove the door from its hinges to measure the existing hinge so you won't have to create new holes in the door or door frame. Purchase a hinge-pin kit from your hardware store that matches the piece of brass you'll use to cut out your hinges.

With a felt-tip marker, draw your hinge measurements onto the piece of brass. Wearing safety goggles and gloves, use a laser cutter, or a handheld cutting tool, to cut the pieces of brass to the correct size. Add decorative touches to the flat surface of the hinge if desired. Use a drill with a bit for metal cutting to cut the correct number of screw holes into each hinge.

Use a soldering iron to solder the hinges to the hinge pin. Allow the brass to cool, as the soldered area will remain hot for several minutes. Once cool, use rubbing alcohol to remove the measurement marks from the hinge left by the felt-tip marker.