Where to find these plastic hinge caps for PVC door hinges?

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timmmay

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#289299 26-Aug-2021 21:04

About five years ago I got PVC doors that were made by Advanced uPVC Windows Ltd in Bulls. Their service over that time has been fantastic, but they're been slow to help with this request. All door / window makers are flat out, and they've changed the hinges they use. They said they might have some somewhere, but that was a month ago, and since then nothing.

The plastic caps on their hinges wear out. They protect the metal parts from the weather. Does anyone have any idea where I might try to source some? I'd probably buy 50 - 100 as the doors will last a long long time but I have 9 of these hinges and the caps last a few years.

The caps are 24mm long and 10mm wide.

Pics below - they don't look near as dirty in person! Might be time for a clean though.

RunningMan

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#2767196 26-Aug-2021 21:41

3D print some perhaps?

timmmay

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#2767197 26-Aug-2021 21:43

Don't have the skills, equipment, time, or the will for that except as a last backup plan. Thanks for the idea though.

eracode

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#2767199 26-Aug-2021 21:55

Depending on the required thickness of the plastic, could you buy some 3 or 5 mm plastic sheet and make some? Cut them out by hand with a fine modelling saw and/or a fine coping saw maybe. Sand or file if necessary to get the right fit. They’re pretty small and wouldn’t take long to cut.

I’m intrigued as to how/why they wear out - hard to understand that from your photos.

I’d be inclined to just hassle the Bulls people some more.

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pih

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#2767202 26-Aug-2021 22:09

You could just give it a good clean around the edges with IPA to get a good seal, wait for it to dry, then fill the whole thing with white silicone and scrape it flat. If you need to access the screws, just dig into the silicone.

Quick, easy, should look great and last a long time. And if you need to re-pot it, give it a good clean up and repeat.

Bung

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#2767213 26-Aug-2021 23:06

Have you ever been able to get spare caps? The hinges look similar to Mila branded hinges. I can't find any listings for parts.

timmmay

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#2767301 27-Aug-2021 07:22

Thanks all. I think they have little dimples underneath to hold them in place, difficult to reproduce. I'll hassle the door maker again first I think, and see if they can tell me where to get them from. I don't think I want to fill them with silicone, it'd be ugly and it disintegrates over time, and we do need to adjust them occasionally.

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pih

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#2767307 27-Aug-2021 07:38

In that case, try this:

Brush the whole thing inside with mildly soapy water then fill immediately with silicone, scrape flat (with a soapy blade) and allow to dry for 24hrs. Then you should be able to pull out your new custom made - and removable - silicone plug. The soapy water should stop the silicone sticking to anything. Once the plug is out, let the water underneath the plug dry and then put it back in place.

I think you'll be surprised how good it will look.

eracode

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#2767310 27-Aug-2021 08:05

One last idea: You can buy sheet closed-cell foam in white at Para Rubber. Get some and cut your caps from that to get a good removable push fit.

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timmmay

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#2767321 27-Aug-2021 08:36

Thanks pih, I'll use the silicone idea as a last resort. It won't look great where the door is. Foam is an interesting idea, hopefully not required.

I was hoping someone recognised the style and could help me find the original :) Maybe the manufacturer can.

Bung

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#2767329 27-Aug-2021 08:48

Have you checked your hinges against "Mila" hinges as suggested? Possibly UV damage isn't as severe in northern hemisphere so replacement not required as frequently. The manufacturer might just send you some. The cost wouldn't justify raising an invoice.

timmmay

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#2767340 27-Aug-2021 09:04

Bung: Have you checked your hinges against "Mila" hinges as suggested? Possibly UV damage isn't as severe in northern hemisphere so replacement not required as frequently. The manufacturer might just send you some. The cost wouldn't justify raising an invoice.

I had a quick look around their website and couldn't find them, but will have another look later thanks.

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eracode

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#2767343 27-Aug-2021 09:09

Not difficult to find the hinges on the internet - but not necessarily the end caps as spares.

https://jcphardware.co.uk/mila-upvc-door-flag-hinge-evolution-pack-of-3/

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timmmay

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#2767352 27-Aug-2021 09:32

I've emailed Mila to see if they can do replacements thanks :)

eracode

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#2776682 12-Sep-2021 09:00

@Timmmay Interested to know how you got on with this.

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timmmay

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#2777053 12-Sep-2021 16:43

@eracode I haven't gotten anywhere. My FIL in the UK is trying, he's been at it a couple of weeks so far. There's some promise that he might get somewhere but I'll give it a couple more weeks.