Piano Hinge Install - Aluminum Boat Project #13

How to install a piano hinge on a boat storage compartment lid. I demonstrate how to measure, cut and install the piano hinge in this video.
Using piano hinges for boat storage compartments ensures reliable closures and less change of hinges pulling out of the wood over time. The piano hinge also provides a very clean look to the deck and benches on the boat.
Please click the red “SUBSCRIBE” button below the video for more updates on the boat and tips on restoring an older boat like this. #tillerlife

[@paulfennell01]

Hey thanks for publishing this buddy - I have a hinge that needs cutting and was worried about the rod slipping out, you answered that concern!

[@InDepthSonar]

Glad I could help

[@gregp8ball]

hey great vids you doin learn a lot from it thanks

[@InDepthSonar]

+Gregster Awesome! I'm learning lots as I go

[@InDepthSonar]

+Gregster Awesome! I'm learning lots as I go

[@WazzupWill]

Nice work. The boat looks great. I see you have a seat base installed your hatch. I am currently in design stage and I was considering doing the same. Can you let me know the thickness of your deck and if the seat is stable. Thanks.

[@InDepthSonar]

I believe the thickness of the deck up front was 1". The way I installed it worked out very well and I have a video in this series on how to make it sit flush as well. The only thing I wish I did a better job of was put large washers on it underneath so the bolts didn't dig into the wood. I knew I should have but just didn't have any around when I was doing it.

[@JessicaSimonson1976]

Thanks for using the proper type of hinge....and using it properly....seen all these boat build videos where people use common hinges improperly...very disgusting.

[@InDepthSonar]

Yeah you gotta do it this way. Why do you think bass boats uses these? Because it's the right way to do it :)

[@testme504]

@@InDepthSonar dumbass! BASS boats don't do it that way. They use off set piano hinges so they don't screw in the sides. Have you even been in a real bass boat?

[@testme504]

That is not the right way. BASS boat use off set piano hinges that don't screw into the side

[@InDepthSonar]

I've owned a 1998 Ranger R61, 2002 Triton TR21, 2004 Ranger 521VX and a 2005 Skeeter ZX225.

[@tomcosta47]

When are you gonna show how you installed the piano hinge

[@Eyesofthasouth]

I like this video of hinge installment of all the ones I’ve watched. Nice job. What size hinges?

[@InDepthSonar]

I can't remember exactly the size of them. Sorry

[@edwardmcdowell7130]

what brand side Cutters are those

[@InDepthSonar]

+Edward Mcdowell Those are made by Rapala actually. They are about 10 years old so I don't know if you can still get them. They are designed for saltwater fishermen who may have to cut heavy gauge hooks.

[@bmillzthelegend]

Where did you get those exact pliers??

[@InDepthSonar]

These are about 15 years old and made by Rapala designed as a hook cutter. I checked to see if I could find them online but couldn't anymore.

[@demgoodz7165]

Is that 1/2 inch wood?

[@InDepthSonar]

+Dem GOODz 5/8 or 3/4 I can't remember exactly

[@Feldspar__]

Canadian screws are the best.

[@InDepthSonar]

nothing like a good old red robbie

[@sonoftheway3528]

I don't understand, are piano hinges waterproof?

[@InDepthSonar]

+SonoftheWay35 piano hinges are not waterproof

[@sonoftheway3528]

ok.....whenever I google search "waterproof hinge", piano hinges come up.....They don't look waterproof but, I wasn't sure

[@InDepthSonar]

I can tell you the ones I used were not waterproof.

[@JessicaSimonson1976]

SonoftheWay35 what actual boat manufacturers use

[@JessicaSimonson1976]

SonoftheWay35 I don't know if there is such a thing as a waterproof hinge.

[@wanderlust62]

It would have been great to see the install and the camera moving back and forth makes it hard to follow.

[@chasegreen2750]

"How To Install a Canadian Piano Hinge." ;)

[@InDepthSonar]

+Kyle Cleary Using Robertson's eh? Lol

[@davidcarr5734]

Canadian piano - it’s like an American piano but with better health care

[@matthewlavergne5610]

You can use woodprix instructions to build it in the cheapest way.

[@jessithom9056]

Thanks for that tip Matthew

[@bb3585]

SPAM

[@InDepthSonar]

What a great SPAM right?

[@randypontony1683]

I love that Mat

[@testme504]

They will not last 2 year's. You are screwing into the side of that decking which will not last. Geesh ppl do some research. You should of got Off-set piano hinges man. Smh

[@InDepthSonar]

Fill me in. They've worked great for 4 years

[@ripptydevibes2581]

He is refering to the screws not holding up when you run them WITH the grain like this. Offset piano hinge, or piano hinges with angle aluminum rivetted to them, offer a third plane allowing the screws to be run from top to bottom against grain, rather than from side to side with the grain.
The other issue is binding when you mount them this way, there is more contact and torsion on the hinge when they are used in this manner, which helps to promote the screws stripping over time.
This method works, but depending on the user determines for how long they will last.
Im in the midst of trying to figure out if im doing them offset or like this.