Butler tray hinges are hinges that fold to 90 degrees and snap flat. They are spring loaded to hold in both the up and down positions. Traditional for tables that have a tray top for serving they are now more frequently used on computer drawers. The spring loaded leaves and downward facing barrel allow you to put a keyboard or laptop in a drawer and leave it out of sight when not in use. Card table hinges are mortised into edge of antique or reproduction card tables and allow the top to fold onto itself.

Because both butler tray hinges and card table hinges are mortised (cut) into the wood, size is critical, especially if you are working on a table that had these hinges before. If you can't find exactly the size you need, see if you can find a larger hinge. Increasing a mortise is not difficult and you won't be left with an unsightly cut that you cannot cover

On the New Yankee Workshop, Norm Abrams uses butler tray hinges on his Butler's Table, project #203. He uses our H-53 card table hinges on Federal-Style Game Table, project #0505.