Long, narrow, wrought iron pintle strap hinges were common throughout colonial America. The HF-40 strap hinges we keep in stock fit doors from 30″ to 36″ wide and are suitable for interior or exterior applications. The ideal width of the strap hinges is 2/3 the width of the door, though you can go longer or shorter as the situation requires. These 20″ hinges will fit your choice of three different pintles, the HF-37, HF-36, and HF-35. The HF-37 is the most practical pintle for wood door jambs. Why choose one pintle style over another? Installations vary and sometimes special situations apply. Driven pintles are used in stone, masonry or very period restorations. Jamb pintles are mortised into the door jamb and are very common today; as well as simpler to install. Screw in pintles, sometimes called farmers pintles, can be used anywhere, and are especially valuable for shutters and situations where face mounting is essential. Our iron is hand forged in the traditional manner. The black color comes from heat and oil. If used outdoors iron will rust. If you are using any hand forged iron outside, please see our care and maintenance page. You can choose to let the iron rust, wax or oil it, or paint it. We are are happy to paint the iron for you, just let us know when you order; either on the phone or in the comments section of our order form.