Hinges For Semi Rigid Cases

[Procyon650]

I am planning to build a leather carry on bag similar to the one in the attached pictures. The case construction is not too difficult but I need to have a hinge that will swing through 180 degrees. I was thinking of using a piano hinge but they are usually narrow and work best on a quite rigid box, and how would the metal hinge be attached to the case?, Would a leather strip sewn on as a hinge be adequate? Maybe a very heavy piece of cloth webbing sewn as a hinge and then covered in leather.

Is there another method I am unaware of? The commercial made bags I have looked at use custom hardware I cannot source.

Any suggestions?

[shtoink]

I saw another member here use a metal rod and sewed alternating tabs over the rod to create a hinge. The tabs were extensions from along the edges that the hinge was to be. A chunk of stainless steel might do the trick.

Not sure if this will help you, but at least it gives you an alternative.

[Procyon650]

Actually I was thinking of doing that very thing. I have bought some carbon fiber rod as well as some aluminum tubing and was going to try a mock up to test it out. I will post results of the test when it is done.

Good to know I'm not the only one looking for the answer on this question.

[shtoink]

You'll want something that has a decent corrosion resistance. This is probably overkill, but I was thinking in the long term and you might now know what kind of stuff it'll be exposed to over its life.

[Jasonlboyd]

Keep us updated on your progress.

[Greystone]

2" nylon webbing comes in may weights and degrees of firmness is a thought

[Undeadzombiehunter]

Why not use a leather for the hinge? It is strong, flexible and leather.

[RiverCity]

You can add strength to the leather by sandwiching a nylon web strap between two layers of thinner leather, narrower than the leather itself. You want to see leather only on the edges, but the webbing is glued and sewn into place. Very strong option.

Chuck