The cold rolled steel 1008 continuous hinge has countersunk holes and is suitable for surface-mounted applications requiring uninterrupted support along the full length of the pieces being joined, such as cabinet lids, folding partitions, and metal storage cabinets. Cold rolled steel 1008 is stronger than aluminum, rust resistant, and weldable, but is does not provide the same strength as stainless steel. The nickel pre-plated finish provides additional strength, corrosion resistance, and a shiny decorative quality. This pre-plated hinge is dipped in a finishing material before holes are drilled. This leaves the insides of the holes unfinished and less resistant to corrosion. The range of motion for this hinge is 270 degrees from the folded position.

Continuous hinges, also called piano hinges, provide support to run the full length of the doors, panels, or pieces being joined together. They are manufactured in a variety of materials and sizes, with or without holes, finished or unfinished, and can be cut to specific sizes. They also vary by knuckle length, pin diameter, leaf thickness, and open width. The knuckle is the tubular part of the hinge through which the pin passes, and knuckle length is the measurement of an individual section. The pin runs the length of the hinge holding the leaves together. The leaf is the flat metal portion of the hinge that extends laterally from the knuckle and revolves around the pin. Open width is the dimension from the outer edge of one leaf to the outer edge of the other when the hinge is fully open.