by 
The Curious Bag
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A person making a drop leaf table will need drop leaf hinges, which typically are 1 1/2 by 3 1/2-inches, and are sold in most hardware stores. Choose between hinges designed for straight-edge leaves, and those designed for beveled-edge leaves.
Choose Your Style
If your leaf will form a flush fit with the table when it is raised in place, use a hinge with a pin inside the fold. For a beveled edge where the leaf "rolls" over the table edge when raised, use a hinge with a pin outside the fold.
Beveled Edge
If you use a beveled edge hinge, cut a recess into the underside of the table top to accommodate the pin.
Choose Your Size
1 1/2-inch by 3 1/2-inch drop leaf hinges are typical for most installations. The weight of the leaf will dictate the number of hinges you will use.
Choose Your Finish
Beveled-edge tables conceal the hinge, so any finish would work. Hinges will be seen when straight edge leaves are down, so you may want to choose a hinge with a finish that would complement the rest of your home's decor.
An Alternative
It is possible to use a piano hinge on a straight leaf.
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