Griswold Button Hinge

[Ethan Miller]

I am fairly new to collecting and using vintage cast iron. I have a No.9 Griswold finger hinge that we use regularly, and I just bought a No.8 Griswold Button hinge. Once I get it restored, I would like to use it. I have not seen or read where many people use the button hinge. So if you have used or you know how to use a button hinge waffle maker, that Knowledge would be greatly appreciated!! As far as restoring it, I think electrolysis is the way I want to do the cleaning/rust removal. I have what I believe to be the original handles for both waffle makers, but both sets were/are extremely loose. On my No.9, I made new ones out of 5/8 dowel from the hardware store, which works fine. I would like to put the original handles back in them or make new ones like the original ones. On my No.9, I could cut the worn-off ends off of the original handles and use them (which would be fine with me because then they would clear the microwave above the stove when the paddles are opened). But on my Button hinge, because the handles came on the verge of being too short originally, I can't really cut off the damaged end and use those handles. Any knowledge on this would be awesome!! Also, did they come with a nail in each handle to hold it in?

 

[Ethan Miller]

Here are more pics.

 

[Ethan Miller]

Here are the Handles that came in my No.9.

 

[Ethan Miller]

Does anyone have any suggestions on the restoration or using a button hinge on a modern stove?

 

[SeanD]

I see no reasone you couldnt use it............maybe Im wrong but I think youll be fine.

 

[Doug D.]

The expectation with a low base is that it would be used as originally intended, over an open wood stove eye, where the rotation of the paddles could be accomplished without lifting. Besides the awkwardness of having to lift the paddles to flip, the proximity of the paddles to the burner also has to be taken into consideration.

 

[Ethan Miller]

Thanks so much for the information!! I figured that there had to be a reason why l dont see many people use them. I have a couple of ideas on possible ways to use the button hinge, and an idea on using it on a glasstop stove once l get it restored. I have a low base No. 9 finger hinge that l use on it regularly and the proximity of the paddles to the burner hasnt been an issue. Been working on a ROUGH No. 8 finger hinge.

 

[D_Madden]

I've seen people create a 'riser' for the low base button hinge base to sit on so that the paddles can stay in the base but still be high enough above the heat source that it can be rotated without taking it all the way out of the base. (essentially making a high base)... can use the appropriate diameter spring form pan or I've even seen people cut the bottom off of a cracked dutch oven.

 

[Ethan Miller]

The dutch oven idea is great!! I was thinking along the same lines, figure out a way to lift it up. I also have a minimax big green egg, so I wonder if I can use it in that??