by: Gene Davis
Petroleum jelly often has been used on pinned hinges to prevent epoxy glue from sticking to the hinge joint; however, it is difficult to get just the right amount on the hinge and to make sure the hinge is completely coated.
A very cool way is to melt the petroleum jelly in a small dish such as a dessert dish (an oven safe type, of course). Use only enough to melt to a depth of about 1/6 of an inch. Fold the hinge and dip the pinned end into the melted jelly.
Remove and touch the hinge to a paper towel to remove excess. In a couple seconds, the petroleum jelly cools and has penetrated the hinge. You now have a completely coated hinge joint that epoxy will not stick to.