diff --git a/boxes/edges.py b/boxes/edges.py
index 093a5c5..f682500 100644
--- a/boxes/edges.py
+++ b/boxes/edges.py
@@ -1038,10 +1038,14 @@ Values:
 
     relative_params = {
         "hingestrength": 1,  # 1.5-0.5*2**0.5,
-        "axle": 2,
+        "axle": 2.0,
         "grip_length": 0,
     }
 
+    def checkValues(self):
+        if self.axle / self.thickness < 0.1:
+            raise ValueError("HingeSettings: 'axle' need to be at least 0.1 strong")
+
     def edgeObjects(self, boxes, chars="iIjJkK", add=True):
         edges = [
             Hinge(boxes, self, 1),