Hinges are relatively small components, but they play a pivotal role in the experience you have with your gates. By installing the right hinges, you can easily open and close your gate for years. The hinges will also require minimal maintenance thanks to a durable base material that resists breaking and rusting. But how do you find the right one?
The two main considerations for choosing a gate hinge are the gate's weight and width. However, you can consider other factors to narrow your choices and find the optimal hinge. This gate hinge guide covers all the different types and explains how to choose the best one for your gate.
Types of Gate Hinges
Gate hinges come in many variations, each with its own ideal use case and benefits. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or contractor, understanding each type will help you choose the right one for your gate and requirements.
1. Strap Hinges
Strap hinges are a type of surface-mounted hinge. This means they sit on the face of the gate without needing a mortise — a cutout in the frame for the hinge. You can easily install them with screws or bolts, which is why they're a popular option for gates. Strap hinges have two triangular leaves — the flat parts of the hinge that attach to the post or gate — that connect to a rotating axis in the middle.
You'll also find strap hinges that look like the letter “T,” which is why they're sometimes called “tee hinges” or “T-hinges.” Tee hinges have a small, rectangular leaf that sits vertically on the gate's frame or post. The other leaf is longer and attaches horizontally to the gate door.
Strap hinges and tee hinges are suitable for light to medium-weight gates. However, most people choose these hinges for their decorative appeal. Because the leaves sit prominently on the front of the gate, they often have unique designs. You can find contemporary strap hinges with geometrical patterns or antique-style ones with ornate swirls.
There are also sleek, heavy-duty variations if you value functionality over form. Most strap hinges also feature a non-handed design, so you can mount them on both sides of a gate.
2. Barrel Hinges
A barrel hinge is a common type of gate hinge. It has a cylindrical barrel that acts as the gate's pivot point. The gate's weight distributes evenly along the full length of the hinge, which helps control the gate's movement.
Gates with barrel hinges open and shut smoothly thanks to a greased ball bearing inside. While the bearing contributes to the smooth operation most people love these hinges for, it needs regular greasing to maintain optimal functionality. Regular maintenance will also reduce wear on the internal components, which means you'll have to replace them less often.
Barrel hinges are typically small with a low profile, so you might choose one for your gate if you want a more concealed hinge. The smaller, traditional barrel hinges are best for light gates, but you can also buy weld-on or spring barrel hinges to suit your requirements.
3. Self-Closing Hinges
Self-closing hinges contain a spring or hydraulic mechanism that allows them to close on their own. When you open a gate with a self-closing spring hinge, the tension in the spring causes the gate to return to its original position.
You can usually adjust the spring's tension to change its closing speed. The gate should close slowly enough to avoid hitting you on the way out. Hydraulic hinges work similarly. However, they regulate closing and latching speed, preventing slamming. In contrast, non-hydraulic spring hinges have a linear closing speed, which can lead to slamming.
These hinges are necessary for gates that must stay closed, like at a child care facility or swimming pool. They're also useful for security gates and pet fences. If you have a door that opens in one direction, you'll need a single-acting spring or hydraulic hinge. For gates that open in both directions, a double-acting, self-closing hinge is necessary so the door closes both ways automatically.
4. Heavy-Duty Hinges
Most types of hinges have a heavy-duty version made to withstand heavier loads and high levels of use. These hinges usually contain stronger materials like steel or iron. They also have robust bearings, bushings, and plates for extra durability and strength. You often need to weld or bolt them on so they can handle the swinging force from a heavy gate.
Heavy-duty hinges are usually the best option if you have a wide or heavy gate. These hinges can have weight ratings of 2,000 pounds or higher. You might also consider heavy-duty hinges if your gate experiences extreme climates or high traffic. Their robust design helps them resist wear and sagging, so they often last longer than standard hinges.
5. Weld-On Hinges
As the name suggests, weld-on hinges are a type of permanent hinge that you weld to a metal gate and gate post. You'll need to install them with a welding machine by heating the surface of the hinge and gate to fuse them. This process creates a more secure and long-lasting connection compared to other hinges.
Due to their high load capacity, weld-on hinges are ideal for heavy metal gates. The welded connection ensures the gate doesn't sag or loosen over time. They're also durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. You'll need to replace them less frequently than other types of hinges, but installation often requires a professional.
6. Butt Hinges
Butt hinges are the typical hinge most people use for interior doors, but they also work for lightweight gates. These hinges have two symmetrical, rectangular plates that connect to a cylindrical barrel. To install them, you must first create a mortise — a shallow cut that emulates the hinge's size and thickness — in the gate and frame.
The mortise allows the hinge to sit flush with the surface so the gate can easily open and close. You may not need to mortise the hinges if there is a wide gap between the frame and gate door.
7. Pintle Hinges
Pintle hinges consist of two parts — a pin, called a pintle, and a strap. The pintle is a cylindrical metal piece that sits vertically. It attaches to the gate post and acts as the pivot for the gate hinge. The strap attaches to the gate itself and has a hole or eye that slots over the pintle. This design allows gates with pintle hinges to swing open and closed easily. You can also lift the gate off the pin after installation.
Pintle hinges are strong and secure, making them suitable for heavy and frequently used gates. You'll often find them on livestock and farm gates because of their ease of installation, durability, adjustability, and swing range.
8. Swimming Pool Gate Hinges
When selecting gate hinges, it's important to consider the installation site — many commercial establishments must adhere to certain guidelines.
For example, commercial swimming pools must often meet various safety requirements. These requirements exist to prevent unsupervised access by children and pets and reduce fatal accidents. Safety considerations include gate swing direction, latch height, and ground clearance. However, there are also particular requirements for hinges.
Hinges on swimming pool gates are designed to close the gate automatically, ensuring the gate remains closed and locked at all times. They should be durable enough to withstand frequent, high-impact opening and closing. They should also resist rusting, as they're often exposed to water and chemicals from the pool. To remain compliant, look for hinges certified to your local swimming pool safety regulations and standards.
Selecting the Right Gate Hinge
With so many gate hinge types, sizes, and functions, choosing one for your gate can be challenging. Consider these main factors when choosing gate hinges to simplify the choice.
1. Gate Width and Weight
The most crucial factor to consider when selecting a hinge is your gate's width and weight. Choosing a hinge unable to support your gate's weight can cause it to sag, loosen, and scrape the ground. To find the right size hinge, determine the weight of your door first. If your door is relatively large and heavy, you may want to look at heavy-duty, weld-on, or pintle hinges. For lighter gates, consider a strap, butt, or barrel hinge.
Hinges list their load capacity in the product description, which tells you how much weight they can support. Most gates need two hinges, so ensure the load capacity adds up to your gate's weight. If your gate is a bit taller than normal or two hinges aren't enough to support it, you might need to add a third.
Some hinge manufacturers also provide the recommended gate width for the hinge. As the width of the gate increases, so does the pressure on the hinge. You must ensure your hinge is strong enough to support both the weight and width of your gate.
2. Gate Material
The material of your gate and the frame or post can also affect which hinge type you can use. For metal gates, you'll need a weld-on hinge. These are the only type of hinge you can attach, but they also are strong enough to support how heavy most metal gates are. If you have a wooden or composite gate, you can use any screw-on hinge that matches your requirements.
3. Hinge Size
You must also consider the hinge's size and compatibility with your gate. Some hinges have wide plates that need a thicker frame so they don't stick out. The bigger, bulkier plates can hold heavy doors but take up more space. Larger hinges may also leave a wider gap between the gate door and frame. Measure your frame and the gap so you have the measurements on hand when choosing a hinge.
4. Hinge Material
Once you know your gate's weight, you can select the hinge's base material. The base material is often hidden by a finish — the polishing, plating, or paint that changes the hinge's appearance. You should know what material the hinge is made of because its strength is a key factor for load capacity. Stronger materials can hold heavier doors and are more durable. However, these materials can be more expensive.
You'll want a hinge material that is durable and corrosion-resistant while also fitting your budget. To choose a hinge material for your door, consider the following common options:
- Steel: Steel hinges are usually the most affordable type and are very strong. However, they are not super resistant to rust or corrosion.
- Aluminum: Aluminum hinges are generally cost-effective, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. They're also environmentally friendly, as aluminum is 100% recyclable.
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel is the most common type of gate hinge material. It is strong and resistant to corrosion, rust, and abrasion, making it perfect for outdoor use in harsh environments.
- Iron: Iron hinges are durable and have a traditional, rustic appearance that many people enjoy. However, they may be susceptible to rusting.
- Brass: Brass hinges are slightly more expensive than most, but they're corrosion-resistant and have an elegant, golden appearance. However, brass is a softer metal that can be susceptible to dents and catches.
- Bronze: Bronze hinges are typically the most expensive type of hinge, but you pay more for their high corrosion and rust resistance, as well as their durability and strength.
5. Hinge Design
Other factors that may affect your choice are hinge style and design. While some hinges are concealed or small, others are clearly visible on the gate door.
If aesthetics are important to you, consider the style of your door and your preference when choosing a hinge. For an understated look, try a simple, compact hinge design. You can also find ornate, decorative hinges that are more stylized and eye-catching.
Another aspect of hinge design is the material finish. Hinges can have a powder-coated, galvanized, polished, brushed, or antique finish that gives them varying appearances. If you want something more than a metallic grey finish, you can choose from black, white, brass, and bronze tones to find the right color for your gate.
6. Hinge Operation
The final factor to consider when selecting a hinge is how it operates. Most hinges simply allow the gate to open and close, but others have extra functionality.
For example, you can choose a self-closing hinge to keep your gate closed at all times. Some hinges allow you to change the rate at which the gate closes. If your gate swings open both ways, you'll need a hinge that accommodates that range of movement.
Find the Best Selection of Gate Hinges at HardwareSource
HardwareSource stocks the widest selection of gate hinges available anywhere. No matter what gate hinge type, application, or finish you need, you'll find it in our store. We only stock the industry's best gate hinge brands, including:
- Acorn Manufacturing
- D&D Technologies
- Gatemate
- Gorilla
- Hager
- Locinox
- Stanley
- Sureclose
Everything is in stock, so it's ready to ship as soon as you place an order.
The product listings on our site include all the details you need to choose the correct hinge for your gate. If you want to replace your existing hinge but are unsure which one it is, use our handy Hinge Finder tool online. Our knowledgeable customer service team is available if you need assistance in this decision.
Otherwise, you can browse our lineup of gate hinges and place your order today!
