Rolling Center Hinges (133)
How to Choose the Right Hinges for Gates
Gate hinges are an integral part of a swing gate and choosing the right ones is not always easy. There are several considerations that must go into choosing the right hinges for the swing gate. These elements have a direct bearing on the gate’s centre of gravity and more.
Basics of Hinges for Gates
The right hinges are essential to the functionality and strength of a gate. The goal is to choose the most functional hinges and then consider their maintenance. The hinges for gates should also be easy to use. So, how do you choose the right hinges for gates?
1. Weight, Width, & Attachment
The width and weight of your gate are essential when it comes to choosing hinges for gates. As the width and weight of the gate increase, the strength of the hinges is imperative. The hinges must be strong enough to support the gate and carry oversized loads. The goal is to avoid your gate sagging or not swinging open smoothly. The hinges for gates must function correctly.
2. Hinges for Gates
Since gates are outdoors, it’s necessary to find hinges for gates that are durable. Outdoor gate hinges have to bear the weight of the gate and withstand harsh weather outside. Gate hinges must be strong and durable enough to survive UV rays, corrosive salt and other chemicals, rain, sleet, snow, and more.
3. Durable Materials
Hinges for gates must also be made of durable materials. It’s important to avoid hinges made of inferior materials because they will eventually fail, rust, and not provide the right support for the gate. The materials used for the hinges must be able to withstand harsh outdoor elements.
4. Size of gate frame / box section
Finally, the size of your gate frame or box section will determine what size hinge is required. You should also be mindful of the physical dimensions of the hinge itself.
Types of Hinges for Gates
You can find the following types of hinges for gates:
Tubofix: these are designed for a square box section and don’t need to be welded.
Screw on for square tube: these hinges for gates are not welded, they are drilled through the box section and fit with a retaining screw.
Weld-on: these hinges for gates are directly welded to the gate frame.
Weld-on with wings: the hinges are weld-only, with the wings at the top and body of the hinges connected to the box section.
Weld-on wrap around: the hinges are designed for different box section sizes to wrap around the welded t-joint in the frame.
Weld-on with longer thread bar
180-Degree hinge: Pascal range
Rotating bearing hinge: these hinges have to be welded to the gate frame but can also be bolted or welded to the post. These hinges are able to take more weight capacity.
Here are some additional notes about hinges for gates:
Heavy duty hinge with bearings: the hinges are available with a longer thread; adjustment is via the thread as opposed to the rotating bearing hinges.
The majority of the hinges can come with a fixing plate, weld-on nut, or an adjustable nut.
Weight capacity is essential when dealing with heavy-duty gates and larger, industrial-sized gates.
Bearing hinges that weld onto the gate take the largest weight capacity of up to 3,000kg (6,613.8lbs).