Heavy duty hinges are important products in the construction industry. Whether the project is residential, commercial, or industrial, these type of hinges can be used in various applications. However, it is never a case of ‘one size fits all’. It is important that you have knowledge about the kinds of heavy duty hinges that are commonly used in construction applications. This blog provides information on the same.

Understanding Hinges

Heavy duty hinges are mainly used for applications with immense weights, and undergo a lot of traffic. They are termed ‘heavy duty’ due to their weight and leaf thickness. These hinges are generally designed to have leaf thickness of up about .200 gauge. This can allow the hinges to take on weights ranging from 1,000 lbs. to 40,000 lbs. The size of the hinge also makes a difference to its use in an application. Depending on application requirements, the hinge size can range anywhere between 5" and 16".

Types of Heavy duty Hinges and Their Applications

Once you have the basic idea of the technical specifications, you then have enough information to look at different types of hinges. The following types are used in construction applications.

Door Hinges: This type of hinge is mainly used for large and heavy doors. They can be designed as a full mortise hinge. Common materials used for the fabrication process include brass, carbon, and stainless steel. Door hinges can used for application in medical, military, and research and development facilities.

Gate Hinges: These hinges are designed to be installed on metal and wooden gates of large sizes. They can be designed as bolt-on, weld-on, or even pivot gate hinges for ease of installation. These products are ideal for applications in tough or extreme environments. These include petroleum refineries, chemical plants, and neutron shielding facilities
Weld-on Hinges: Door hinges of this type are constructed from mild or stainless steel. These materials are chosen as they allow for easy welding and mounting. The hinge design also consists of dust seals. These prevent the hinges from getting contaminated when used in harsh application environments. Weld-on hinges can be used for vault doors, security gates, armored vehicles, and agricultural equipment.
Pivot Hinges: These hinges are used on heavy doors, and are useful in high traffic applications. The weight of the door rests on the bottom pivot hinge. Hence, the door does not hang, and there is a lesser possibility of it sagging over time. Pivot hinges are mainly used for applications such as aluminum storefront doors.

Understanding how heavy duty hinges work can make a huge difference to your choice before installation. The right hinge can provide inimitable performance, ensuring that your application provides consistent performance for many years.