What is a double acting hinge?

Double action hinges can be pushed open by an arm, hip, or hand. Once the doors are pushed open, they will swing back and forth, until they stop at the closed position of the center. Double action hinges use either spring or gravity to pull the doors back to the center.

swingingcafedoors.com - Everything you need to know about double action hinges

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Everything you need to know about double action hinges

Double action hinges are also known as saloon door hinges, café door hinges, double acting hinges, and double swing hinges. No matter the name use the hinges will all achieve the same thing- allowing the doors to swing in both directions and automatically return the doors to the resting position (the center). Let's discuss the differences and similarities between double action hinges. All double action hinges have some similar traits. Double action hinges will return the doors to the center automatically. These hinges will allow the door to be pushed with no handle needed. Double action hinges can be pushed open by an arm, hip, or hand. Once the doors are pushed open, they will swing back and forth, until they stop at the closed position of the center. Double action hinges use either spring or gravity to pull the doors back to the center. Quick Reference of Pro and Con regarding the three most popular double action hinges.

Double Action Spring Hinges

Non-Hold Open

Mounts to the Sides of the Doors

Wide Variety of Finish Options

Double action spring hinges use a spring (located inside the barrels) to pull the doors to the center. The spring hinges can be adjusted, using less or more spring tension can be applied to the hinges. These hinges do NOT offer a hold-open feature. These hinges are normally used in commercial applications. The spring hinges allow you to have a “full height” door (minimum gapping is required). The spring hinges do have a faster swing but there is some noise associated with these hinges. The design of the spring hinges includes barrels and mounts to each side of the door. The door will fit into the flange between the barrels.

Pro:

Allows for full length doors- small gap necessary for the doors to swing.

Con:

Some noise with hinge action

Wide barrel mounted to the side of the doors. (Only hinge design)

Non-hold open

Double Action Gravity Pivot Hinges

Mounts to the top and bottom of the doors

Wide variety of hinge designs/ finishes

Hold Open Feature

Soft Gravity Swing

Double action gravity hinges are the most popular hinges that people select with saloon doors. These hinges offer many features including a hold-open feature that makes their operation perfect for a commercial or residential application. These hinges use gravity to pull the doors back to the center. The swing with these hinges is slower than the spring hinges. There is no noise with the operation of the gravity hinges. These hinges do mount to the top and bottom of the doors, requiring some gap at the top and bottom of the doors. There are several different styles and brands of gravity hinges. The Bommer 7512 can be recessed into the bottom of the doors allowing for less gap requirement. These hinges are a pivot hinges, the bottom hinge will do the work and the top hinge acts as a pivot point.

Pro:

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No noise with hinge operation

Hold Open/ Non-Hold Open Option

Several different hinge style

Seamless Operation

Some hinges can be integrated into the door (bottom hinge only)

Con:

Height Clearance necessary for some gravity hinges

No adjustment available for faster/slower swing

Mount to the top and bottom of the door(s)

Double Action Horizontal Spring Pivot Hinges

Mounts to the top and bottom of the doors

Wide variety of hinge designs/ finishes

Hold Open Feature

Hinge is recessed into the doors

The horizontal spring action pivot hinge is a great hinge for both residential and commercial applications. The horizontal spring pivot hinge is incorporated into the bottom of the door(s) and allows for a hold-open feature at 75-90 degrees. The hinge offers an easy swing with the ability to adjust the tension. These hinges operate with minimal noise. The hinge does need to be recessed into the top and bottom of the doors. The hinge is available in a wide variety of finishes.

Pro:

No noise with hinge operation

Hold Open Option

Beautifully integrated hinge

Seamless operation

Horizontal Spring pivot allows for the tallest doors with gravity hinges (minimal gaps needed)

Con:

Doors need to be recessed to accommodate top and bottom hinge

Double Action Spring Hinges

If you have additional questions on double action hinges, contact us at 1-855-343-6677. Each hinge offers pros and cons, we can help you to choose the best double action hinge for your application.

swingingcafedoors.com - Everything you need to know about double action hinges

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