A spring hinge is a type of hinge that contains an internal spring mechanism, allowing a door to close automatically after being opened. Double-action spring hinges permit the door to swing in both directions and return to center, making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as restaurant kitchens and commercial corridors.
Application
Spring hinges are widely used in both residential and commercial construction wherever automatic door closing is required without the complexity or cost of a hydraulic door closer. Their applications and characteristics include:
- Single-action spring hinges: These allow the door to open in one direction only and pull it back to the closed position. They are commonly used on garden gates, screen doors, and interior doors where hands-free closing is convenient.
- Double-action (bommer) spring hinges: Named after the manufacturer Bommer, these hinges allow the door to swing freely in both directions (180 degrees total) and return to center. They are the standard choice for cafe doors, saloon-style doors, and kitchen pass-through doors.
- Tension adjustment: Most spring hinges feature a tension adjustment mechanism, allowing installers to control the closing speed and force. This is typically set using a hex wrench or pin inserted into the hinge barrel.
- Fire-rated applications: Spring hinges rated for fire doors must comply with building codes that require doors in fire compartments to close automatically. They provide a simple, reliable means of meeting this requirement.
- Installation: Spring hinges mount in the same mortise or surface position as standard butt hinges, making them a straightforward retrofit on existing doors.
- Material and finish: Available in steel, stainless steel, and brass, with finishes including satin, polished, and powder-coated options to match other door hardware.
The closing force is generated by a coiled spring housed within the hinge barrel (knuckle), which stores energy as the door is opened and releases it to pull the door shut.
Related terms
- Butt hinge
- Door closer
- Pivot hinge
- Concealed hinge
- Fire-rated door hardware
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