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Most times, people do not understand the difference between gate hinge types. This can cause them to purchase the wrong ones for their gates and outdoor buildings. Fortunately, this article aims to set everything right.
There are numerous variations of garden gates, locations, and situations that simply fitting a basic in-swinging single gate can be confusing. The great news is that you can find a gate hinge variation for just about every type of wooden gate, regardless of the situation you find yourself in.
Heavy Reversible Hinges
Heavy duty reversible hinges utilize a traditional design that has existed since 1850. These gate hinges offer a more decorative feature than hook and band hinges. As with all gate hinges in this article, they are supplied in pairs. Heavy reversible hinges are created using cast-iron cups and heavy-duty steel.
Due to their design, these gate hinges are incredibly strong, making them ideal for garage doors, stable doors, barn doors, and heavy gates.
Interested in installing a swing gate, then the LiftMaster LA400PKGUL is for you.
Length
When installing heavy reversible hinges, experts recommend that the hinge be about ¼ to 1/3 the width of the door or gate. While typical situations call for just a pair of gate hinges per gate, you might need a third hinge if installed on a door or gate taller than 6 feet. A tip to remember is that one hinge covers about 3 feet in height.
Suitability
Heavy reversible hinges are more decorative and traditional, making them perfectly suited for installation on wooden garage doors, barns, and stables.
For medium-sized gates measuring a maximum width of 1200mm and weighing 20kg, 12-inch 300mm, 14-inch 350mm, and 16-inch 40mm heavy reversible gate hinges are best.
Large gates with a maximum width of 1800mm and a weight of 50kg require heavy-duty hinges such as the 18-inch 450mm, 20-inch 500mm, and 24-inch 600mm.
Extra large gates with a maximum width of 2400mm and weighing 80kg require heavy-duty reversible hinges with the following specifications: 30-inch 750mm and 36-inch 900mm.
Hook and Band Hinges
Hook and band hinges, also known as coach hinges or hook and ride hinges, are sold in pairs. They provide a general-purpose feature for medium to heavy doors or garden gates. These hinges consist of a heavy strap or band, a coach bolt fixing, and a plate with a hook that connects to the frame.
Hook and band gate hinges can be fitted with the top hook facing down to prevent the gate from being lifted. In this scenario, the bottom hook holds the gate’s weight while the top hook ensures the gate remains in position. These gate hinges can also be fitted with bot hooks facing upward. This scenario ensures that the gate can be lifted off.
You can purchase these driveway gate hinges in various sizes: cranked hook and band hinges or straight hook and band hinges. When installing the hook to the front of your gate’s post, the cranked variant enables you to install the gate flush in front of the post.
Conversely, the gate sits slightly in front of the post for straight hook and band gate hinges unless it uses a recessed plate.
Length
With hook and band gate hinges, you are better off installing hinges that are about a third of the width of the door or gate. Nevertheless, installing this hinge on a door or gate taller than 6 feet requires a third gate hinge to prevent warping.
Suitability
Hook and band gate hinges come in two varieties: cranked and straight. Straight hook and band hinges place the gate slightly in front of the post, while cranked hook and band hinges ensure the gate sits flush with the post.
For medium gates with a maximum width of 120mm weighing 20kg, you are better off with a 12, 14, or 16-inch gate hinge, depending on the specifications.
For large driveway gates weighing up to 50kg with a maximum width of 1800mm, you are better off with an 18, 20 or 24-inch heavy-duty hinge. You should note that the 18-inch hinge measures 450mm, the 20-inch 500mm, and the 24-inch 600mm.
Extra-large gates with a maximum width of 2400mm and weighing up to 80kg require a 30-inch 750mm heavy-duty strap hinge. Alternatively, a 36-inch 900mm hinge can also be used.
Tee Hinges
Tee gate hinges are general-purpose hinges that are typically sold in pairs. They come with a tapering horizontal strap with screw fixings, a straight knuckle, and a frame fixing flap. Tee hinges are generally constructed from steel and have a protective finish such as galvanized, epoxy black, or zinc plate. Tee hinges are available in three gauges and also come in numerous lengths to suit the weight and size of your driveway gate.
If you reside in a high moisture area or a coastal environment, you will want a gate hinge with additional corrosion resistance, such as a marine grade 316 Stainless steel tee hinge.
Length
Your gate’s width typically determines hinge length. The hinge needs to be a third of the width of the gate. So if your gate is 48 inches wide, you need a hinge at least 16 inches long.
Suitability
Due to their design, tee hinges are typically installed on shed doors and small gates.
- Light tee hinges are best suited for small doors and gates with a maximum width of 900mm and doors up to 10kg.
- Medium tee hinges are best suited for gates with a maximum width of 1200mm, weighing up to 20kg.
- Heay tee hinges are made for large gates with a maximum width of 1800mm, weighing 50kg.
A slide gate can come in handy for areas that do not have sufficient space for an out-swinging or in-swinging gate. Find out more about slide gates here.
Installation Tip
When installing your hinges, particularly if installed externally, you can increase their security by fitting hinge bolts that stop the gates or doors from being forced off their hinges. Alternatively, you can fit the cups with non-removable screws.
