Are you looking for a heavy-duty solution for your commercial space or home kitchen?Pivot hinges might be exactly what you need! This door hardware is becoming increasingly popular in modern architecture and design, and for good reason. From high-quality aesthetics to impressive weight capacity, pivot hinges offer unique benefits that set them apart from standard door hardware. Below are the top five types of pivot hinges and how they can transform your space.

What Is a Pivot Hinge?

Pivot hinges are sturdy alternatives to the standard butt hinge, and they use a pivot system to open or close a door. Butt hinges, while effective and popular, use a simple rotating mechanism to control the door.

Pivot hinges can support the weight of the entire door, eliminating the need for a series of elements along the frame. Modern versions are also manufactured as spring-loaded or hydraulic to provide additional functionality.

What Are the Advantages of Pivot Hinges?

Pivot hinges have many advantages, including:

• Visual Appeal. The concealed design creates clean, modern door edges without visible hardware.
• Smooth Operation. The unique mounting position creates smoother operation, particularly for oversized doors.
• Durability. Pivot hinges provide superior wind resistance and perform better in high-traffic areas than traditional hinges, making them well-suited for commercial applications.
• Longevity. The durable construction typically provides a longer lifespan than traditional hinges.
• Versatility. These hinges work with various door materials, including glass, wood, and metal.
• Adjustability. Built-in adjustment capabilities ensure precise door alignment.
• Special Features. Many models include self-closing mechanisms.

What Are the Two Main Types of Pivot Hinges?

There are two main types of pivot door hinges: offset and center-hung pivot hinges. Both are commonly found in commercial spaces since they are built for extensive use. But what is the difference between a center pivot and an offset pivot? Let’s take a look.

1. Offset Pivot Hinges

These are more frequently installed among the two types of pivot hinges. The set usually consists of one pivot each at the top and bottom, which controls the door. The pivot point is just outside the door frame. Offset pivot hinges are L-shaped, which allows them to stand upright in both positions, fixing at a 90-degree angle with the door.

Offset pivot hinges can only be used with single-acting doors. However, when the hinges are installed correctly, they ensure the door can rotate 180 degrees. High-quality pivot hinges, like thisoffset pivot hinge for aluminum doors, are ideal if you are looking for long-lasting mechanisms in your commercial space.

2. Center-Hung Pivot Hinges

These types of pivot hinges are mostly used for double-acting doors. Restaurant kitchens are the most effective places to install these hinges. Much like offset ones, these pivot hinges also attach at the top and bottom of the door, with the point of pivot hidden under the door. Center-hung pivot door hinges are straight in shape and require cased openings for adequate movement. 

The Rixson Center Hung Pivot Door Hinge Set is a durable choice for a variety of commercial applications. With a satin chrome finish and the ability to support as much as 500 lbs., these hinges provide adequate support for heavy doors. In most extensive use cases, these hinges can work effortlessly allowing movement of labor and materials efficiently.

Other Types of Pivot Hinges

Besides the two main types listed above, pivot hinges are also available in other styles. Here are some of the more common types:

3. Double Action Spring Pivot Hinge

These hinges are designed to open doors effortlessly in both directions. The spring mechanism within the hinge returns the door to its original position after being opened or closed. Double-action spring pivot hinges, like the Horizontal Floor-Mounted Hinge, are often used in salons, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

4. Cabinet Pivot Hinges

While most pivot hinges are best suited for business environments,cabinet hinges provide extensive functional ability and aesthetic appeal to home cabinetry. These hinges, like thisHeavy Steel Top and Bottom Set, can be installed on both the upper and lower frames of the cabinet door to offer easy access and seamless operation.

5. Gravity Pivot Hinges

Gravity Pivot hinges have no springs; instead, they rely on the door's weight for opening and closing. The absence of springs in these pivot door hinges, for instance, theSurface Mount Gravity Pivot Door Hinge, makes them more durable and less susceptible to wear and tear.

 

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for pivot door hinges,Hinge Outlet, Inc. provides an extensive collection of styles, finishes, and designs, allowing customers to choose the type that best suits their home.Shop our collection today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pivot Hinges

1. How many pivot hinges per door?

Two pivot hinges are needed per door. However, a third hinge can be added in the middle for especially tall or heavy doors. In most cases, just two pivot hinges are perfect.

2. Where do you put pivot hinges?

Pivot hinges are installed on the top and bottom of the door, whereas other hinges are typically attached to the side of the door. The following guide will help you correctlyinstall your pivot hinges.

3. How much weight can a pivot hinge hold?

A pivot hinge can hold an average of 700 pounds. However, some are only designed to support lighter doors, with a weight capacity between 90 and 125 pounds. For the most heavy-duty applications, pivot hinges can support over 1,000 pounds.

4. How much clearance does a pivot door need?

The amount of clearance a pivot door needs depends on several factors, including the door size, the pivot point location (center or offset), and the door thickness. For offset pivot doors, the clearance needed is typically the width of the door plus the pivot offset distance. For center pivot doors, the clearance needed is typically just slightly more than the door thickness.

For example, a 36-inch-wide door with an offset pivot requires roughly 37 inches of swing clearance—the door width plus a 3/4-inch pivot offset and minimal clearance. The same door with a center pivot only needs about 2 inches of swing clearance—the 1-3/4 inch door thickness plus 1/4-inch clearance.