Hinges play an important role in doors and gates. They allow for a limited angle of rotation with moveable objects. After installing a set of hinges, you can pull open the door or gate. While both door and gate hinges allow for a limited angle of rotation, however, they aren’t the same.
What Are Door Hinges?
Door hinges are mechanical joints that are designed for use on doors. They typically feature two leafs that, when interlocked together, form a knuckle.
The leafs consist of square- or rectangular-shaped plates. On one side of the leafs is a set of teeth-like grooves. These grooves are designed to interlock together. You can press the two leafs together, followed by placing a pin through the center of the grooves to secure the leafs.
What Are Gate Hinges?
Gate hinges are mechanical joints that are designed for use on gates. Like door hinges, they allow for a limited angle of rotation.
Gates swing open in a similar way as doors. They are connected to an adjacent surface, such as a post, via a set of hinges. The hinges rotate along an axis, allowing gates to be pulled open or pushed closed.
Differences Between Door Hinges and Gate Hinges
Door hinges and gate hinges aren’t the same. Gate hinges typically have a higher load capacity. Exterior doors weigh an average of 50 to 100 pounds, whereas gates can weigh 200 or more pounds. Because they are so heavy, gates require specialized, heavy-duty hinges with a higher load capacity than door hinges.
Gate hinges typically feature longer leafs than door hinges. The long arms distribute the weight of gates more evenly, which helps to prevent sagging.
Another difference between door hinges and gate hinges is the material from which they are made. Gate hinges are often made of stronger, more durable materials. Some of the most common materials used in the construction of gate hinges include galvanized steel, stainless steel and wrought iron. Strong and durable materials such as these allow gate hinges to support heavy gates and withstand the elements.
There are also different types of gate hinges. Some gate hinges feature the same style as door hinges. Others, though, feature an entirely different style. Strap-style gate hinges, for instance, have long and sturdy arms. There are also self-closing gate hinges that, as the name suggests, are designed to close automatically.
In Conclusion
Hinges are often categorized according to their purpose. Door hinges are used on doors, whereas gate hinges are used on gates. Gate hinges also have a higher load capacity, longer leafs, and they are made of stronger materials.