Not all hinges are the same width. While most hinges consist of two leafs, some of them feature wider leafs than others. Wide-throw hinges, for instance, are characterized by wide leafs. Also known as swing clear hinges, they have a wider opening radius than traditional hinges.
What Are Wide-Throw Hinges?
Wide-throw hinges are hinges that allow the doors or gates with which they are used to swing at a wider opening radius than traditional hinges. Traditional hinges have an opening radius of about 90 degrees. From their closed position, you can swing them open about one-quarter of the way, which is 90 degrees.
Wide-throw hinges, on the other hand, have a much wider opening radius than 90 degrees. Some of them can open up to 180 degrees. If a door is connected to a set of wide-throw hinges, for instance, you may be able to swing it open halfway, meaning the door will swing completely around the frame to which it’s attached.
Wide-throw hinges are available in many of the same materials as traditional hinges, including the following:
- Stainless steel
- Carbon steel
- Aluminum
- Bronze
- Brass
- Titanium
How Wide-Throw Hinges Work
How do wide-throw hinges work exactly? The secret to wide-throw hinges lies in their long leafs. Most hinges have two leafs, and wide-throw hinges are no exception. Wiide-throw hinges, however, have much wider leafs than traditional hinges. These ultra-wide leafs allow them to swing open at a wider angle.
Leafs, of course, are the mountable plates of a hinge. Most leafs have three holes to support screws. One leaf is attached to the door itself, whereas the other leaf is attached to the adjacent frame. The two leafs form a moveable “knuckle” in the center that’s secured with a pin. With their wide leafs, wide-throw hinges can swing open past the frame.
Benefits of Wide-Throw Hinges
Wide-throw hinges are commonly found on doors to commercial buildings. Retail stores, restaurants, office complexes and other types of commercial buildings experience a lot of foot traffic. To accommodate all of this foot traffic, they often feature wide-throw hinges. Thanks to their wide opening radius, wide-throw hinges allow people to enter and leave commercial buildings more easily.
Wide-throw hinges also provide enhanced accessibility. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids will have an easier time using doors connected with wide-throw hinges. Wide-throw hinges support a wider opening radius that enhances accessibility for disabled individuals.