How to weld hinges to wickets and gates - basic welding rules

Category: Wickets

Published 09/03/2021 · Comments: · Reading time: 5 min · Views: Post Views: 1,088

Gates are usually made of metal. The design turns out to be heavy, so all components are selected to be durable. Before purchasing and welding hinges for a gate, people check whether this part can withstand the load. Components come in different shapes and types; if a person wants to install them on the gate with his own hands, then he first needs to understand the features of these fasteners and the intricacies of working with them.

Application of internal loops

Despite some controversy among users regarding hidden garage fittings, internal hinges offer the following advantages:

1. A higher level of security and burglary resistance, which is especially important if you store very expensive and valuable property in your garage.
2. Long service life, which in practice is estimated at many decades.
3. High resistance to loads, thanks to which doors weighing up to 400-500 kg each can be hung on hidden hinges without any significant consequences for the overall design.

If you value the security of your property, hidden hinges are a great investment and will give you peace of mind over your property.

Internal hinges for garage

Welded hinges

Iron gates, and every other one, in an iron frame are attached to the supports with special welded hinge hinges.

Kinds

Welded door hinges for gates differ from each other primarily in size and material of manufacture. In addition, there are differences in shape, design and ability to carry a certain load.

They are in form:

• Cylindrical;
• Hexagonal;
• Drop-shaped.

By design:

• Simple - with a removable or non-removable “finger”;
• Ball-type - with an iron ball, which ensures easy opening of the gate by reducing the friction force in the hinges;
• Bearing - with a bearing between the two halves of the product.

By load:

• Uncomplicated;
• Reinforced - with welded plates, allowing the load on the loop to be distributed more evenly. This increases the reliability of fastening the gate and increases the service life of the canopies.

Required number of loops

The overall dimensions of the welded hinges, as well as their number, are selected in accordance with the weight of the gate. The heavier it is, the more there should be. Or they themselves should be more wonderful.

The recommended quantity is shown in the table:

Installation of gates on welded hinges

It’s worth emphasizing right away that it’s very difficult to do this work on your own, and it’s simply unrealistic if you don’t have experience. Welding is a complex, labor-intensive process, scary for a beginner. Based on this, it is possible to undertake installation only if this is not the first time you have seen and held a welding machine in your hands.

In addition to this, do not forget to stock up on electrodes, a mask and personal protective equipment. And the necessary tools:

• An iron brush for cleaning work surfaces from dirt, rust, and old paint;
• Grinder for cleaning welds;
• Tape measure or ruler, pencil;
• Construction level;
• Clamps or other devices for fixing parts.

Then, it is necessary to make markings on the door leaf, depending on the number of hinges. The top and bottom should be placed no further than 15-20 cm from the edge.

It is much more ergonomic to weld them while the gate and frame are in a horizontal position.

A detailed description of the process is shown in the table:

If the gate posts are already in place, installation is carried out using a different technology. The instructions recommend that you first accurately mark and weld the upper parts of the hinges to the gate leaf.

After this, as in the case of overhead awnings and a wooden gate, the sash is installed in the opening and fixed in it using pads and wedges. The verticality of the installation, and being in the same plane with the box, is checked by the building level.

After this, the lower part is inserted into the upper part of the loop, and its position is marked on the support post with chalk or a construction pencil. Or it is immediately tacked in two places by spot welding.

Having grabbed all the hinges, you need to remove the wedges and pads and check the movement of the gate. Only then is it possible to make vertical continuous seams.

And then everything is the same: the internal seams are boiled, they are cleaned, after which the entire structure is painted in the chosen color.

Several distinctive features of welding hinges to corrugated sheets

Quite often, profiled sheets are used as a material for creating gates or fences. If a person needs to weld hinges to this material, then some factors should be taken into account. It is required to make lintels that must be parallel to the vertical part of the sash.

An important step in working on swing iron gates is welding the hinges

It is necessary to secure the jumpers in those places where the hinges are welded. They must divide the sash into 3 identical elements. Hinges must be welded to the jumpers. To cover the welding area and jumper, small pieces of corrugated sheeting can be screwed on top. It is better to give preference to thicker loops with a length of more than 1 m.

The hinge on an iron door broke: repair with welding at home

is a Moscow service department that specializes in welding work at home. Our craftsmen will competently and inexpensively weld hinges on the entrance metal door, carry out repairs or other necessary work, visiting the apartment. Welder services are ordered from us because our specialists work:

1. Comprehensively. If, during the welding of hinges, defects in the operation of the locks are discovered, our craftsmen will point out these defects to you and replace the door locks on the spot.
2. Inexpensive. The prices for all our services are quite loyal and reasonable, which is why Moscow residents turn to us again and recommend us to their friends.
3. Professionally. The welder’s departure is carried out as quickly as possible, and he arrives at the customer’s apartment with a set of necessary tools, locks, and materials.

Do you want to weld a new hinge instead of a broken one? Do you need guarantees for work performed? Then contacting our service is the right choice. By entrusting us with the replacement or welding of damaged elements, you will forget about broken hinges on a metal door for a long time!

Basic truths

The process of installing hinges can be considered using the example of a metal gate. In order for it to properly perform its main functions, a number of conditions must be met when welding hinges:

1. Provide a gap between the support post and the gate frame, which should be 3-5 mm.
2. Provide a gap of several millimeters between the hinge and the gate frame by welding plates - metal plates of the required thickness - to the hinge. In total, for each loop you need two strips, the length of each of them is 2 mm less than the length of half.
3. The optimal distance from the edge of the gate to the loop is 15-20 cm. If you need a middle loop, then it is located exactly in the middle between the outer loops.

First, the lower part of the fastener (with the pin) is welded to the post, then the upper part (with the groove) is welded to the sash.

A properly assembled structure should have the following parts:

• a loop;
• plate; wicket frame;
• support pillar;
• lower part (with pin);
• upper part (with groove).

This design consists of several elements.
All loops must be coaxial, that is, their centers must be on the same straight line. The alignment requirement is extremely important. It is on its compliance that it depends on how evenly the weight of the gate will be distributed on the fastenings and, accordingly, how long they will last.

To work, the master will need:

• welding machine;
• metal plate for making plates;
• Bulgarian;
• hammer;
• plumb line;
• oil for lubricating hinges;
• protective equipment - mask, gloves, overalls.

At the preparatory stage, you should mark the gate frame and sash, determining the places where the hinges will be welded. Clean them from dust, dirt, and rust. To do this, you can use a wire brush and solvents. Next, a similar treatment is performed on the surface of the hinges, and lubricant is applied to their inner part.

The traditional welding method involves the installation of plates at this stage, for which it is recommended:

1. Take 2 identical plates of the required thickness and length. Place them so that there is a gap of 2-3 mm between them.
2. Place the bottom part of the loop on them.
3. Weld the loop to one of the plates (in this case, to the right one).
4. Do the same for the top of the hinge and weld it to the left plate.
5. Then you need to install the shutters in the working position and fix them.
6. The plates with the lower part of each hinge are spot welded to the post, then the upper hinge elements are inserted into the lower parts and spot welded to the sash. After checking the alignment of the hinges and the operation of the gate, final welding is carried out along the contour of the plates.

How to install correctly?

It is possible to carry out the installation yourself without outside help; you just need to strictly follow the instructions and follow the basic rules . For high-quality installation of gates, whether they are garage doors or used to fence a site, it is important to follow these steps. Welding elements to racks is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. For this you will need special plates.

You can make the task easier if you initially buy hinges that are suitable for a certain type of structure.

Beginning of work

At the preparatory stage you will need to prepare the tool. If you have a machine, a hammer and a grinder, you can easily cope with the task. You can’t do without a building level and a tape measure. Do not forget to follow safety precautions. In order to properly weld overhead loops, you must first prepare a drawing according to which you will follow.

Welding process

Welding work requires mounting plates. They will allow you to evenly distribute the weight of each of the sashes. Use a welder to attach the plates to the hinges. To do this, you will need an assistant who will provide tools and support during further welding of the structure to the pillars. Next you need to check whether all elements move correctly and whether the gate is warped.

Final stage

Now it's time to start making the finishing seam. To do this, you will need a grinder to clean out all the seams, and the job will be finished. Welded hinges must adhere well to the structure, and it, in turn, must be level and also move smoothly on the fastening element.

Purpose of the product

Hinges, or awnings, are devices with which gates are opened. The mechanism consists of several elements. They rotate around their axis and ensure the operation of the gate. The principle of free rotation underlies all types of locking mechanisms. This quality makes them an indispensable part of the gate.

After installation

To choose the right gate awnings, you need to take into account the following:

It is better to purchase loops in a specialized store. Only large retail outlets have all the necessary documents: a quality certificate, a guarantee from the manufacturer and a hinge installation diagram. This does not always guarantee the quality of the product 100%, but if you are not satisfied with the product, it can be returned or exchanged. You should buy a mechanism taking into account the weight of the swing gates. Each type of canopy is designed for a specific load that it will withstand. It is advisable to choose with a margin of safety. For example, for a sash weighing 200 kg, take a device designed for 300 kg. Take into account the location of the house for safe operation of the gate. Some types of hidden swing mechanisms prevent the gate from opening completely. This is inconvenient when leaving the yard, since open doors interfere with street traffic.

You need to use gate canopies with the correct connection method

Hinges are welded onto metal sashes, and screwed onto wooden sashes with bolts or self-tapping screws. Therefore, it is important to know what material the sashes are made of. It is worth paying attention to the material from which the canopy is made. This affects the service life. Products made of plastic or thin metal will not last long on heavy sashes

Over time, they will begin to warp and jam. If you select such loops, then this must be taken into account.

Installation option

How to choose?

Since there are several types of loops, it is necessary to study the features of each of them in order to make a choice. Reinforced options are more suitable for gates, so they are in demand. First of all, take into account the material from which the door leaf is made, because this indicates the weight and load that the hinges must withstand . If the gate is made of corrugated sheets, then you can take through or hidden views. But for wooden, forged and metal sashes, the best choice would be a reinforced structure.

The next question is what are the operating conditions. For areas where break-ins are a possibility, purchase and install hidden hinges as they are very difficult to break into. Classic iron gates are most often produced in the same dimensions, so for most people the best choice will be classic hinges. They are optimal and easy to use, so they are also used for gates.

But if we are talking about a design of non-standard sizes, the fasteners must be reinforced. Hinges for heavy gates are made of durable material that is highly wear-resistant.

Materials and tools

To do the job well, you will need professional tools

In addition to the welding machine, you will need the following tools and consumables:

• welder's protective mask;
• measuring instrument: ruler, tape measure, building level;
• lubricant for hinges - grease or a composition similar in properties to it;
• An angle grinder will be needed to clean up welding seams and dismantle an incorrectly installed hinge group.

Support pillars are best made from a profile pipe of square or rectangular cross-section. This will ensure the reliability of the structure and facilitate the installation process of the canvas.

Selection of loops and their quantity

If you decide to use welded hinges to install the gate, you can choose from several types:

• the simplest and most inexpensive option is a split cylinder with a rotating axis in one part and a cavity-cap in the other. Such hinges require periodic lubrication, without which they quickly begin to creak;
• The most popular are hinges of the same design, but improved with a ball or bearing on which the axis rests. They can be either two- or three-section;

Welded hinges with a ball Source dekoriko.ru
Another option - the same hinges with metal plates welded to each part.

However, it is not enough to know how to weld hinges to the gate - first you need to calculate the load on them and decide on the quantity. This is not difficult to do if you know the weight of the sashes.

Hinges without plates can withstand a maximum of 400 kg depending on their diameter and the length and thickness of the metal. And hinges with plates that take on part of the load are designed for a more impressive weight - they can withstand up to 600 kg.

Knowing the design load on the hinges and the weight of the structure, you can determine the required number of hinges. Of course, there will not be less than two of them per sash. And in the case of heavy gates, the number of canopies is increased to 3 or 4. An additional hinge is installed just below the top one, which bears the main load.

3 hinges are often installed on massive insulated garage doors. Source dekoriko.ru

By the way, you can strengthen ordinary hinges yourself by welding to them plates cut from thick metal of a suitable size. The weld must be continuous.

Installation recommendations

For square-section posts, it is recommended to always use plates, maintaining a gap of 3–5 mm between the edge of the gate and the support. There are several ways to weld hinges to round posts:

• without the use of mounting plates;
• with a plate only on the sash;
• with a narrow spacer on the side of the post and a full plate on the gate.

Read also: Insulation for drying chambers

When using spacers, it is possible to increase the gap between the hinge and the support, and the spacer can be placed at an angle. This design is more forgiving of welding flaws, but it looks sloppy.

Sliding structures are in great demand and are offered on the market in a wide range. Products are produced in different variations depending on the manufacturer, structural features and purpose. An integral part of such an installation are the hinges, which play an important role. Therefore, you need to pay special attention to choosing high-quality products that will last a long time, coping with their main task.

Choosing loops

The choice is made taking into account the size and weight of the valves. For example, a metal garage door will require stronger hinges with a support bearing than a gate. The stores offer a variety of types:

1. Drop-shaped ones with support bearings are designed for weights up to 400 kg.
2. Cylindrical, thanks to the amplifier, which works as a load distributor, and the support bearing, ensure ease of opening with a load of up to 600 kg.
3. Through ones are chosen if it is impossible to weld the hinges or secure them with bolts. Fixation is carried out using a through hole in the rack. They are attached to the sash with nuts. Maximum load up to 200 kg.
4. 3-section doors are difficult to break into and are used for hanging heavy sashes.
5. Forged ones are functional and are used as decoration for wooden gates.
6. Steel boom hinges are often installed on garage doors made of thick metal.
7. Height-adjustable hinges are useful if the position of the support posts may change.

Hinge with support bearing ensures easy opening with loads up to 600 kg

Wooden gate hinges

You can buy your favorite wooden gate inexpensively at any construction market.

An example of the design of forged hinges for a wooden gate

Many suppliers manufacture custom gates or wickets. For those who can boast of having even a little experience in construction work, it will not be difficult to make a simple structure with their own hands.

If you have a gate, all that remains is to select hinges that match it in terms of characteristics and dimensions. Correctly chosen fastening will provide the sash with an ideal “fit” and full-fledged long-term operation. For a small wooden gate, the most suitable way to fix the hinges is to install the door with self-tapping screws.

Installation of hinges with self-tapping screws

In principle, this method of attaching hinges is similar to installing interior doors. However, to install a wicket, the components must be wicket or gate components. When choosing this type of fixation, the hinges are attached to the end of the gate, providing the structure with additional stability and improving its external performance.

Stages of installing a wooden gate:

1. Using wood screws, the wicket hinge should be attached to the facade of the sash in the marked places. For greater reliability, it is advisable to use at least 3 hinges for 1 gate.

Attaching hinges to the gate with self-tapping screws

The structure with attached hinges must be placed on a flat surface (on the ground) along with the posts. In this case, care must be taken to ensure that the fabric of the product is not damaged. It is best to place a lumber lining under the gate and posts, for example, a piece of plywood or chipboard. If necessary, places for hinges are prepared on the support post. For this purpose, cuts are made. It is convenient to do this work with a hammer and chisel. Piles with attachment points marked by markings are installed in holes prepared in advance for supports. The lower ends of each pillar should be treated with an antiseptic and wrapped in roofing material. The pillars must be fixed in a strict vertical line, which is verified by the building level.

An example of installed posts for a wooden gate

Using self-tapping screws, the gate is attached to reinforced piles.

For support pillars, a hole should be made at least 120 cm deep. At the bottom of the hole there must be a compacted sand cushion (15 cm in height). The pillars can be backfilled or concreted. This method of installing them will save the structure from shrinkage, which is fraught with transfer of loops.

Dimensions

This is an important characteristic that plays a role during product search. Since you are looking for gate hardware, you will have a choice of hinges, the diameter of which can be from 25 to 30 mm. Large ones are suitable for large structures, but it is important to consider the weight of the gate you are installing.

With such a question, it is better to seek professional help or independently find information about what size loops are needed for a particular system.

Large fittings are often used in manufacturing and industrial enterprises where huge gates are installed. For a house, the usual parameters are suitable, but here you need to take into account the weight of the structure.

Beginning of work

Before welding begins, you need to place the future gate leaves in the garage opening. This is done in order to achieve the correct position of the sashes and determine the scope of work. At this stage, be patient and, if possible, have an assistant. Only after you have achieved an even position of the valves can you proceed to the welding itself. The peculiarity is that it is extremely rare to carry out this type of work in a horizontal position. And making a vertical weld can be difficult even for experienced craftsmen. Taking this fact into account, welding should be carried out with special care, describing circular movements and, as it were, lifting the metal.

At first glance, this type of work seems complex and requires special skills. However, it is quite possible to perform it, following the rules and having a certain skill. The most important thing is to take your time when performing work and carry out actions in accordance with the plan.

You need to measure approximately 20-25 cm from the top and bottom of the canvas and mark it with a pencil or chalk. To prevent the hinges from baking, they need to be lubricated, for example with grease, or small pieces of wood the size of a match should be placed. This trick will help avoid jamming during operation and generally simplify the process. We weld the hinges to the gate. At the initial stage, you should not completely weld the hinges. You just need to lightly grab them by welding

It is important to remember that the lower half of the part is welded first. For those who use the welding machine for the first time, you need to remember that the loop is welded in the direction from the bottom to the top, and the movement of the electrode should be smooth and without breaks. After the first seam is completed, the gate needs to be opened and checked using a builder's level or laser level to see how well it opens and closes

You can finish the work if you are satisfied with the result. An ideally installed structure should open without effort or additional noise. Repeat all these manipulations for the remaining parts.

Places where welding was done must be carefully sanded using a grinder. The final stage is priming and painting the gate in the chosen color.

Main types of garage hinges

The building materials market offers a wide variety of hinges for swing doors. Each variety has individual parameters and advantages of use. The first thing you need to do when choosing is to select an installation option. The following installation methods are available:

• welding - the hinges are fixed on the door leaf and frame;
• installation using bolts - used when working with wood material;
• fastening with self-tapping screws - suitable for structures made from profiled sheets.

Based on placement, clamps are divided into hidden and internal. Their main differences lie in the installation method and decorative characteristics. When choosing garage hinges, the weight of the door is of great importance. Incorrect calculation of the expected load provokes skew of the canvas and difficulties with opening. For dense sheet steel with a large mass, it is recommended to purchase reinforced clamps.

With support bearing

Hinges equipped with a support bearing are the basic type of cylindrical type fasteners. The support bearing and swivel joint are reliably protected from external influences by the main body made of metal alloys.

Models with support bearings are intended for lightweight swing structures. The maximum permissible load is 100 kg. The clamps with support bearings are attached to the sashes and frame using a welding machine.

Cylindrical with additional reinforcement

Reinforced clamps are equipped with additional plates, which helps distribute the load over a large surface of the sashes or pillar. It is recommended to use cylindrical hinges with improved plates for thin profile structures. The parts are fixed to the swing gate leaves and frame by welding or screw connection.

Depending on the side of location, cylindrical reinforced hinges are divided into right and left. The diameter of the element is 50 mm. The maximum total load reaches 600 kg.

End-to-end

If it is not possible to secure the hinges by welding or screwing to the frame, a through type is used. For installation in the gate frame, mounting columns are drilled along the entire length, into which part of the retainer is threaded. For final fastening, nuts of the appropriate size are used. Thanks to a special fastening scheme, through-type fasteners can withstand loads of up to 200 kg.

Three-section invoices

For massive swing gates, it is necessary to increase the number of latches and choose a type with increased wear resistance. The best option is three-section models that can withstand the load of a heavy structure. The main advantages of overhead three-section hinges are:

• smooth sliding when opening and closing the gate;
• no creaking;
• reliable protection against burglary;
• preventing the sash from warping and sagging.

Boom loops

Garage boom hinges are suitable for attaching large swing doors, gates and thin-profile structures. The main distinguishing feature is the increased area of ​​the clamp, due to which it provides additional strength and prevents distortions.

At the connection points, the arrow loops are able to withstand increased stress. This is facilitated by uniform distribution along the entire length of the sash. The range of dimensions of the clamps varies up to 700 mm, which makes it possible to find the optimal option for any gate design. The fastening parts are made from durable sheet steel, which ensures a long service life.

Invoices

Despite the ease of installation, overhead types of hinges are highly reliable. The fasteners are made from durable materials, including steel alloys, brass and stainless steel, which significantly increases the variability of their use. Inside the housing there are 2-4 ball bearings necessary for smooth opening of the gate.

To fix the overhead hinges on the frame, you need to mark their exact location and secure it with self-tapping screws. The clamps are included in the universal category and are not divided into left- and right-handed ones. If after installation it becomes necessary to remove the canvas from the hinges, you will need to unscrew the screws.

Benefits of using teardrop hinges

In addition to the simplified installation scheme, this type of product is characterized by a number of other equally noticeable advantages. These include the following features:

• the presence of a special ball as part of the hinge structure, located at the end of the axis, and during the assembly process of the product rests against the bottom of the counter cylinder;
• the presence in the design of most drop-shaped hinges of a special mechanism that facilitates the process of lubrication of canopies. It is located at the top of the hinge and looks like a small hole that does not have any effect on the overall strength of the structure. A grease fitting is installed inside this recess, in the presence of which lubricant, poured in with a conventional syringe, is supplied to the moving parts of the product;
• Another important advantage of the design is the presence of a bearing. This addition, like the ball, is intended to reduce friction of mechanisms by reducing the area of ​​​​surfaces in contact with each other. The bearing is easy to lubricate from the outside, so it does not cause discomfort in operation.

Taking into account all the above listed features and advantages, we can say that teardrop-shaped hinges are one of the most popular options for door canopies today.

Step-by-step guide to installing corrugated sheet gates

1. The first step is to mark the location for the gate.
2. Next, holes for the pillars are dug at least one meter deep. Before digging in, the supports are treated with an anti-corrosion primer.

Post holes can be dug by hand or using an auger

The solution for strengthening the pillars must be compacted well.

To ensure that the gate stands level, before installation you need to position the gate and place a stone or brick under it

Locks, decorations, forged elements are installed on gates made of corrugated sheets last

The good thing about corrugated sheets is that they do not require painting. But you can purchase ready-made material, stylized as wood or stone. You can decorate the gate with forged elements or other decor - on top or along the door leaf. To decorate the gate, you can trim the top edge, but then it needs to be protected with a profile. If desired, the corrugated sheet can be painted with special paints that are resistant to external influences. You can only use the gate freely one month after installation.

What should gate hinges be like?

Metal gates are most often installed on garages and fences that protect the perimeter of the area. First of all, they perform security and protective functions, and only then decorative ones. Products in this category can weigh from 200 to 1500 kg. Therefore, in order for the structure to serve well for many years, it is necessary to select only fittings that are suitable in terms of strength.

Drawing with dimensions of gate hinges

Poor quality hinges or hinges that do not fit the gate lead to the following problems:

• cannot withstand the applied load and become deformed;
• the gate begins to sag;
• The doors no longer open easily and close tightly.

Buying high-quality hinges that best fit the gate means:

• provide the gate with all conditions for long-term service;
• forget about creaking and grinding noises when operating the sashes;
• provide the entrance to the yard or garage with maximum protection against burglary.

Modern fittings for garage structures function perfectly in any weather. Permissible temperature range:

• from – 400;
• up to +1200.

Gate hinge problem

Such products are manufactured and used for one purpose. It should ensure silent opening and closing of the gate, protect the door from sagging, guarantee easy turns, resist burglary, and cope with different weather conditions.

Of course, a high-quality product must last for many years without losing its original characteristics. Since there are several types of designs on the market, it is important to ensure that the listed requirements are fully met, only then can you make a purchase.

It is recommended to seek help from qualified specialists who can advise which option will be better in your case.

We must not forget that the hinges must have aesthetics and match the design of the entire product . Manufacturers pay special attention to presentation, so you can find beautiful models with carvings and forging elements. In addition, they can be square, cylindrical or hexagonal.

Mechanism selection

Main types of garage hinges

The rapid technological process affects many aspects of our lives, and even hinges for wooden gates (as well as metal ones) are no exception. If previously the fittings for garage doors were very simple and monotonous, today you can find many types of different hinges that differ in their features and advantages.

The table shows the main types.

Which gate hinges to choose from such a variety? If you are already overwhelmed by the wide range of modern stores, read on to find out the rules of choice.

Why hinge hinges are so good

It should be noted that hinged gate hinges are highly popular. It is largely due to the numerous advantages of such loops, which are listed below:

• Ease, smoothness and noiselessness of turning, subject to regular lubrication.
• Hinges for metal gates are highly resistant to burglary.
• Ability to withstand heavy loads, especially for hinges with a large hinge.
• No chance of spontaneous closing and opening (provided the garage door is installed correctly in a vertical plane).

The positive qualities mentioned above make it possible to install hinge hinges on gates made of corrugated sheets. Thus, the hinges that are installed inside the hinges are made of durable and reliable metals with decent performance characteristics. Thanks to this, not only the possible load on the hinges from heavy door leaves increases, but also their service life.

Cylindrical garage hinges in different sizes

It is important to select the correct number and parameters of hinges based on the weight of the gate door, for example:

• For a lightweight gate made of corrugated sheets, one hinge per hinge with a diameter of 25 mm is sufficient.
• For a standard gate door you will have to choose hinges with hinges with a diameter of 35 mm or more.
• If you plan to install a massive garage door, it is necessary to increase not only the diameter of the hinge, but also the number of such balls in one hinge (up to 2-3 pieces per leaf).

Classification of products according to GOST

Since there are a lot of varieties of hinges and manufacturers try to make them as functional, high-quality, durable and reliable as possible, it is customary to carry out a classification according to which they will be divided into certain groups. Thus, choosing the right one for you will be much easier and the choice will be made better.

According to GOST standards, hinges for swing gates can be of the following varieties:

• Cylindrical with support bearing.
• Cylindrical with reinforced structure.
• Hinges for gates and wickets are through.
• Hinges with the possibility of hidden installation.
• Three-section overhead hinges for gates.

Next, we will look at each of these varieties in more detail so that you understand exactly what each of the varieties is and what features and advantages it has.

Cylindrical with support bearing

This type of suspension has a very standard shape and appearance. They resemble a cylinder, which consists of two parts, one has a pin, and the other has a hole where this pin is installed. But their design is modified with a ball bearing.

Cylindrical with bearing: used for light metal sashes weighing no more than 400 kg. The hinges are attached by welding

On the part where the hole is, a ball bearing is installed inside, which allows the curtain to operate more smoothly with a significantly higher load on them. Very often, a hole is made on the opposite side of the bearing, which is closed with a special plug. By opening it, you can easily lubricate the bearing and improve the movement of the air curtain.

For gates, the best use case would be hinges with four or more bearings for smooth opening and closing.

Very often there are bearing loops in which the bearing is located not inside, but between two parts of the loop. Thus, it turns out that they both glide perfectly along it and significantly facilitate the process of opening or closing the gate leaf.

The disadvantage of this design is the difficulty of lubrication, due to the fact that the gate leaf or wicket must first be lifted in order to apply lubricant inside.

Reinforced gate models

They are considered reinforced due to the fact that they can withstand a significantly greater load than ordinary ones, thanks to the use of more durable metal. Also, a greater load is possible due to the fact that the walls and rod are much thicker, which significantly increases the load-bearing capacity and the maximum possible load on each loop.

If the reinforced loop is equipped with a bearing, then the balls are used with special markings, which shows their increased wear resistance and the maximum pressure that can be applied to them is much higher than that of simple bearings. Thus, on such ball bearings it is possible to wrap very heavy gates without much difficulty.

Through curtains

They are called through because a rod passes through them, which enters one end and protrudes slightly at the other. The simplest type of such loops consists of three elements: a pin for connecting two halves, a right and left loop.

Through hinges: can withstand light weights from 100 to 200 kg.

The loops are assembled according to the type of constructor, on one there is one loop, on the second there are two, through which the rod passes, reliably connecting them. You can also find varieties with the presence of not three, but four, five, six or more elements on each part of the loop.

Also, to simplify work, ball bearings can be installed between some of the hinges, which help work more smoothly and easily.

In order to make disassembling such a loop difficult or even impossible, a special plug is installed at the lower end, which prevents the pin from being removed. Most often it is welded, less often screwed. If such an element is not provided in the design, then a limiter is welded on top of the pin, which will protect it from being removed.

Secret hinges

These curtains have a special design that allows them to be easily hidden and hidden from view when the gate is in the closed position. Most often, the hinge itself is hidden in the sash frame, and is attached to the end part of the support posts and to the frame itself, only from the inside. The advantage of such curtains is that they are very difficult to detect and almost impossible to remove or cut without a special tool.

Canopies for technical sectional gates are most in demand in the case of a large mass of leaves.

Three-section industrial

They are similar in design to through ones, but are more cylindrical. The middle part of such loops is equipped with two pins that are directed in opposite directions. Empty cylinders are put on them on both sides and welded to the posts, after which it is impossible to remove such a loop without cutting.

Read also: How to level walls with a laser level

Loop welding technology

Before we talk about how to weld hinges on gates, it is worth taking a closer look at the conditions necessary for their normal operation.

Even if the load is calculated correctly, the hinges may not be able to cope with it if their position deviates even slightly from the vertical. They will quickly fail. And the second point: there should be a small gap of 1-2 mm between the hinge body and the support post so that the metal parts of the post and the mating part of the canopy do not touch or rub against each other. The same gap should be left on the side of the sash.

Peculiarities

To find hinges for gates, you need to know the main characteristics and parameters. Today, many consumers who choose this design and decide to install it themselves face difficulties when searching for components. The rich selection can confuse every beginner. It is necessary to purchase hinges according to certain parameters, selecting them for a specific gate design.

An important point is the placement of elements. Regarding installation, the hinges must be installed according to the instructions using the appropriate tools.

The material from which the doors are made matters, because they can be wooden, metal, or trimmed with different panels, which affects their weight. If the gate is large, you will need hinges that can withstand heavy loads. Otherwise, they will fail in the near future, and you will have to replace them.

Video description

To understand what we are talking about, watch the video

The nuances of installation on supports of different sections

The supporting posts on which the sashes are hung can be round, square or, less commonly, rectangular in cross-section. There is a difference between how to properly weld gate hinges to round posts or supports made of profile pipes.

If the profile pipe has smooth edges without bends or distortions, then it will be easy to cope with the task of how to properly weld gate hinges to square posts. They are installed on the outer plane of the support.

Canopy with plates on a square postSource distroy.ru

In the case of a round support, you must first decide in which direction the doors will open. Then they find the most protruding line (the middle of the pillar relative to the opening) and step back from it a few millimeters outward - in the direction of plowing. 5-6 mm is enough for the wicket or gate leaf to move smoothly and without jerking around the axis of the canopy. Since it is more difficult to weld hinges on gates to round posts than to square ones, here you need to be especially careful and attentive, maintaining the same indentation size for all hinges.

Installation and welding work

Experienced welders recommend first welding the canopies to the sashes, laying them on a flat horizontal surface. A half in the form of a hollow cylinder is welded to them, and a mating part with a pin (pin up) is subsequently welded to the supports. They retreat approximately 15 cm from the top and bottom edges.

Wicket frame with welded hingesSource www.chipmaker.ru

Then the sash with welded canopies is installed in the opening on stands that provide the required distance to the ground, and is rigidly fixed with clamps, pliers and other devices. They do this so that it stands strictly vertically, and there is a gap of 5 mm or so between it and the support. To do this, use a laser level or a plumb line, and spacers of the required thickness are inserted between the elements.

Other craftsmen prefer to first install the gate, and then weld the hinges to both it and the post. There is no big difference, everyone does what is convenient for them.

Another option is to make the upper and lower ribs of the frame whole when making the sashes and cut them after hanging them on the hinges. Source sqezo.ru

Now let’s talk about how to properly weld canopies on gates. The sequence of work looks like this:

• 1.5-2.5 mm thick wire is wrapped and twisted around the loops at the top and bottom to form a gap between it and the welding plane. You can place matches or other objects of suitable thickness, but they fall out, move or break, which is very inconvenient;
• The places where the canopies are attached are marked on the supports and an even long block or profile pipe is applied to them. Fix it level, ensuring a vertical position.

How to weld loops on a round pipe. We weld the hinges with our own hands

As you know, there are different types of gates and hinges should also be welded to them in different ways. Next, you will learn how to secure hinges on a round and square post. We will also tell you how hidden internal hinges are installed on gates or wickets and how to weld hinges on gates made of profile sheets.

Installing awnings on a round pole

In order for the awning to function normally on a round post, it needs to be slightly moved away from it. To do this, it is best to place a small metal plate under it, about two to three millimeters thick.

When welding canopies to a round post, push them outward by 5 mm on it and on the gate. This will eliminate the gap between them when closing.

Also, from the middle of the post, the loop should extend to the outside by five to six millimeters. Then the gate will be installed exactly in the middle, and the loop will be able to move along its axis without jamming and very smoothly.

We weld the curtains on a square support

Here it is already necessary to install the hinge flush. It is not necessary to make a lining, but it is better to play it safe and do it. First, apply a loop and grab it with several points so that it holds on its own.

You need to cook from bottom to top using small oven mitts and follow the order of work.

After this, take a flat wooden block or a metal corner and align the loop with it so that it stands level, simultaneously checking everything with a plumb line.

To eliminate possible welding deformations, the canopies must be welded to the canvas and the frame “crosswise”.

After both hinges are secured, you should put the gate on and check its movement, if everything is in order, continue welding. At the end, clean the seams with a grinder and you can paint them.

Installing hidden internal hinges

If you want to keep the hinges out of sight, making your gate more attractive, then you should use special hidden hinges for internal installation. But it is quite difficult to install such hinges and you need to have skill and dexterity in welding; if you are an unprofessional welder with experience, then you will not be able to master such work.

It is best to entrust the process to a professional, then the installation will be done efficiently and the gate will be installed reliably and for a long time. Of course, you will need to pay money for such work, but the quality is worth it.

Installed on a fence made of profile sheet

The process of installing hinges on such a fence is somewhat different from the standard one, although there is also nothing super complicated or time-consuming in it, you just need to have the desire and strive to get the highest quality result from the work done.

Metal hinges for gates made of corrugated sheets

So, the entire installation process consists of the following stages:

• Two small jumpers are made, align them parallel to the long side and secure them at the top and bottom, respectively.
• The distance between these jumpers will make it possible to install three such elements.
• We weld our hinges to the installed jumpers.
• The profile sheet must be screwed on top of the installed hinges, since during welding work it can simply burn and lose its attractive appearance. Garage door hinges are best suited for such purposes.

Why are mounting plates used?

Such plates help simplify work and lighten the load on the curtains. They are welded in advance before the installation of the hinges themselves begins.

The dimensions, shape and thickness of such plates will depend on the parameters of the gate that will be installed. In addition to lightening the load and installation, such elements can perform decorative functions.