What Does a Pivot Hinge Do?

Hinge Placement

• The hinges mount to the door frame below and above the door. The hinge extends into the door opening with a pin extending up from the bottom hinge and down from the top hinge. Hinge fittings fastened to the door fit over the pins to hold the door in place. The door can then pivot on the hinges in both directions. An example of a pivot hinge door is the old bat-wing saloon doors sometimes seen in old western films.

Pros and Cons

• Aside from the ability to swing in both directions, the pivot hinge has some other advantages. The hinge system carries the entire weight of the door on the bottom hinge, with the top hinge stabilizing the door. The door actually stands away from the door frame. This allows the pivoting action but makes it difficult to weather strip the door or seal the door to the frame.

Other Options

• Use pivot hinges in specialized situations where the pivoting action of the door is necessary. Strap hinges, or other forms of hinges, work best in situations where the door will swing in only one direction or when the door must seal against the door frame.

Special Uses

• Pivot hinges are used in several everyday situations. The doors used in restroom partitions commonly utilize pivot hinges. The doors are sometimes blocked to only swing in one direction. However, the hinges allow the door to swing in either direction as necessary. A more extreme example of a pivot hinge is the revolving door. This door is held in place by hinges at the top and bottom that allows the door to pivot around a central hinge.