Spring hinges are a type of hinge that use a spring mechanism to automatically close doors, gates, and other objects. The spring provides a self-closing action that can be useful in a variety of applications. However, sometimes the spring tension on a hinge needs to be adjusted so that the door or gate closes at the desired speed and force. There are a few different methods for adjusting spring hinge tension depending on the specific type of hinge.
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What is a spring hinge and how does it work?
A spring hinge contains a spring inside the barrel or knuckle of the hinge. The spring pushes against the hinge components to create a self-closing action. When the door or gate is opened, the spring compresses. The stored energy in the compressed spring then pushes the door closed once pressure is released.
Spring hinges come in a variety of types like single-action, double-action, continuous, and exposed spring hinges. But they all operate on the basic principle of using spring tension to close the hinged object. The amount of force exerted by the spring depends on how far it has to compress and extend during the swing motion.
Why would you need to tension a spring hinge?
There are a few reasons why you may need to tension or adjust the spring on a hinge:
– To increase or decrease the closing force and speed. If the door is slamming shut too quickly, you can reduce the tension so it closes more gently. If the door is not fully closing or not closing quickly enough, you can increase the tension.
– The spring has weakened over time. Spring hinges can lose some of their tension after prolonged use. Tightening the spring can help restore the original closing force.
– The door or gate weight has changed. If a heavier gate has been installed, more spring tension may be needed to properly close it. Or if weight has been removed from the door, the spring tension might need to be decreased.
– The hinge was recently installed or replaced. New hinges often need tension adjustment to get the optimal setting.
– Seasonal changes to humidity or temperature. Wood doors and gates can swell and contract with humidity changes, altering how much spring force is needed.
How to Tension Different Spring Hinge Types
There are several methods for adjusting spring tension depending on the specific type of hinge.
Single-Action Spring Hinges
Single-action spring hinges contain a single torsion or coil spring inside the barrel of the hinge. They only provide closing force in one direction from the open to closed position. Single-action hinges are common on gates, cabinets, and some doors.
To increase tension:
– Use an Allen wrench or hex key to loosen the setscrew located on the end of the spring hinge barrel, often behind a plug.
– Rotate the plug to wind and tighten the internal spring. Rotating clockwise increases tension.
– Tighten the setscrew to lock the plug and maintain the adjusted tension.
To decrease tension:
– Loosen the setscrew and rotate the plug counter-clockwise to unwind the spring and reduce tension.
– Tighten the setscrew when the desired tension is reached.
Double-Action Spring Hinges
Double-action spring hinges contain two separate coil springs in the barrel assembly. One spring provides closing force from the closed to open position. The other spring returns the door from open to closed. This allows the door or gate to swing freely in both directions.
To increase tension:
– The closing spring is usually adjusted by turning a hex adjustment screw located on the bottom of the hinge barrel. Turning it clockwise increases tension.
– The opening spring is adjusted by loosening a setscrew on the end of the barrel and rotating the plug, similar to single-action hinges.
To decrease tension:
– Turn the closing spring hex screw counter-clockwise.
– For the opening spring, rotate the plug counter-clockwise after loosening the setscrew.
Continuous Spring Hinges
Continuous spring hinges utilize a long, coiled spring that runs the full length of the hinge barrel. They provide a consistent closing force along the entire door or gate.
To increase tension:
– Insert a hex key into the tension adjustment screw found on one end of the hinge.
– Turn the hex key clockwise to tighten the spring and increase tension.
To decrease tension:
– Turn the hex adjustment screw counter-clockwise to reduce spring tension.
Exposed Spring Hinges
Exposed spring hinges have visible springs that provide self-closing ability. The tension on each spring can be adjusted individually.
To increase tension:
– Rotate the spring winder using the provided tensioning key until the desired tension is reached. Winding clockwise increases tension. The spring should be wound evenly across its length.
To decrease tension:
– Use the tensioning key to rotate the spring winders counter-clockwise to relieve tension. Again, wind evenly from both ends.
How to Measure Spring Tension
It can be difficult to quantify exactly how much force a spring hinge exerts. But you can compare the relative tension before and after adjustment using a few simple methods.
By Feel
Estimate tension changes by carefully feeling the closing speed and force of the hinge before and after adjustment. Open the door or gate fully and allow it to close without assistance. Repeat this motion before and after tensioning the spring. The general speed and smoothness provides a sense of the tension modification even if it can’t be measured precisely.
Spring Scale
Use a small spring scale like those designed for fishing to check pull weight. Attach the scale to the end of the gate or door. Gently pull until the door just cracks open while noting the reading on the scale. Compare this measurement before and after tension adjustments. Any increase or decrease in the grams or pounds of pull force equates to a change in spring tension.
Stopwatch
Use a stopwatch to time how long it takes for the door or gate to close from a fully open position without assistance. Measure this time before and after tensioning the spring hinge. Faster close times indicate increased tension, while slower times signal reduced tension. Just make sure the starting and ending open/closed points are consistent each time.
Angle Measurement
Use a protractor to measure and note the resting or closed angle of the hinged door or gate. Then increase or decrease spring tension as desired. Check the closed angle again. If the door now rests at a smaller angle from its frame, it indicates increased tension. A larger resting angle means reduced spring tension.
How Much Tension is Needed?
The optimal spring hinge tension can vary depending on the size and weight of the door or gate and its purpose. Here are some general guidelines:
– Interior doors: 1.5 – 3 lbs of closing tension
– Exterior doors: 3 – 6 lbs of closing tension
– Light gates/fences: 3 – 7 lbs of tension
– Heavy gates: 7 – 15 lbs of tension
Lighter tension is preferable for interior doors so they close smoothly and quietly without excessive force. Exterior doors and gates often need higher tension to overcome wind resistance, ensure full closure, and provide security.
Start with small tension adjustments and check the results until the desired closing speed and force is attained. Increased tension beyond what is required to properly close the door generally offers no benefit and just increases wear on the hinge.
Troubleshooting
Door or gate not closing fully
If a door or gate is not closing completely, the most likely cause is insufficient spring tension. Tighten the spring following the appropriate steps for the hinge type to provide more closing force so the door or gate fully engages into the closed position.
Door slamming closed too quickly
If a door is consistently slamming with excessive force, the spring tension probably needs to be reduced. Follow the tensioning steps to slightly unwind the spring and lower its closing power until the door or gate closes smoothly.
Hinge not closing at all
If a spring hinge provides no self-closing action, the spring may be broken or missing tension. For hinges with visible springs, inspect that the spring is still intact along its entire length. On hinges with internal springs, remove any cover plugs and verify the spring is still functional by pressing on it with a tool and feeling for resistance. Replace broken or missing springs.
Uneven closure
If a gate or door closes unevenly or binds, the spring tension may not be balanced. Check that single-action springs are wound evenly from both ends. On exposed spring hinges, verify even tension on both springs. Adjust as needed until door or gate closure is smooth.
Conclusion
Adjusting the spring tension on hinges is a useful skill for optimizing the self-closing function on doors and gates. Carefully follow the steps outlined for your specific hinge type to increase or decrease tension. Test the results until the desired closing speed and force is attained. Proper spring hinge tension helps ensure smooth, reliable closure without slamming.