A pivot hinge is the type of hinge used on pivot doors. This hinge consists of a hinge system and a top hinge that sits on the inside of the door.
(The components of a pivot hinge)
A pivot hinge is very different from a normal pin hinge. Bolt hinges attach to the frame and side of the door. Pivoting hinges are usually embedded in the top and bottom of the door , always on a vertical axis.
The placement of these pivot hinges defines what makes a pivot door unique. A pivot door is essentially a pivot panel that rotates on an axis. This vertical axis carries the weight of the door toward the floor, while a bolt-hinged door hangs on the hinges.
How do pivot hinges work?
There are different types of pivot hinges that work differently. One such type is the spring-loaded pivot hinge. This type of hinge is simple and works with a spring that is compressed when the door is opened and released to close it.
Another type of pivot hinge is the hydraulic pivot hinge . This type of system works with oil that moves within the system according to the movement of the door.
Oil is pressed through small channels when the door opens, creating just the right amount of resistance so the door opens smoothly without gaining too much speed. When the door closes, oil flows back through these small channels, again creating just the right volume of resistance for the door to close smoothly and at the proper speed.
A hydraulic pivot hinge can have several features , which are made possible thanks to the systems' hydraulic technology.
Most pivot hinges offer several holding positions : positions in which the door will no longer open or close when the door is held still at that point. Depending on the type of door, the retention positions can be 90°, -90° and 0°. 360° revolving doors or pivot walls can benefit from pivot hinges that offer holding positions at every 45° in addition to the standard 90° angles.
A soft close is more than just a luxury feature. Slamming doors can be very annoying, especially when the doors are used frequently. In hydraulic pivot hinges, soft closing is created by building up high oil pressure by narrowing the channels just before the door closes.
Some pivot hinges also offer a detent feature, which prevents the door from touching or hitting the adjacent wall, door, or furniture. This feature works in the same way as soft closing.
Speed Control is a rare feature only found on some pivot hinge systems. It allows determining the speed of the door throughout a part of its movement. This adjustment possibility is found, for example, in the System M+ pivot hinge from FritsJurgens.
Lastly, there is the latch control . This setting is primarily intended for exterior or latch doors and provides the door with extra speed at the end of the door movement. This helps ensure that the door closes properly.
Are the pivot hinges self-closing?
Yes, a pivot hinge can be self-closing depending on the type of hinge you choose. FritsJurgens offers several self-closing pivot hinge systems, such as the System M+.
What are the advantages of pivot hinges?
One of the main advantages of a pivot hinge is the design freedom it offers.
Thanks to the pivot hinges applied to them, pivot doors can be much larger than doors with standard hinges. You can design large pivot doors that measure 7 meters high and 2 meters wide. They are not limited to the standard measurements of traditional doors.
(6 meter high pivoting entry door – Designed by Gavin Maddock)
The location of the pivot hinge also allows pivot doors to be much heavier than doors with regular hinges. A normal door hangs on the door frame on one side. The weight of a traditional hinged door that is too heavy will end up damaging the hinges, the door, or even the frame.
(300kg wooden door: designed by Fuse Architects and Builders. Manufactured by Custom built by Architectural Millwork and Design. Photographed by Jesse Beer)
The weight of a pivoting door is distributed much better. The load is distributed through the pivoting hinge and to the floor without pulling on the door frame. The door frames are even unnecessary.
This freedom of measurements and weight creates enormous freedom with respect to door materials. Pivot doors, both interior and exterior, can be made from almost any material imaginable, from wood and steel to copper and marble.
Another advantage of a pivot hinge is the fact that it is hidden . There are several types of pivot hinges, but when you choose a type that is recessed inside the door, you only see a small plate on the floor and ceiling. Some brands, such as FritsJurgens, even have these plates in various designs. This way, all attention can go to the door and its design, and the hinges do not cause unnecessary distractions.
(Concealed door with hidden pivot hinges by FritsJurgens - Manufactured by Breitenthaler. Photography by Elena Egger)
A pivot hinge applies to almost all types of situations . Whether it is an exterior door or an interior door, whether it is a new or existing situation, a hinge and pivot door are a great solution.
There are pivoting hinges on the market that will be able to withstand all types of circumstances: hot or cold, very dry or very humid environments. There are several certificates for different types of corrosion resistance that you can check if you doubt whether the hinge suits your situation.
How much weight can a pivot hinge support?
A pivoting hinge can support between 20 and 500 kg. This depends on the type of pivot hinge you choose. FritsJurgens pivot hinges can support doors weighing between 20 and 500 kg, depending on the design of your door.
Which door hinge supports the most weight?
The System M+ from FritsJurgens is the most weight-bearing door hinge. This hinge will be able to support doors weighing up to 500kg, while controlling the movement of the door effortlessly.
(System M+ FritsJurgens)