Waterson self closing door hinges are engineered for smooth, controlled, and ADA-compliant door movement. However, not all types of door locks pair well with their unique anti-slam, low-resistance mechanism. If you’re considering combining Waterson heavy duty spring hinges with bolt locks, magnetic locks, or electric strike locks—here’s what you should know before proceeding.
1. Bolt Locks
What is a Bold Lock
A bolt lock, or deadbolt, is the lock hardware that secures the door by sliding a solid metal bolt into a strike plate. It doesn’t rely on a spring but needs precise alignment between the door and frame to lock properly. It’s commonly used where higher security is needed.
Why it’s not ideal for Waterson Hinges
Waterson self closing door hinges usually close smoothly with low force. They’re not designed to push the bolt firmly into place. If the frame is slightly off or the door isn’t perfectly aligned, the bolt may not catch—leading to incomplete or failed locking.
Credit on Soca
2. Magnetic Locks
What is a Magnetic Lock
A magnetic lock, or maglock, uses an electromagnetic force to keep the door closed. It has two main parts: an electromagnet installed on the door frame and a metal plate mounted on the door. When powered, the magnet creates a strong hold that keeps the plate—and the door—locked in place. To work properly, the door needs to make full, direct contact with the magnet surface.
Why it’s not ideal for Waterson hinges
The gradual closing of Waterson soft closing spring loaded hinges may not press the door firmly enough against the magnet, especially if the door frame is slightly misaligned or warped. The result? It leads to a weak or failed locking, which creates an unsafe security gap.
Credit on Zetek UAE
3. Electric Strike Locks
What is an Electric Strike Lock
An electric strike is a locking device installed in the door frame. It works together with a latch or deadbolt. When power is supplied—through a keycard, access panel, or remote signal—the strike releases, letting the latch in and securing the door. This setup is common in access control systems for commercial buildings and requires the latch to align and seat properly to lock.
Why it’s not ideal for Waterson Hinges
Electric strike locks are more sensitive than standard mechanical ones. They need both precise latch alignment and timing—the strike only stays unlocked briefly after receiving power. Waterson hinges close the door at a steady, controlled pace. While the force is adjustable, the motion is designed to be smooth—not forceful or fast. That means the latch might not reach the strike pocket in time or may miss it if the frame is slightly off.
Unlike spring hinges that “slam” the door into place, Waterson’s smooth close doesn’t force alignment—leading to partial latching or failed locking in some cases.
Credit on TopLock
Summary table: Types of door locks that don’t work well with Waterson Hinges
| Lock Type | Main Requirement | Why it Conflicts with Waterson Hinges |
|---|---|---|
| Bolt Lock | Strong force to engage bolt | Waterson closes softly, so it lacks force to push bolt fully |
| Magnetic Lock | Full contact with magnet surface | Waterson may notpress door tight enough |
| Electric Strike | Precise latch alignment + powered release | Waterson may cause latch misalignment or partial closure |
Can Waterson Hinges Still Be Trusted for Safety and Security?
Absolutely. Waterson self closing and soft closing spring hinges are highly reliable—when paired with the right hardware. They’re built for commercial use with ADA compliant, fire rated, and hold open features. When combined with latch-less entry systems, roller latches, or magnetic catches that don’t depend on forceful latching, they perform smoothly and consistently.
With precision adjustable closing speed and anti slam features, Waterson spring loaded hinges offer a balance of safety, control, and durability. In fact, almost every type of door lock can work perfectly with Waterson self and soft closing spring hinges—as long as it doesn’t rely on forceful latching or tight timing.
Compatible types of door locks include: roller latch, ball catch, magnetic catch (non-electric), panic bar, etc.
Waterson Heavy Duty Self and Soft Closing Door Hinges
Waterson self closing spring loaded door hinges combine the function of an overhead closer and a hinge into a single, sleek component—complete with optional hold-open and door-stop features. Designed for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors, these hinges are easy to install and adjust to meet ADA and ICC A117.1 standards for opening force, while ensuring quiet and secure closure. Crafted from durable stainless steel, they are NFPA 80 compliant, UL 3-hour fire-rated, and built to perform reliably in both interior and all-weather exterior environments. See all our features.
In addition to these performance advantages, Waterson offers flexible customization services. As a direct manufacturer, we can tailor hinge sizes, finishes, and especially hinge leaf designs to meet the specific structural needs of your doors. This makes our hinges an ideal solution for door manufacturers seeking custom options that integrate seamlessly with their existing frames.
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Please note that Waterson closer hinges start from a size of 4″x4″. If you’re in need of smaller self-closing hinges, we’d recommend checking out some other resources! Also, we only provide single acting closer hinges. Thank you.
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