Can Waterson Hinges Open Up to 180 Degrees

“Hi team, I am forwarding this request from M.R. regarding the Moreno Valley project. He specifically mentioned that the classroom doors must be able to swing 180 degrees to lay flat against the wall for safety and maximum clearance during student passing periods. We need to evaluate if our door hinges can meet this specific field requirement.”

In many institutional and commercial projects, doors are required to open fully to 180° to lay flat against the wall. When specifying 180 degree opening hinges, the real concern is not just rotation, but whether they can perform without compromising durability or control.

This lead us to a question: Can Waterson 180 degree opening hinges actually handle this challenging application?

Can Waterson Hinges Open Up to 180 Degrees?

Yes, Waterson mechanical 180 degree opening hinges can open fully to 180° under defined conditions. However, the optimal performance range is 0–120°, and frequent full extension is not recommended.

For best performance and full warranty protection, we recommend keeping the door swing at 120 degrees. While the hinge can physically open further to 180 degrees, repeated daily operation at full extension is not advised.

Please note that frequent use of our closer hinges at 180° will not be covered under warranty.

What Are the Constraints If I Swing the Door Over 120° Too Often?

There is no immediate failure. The effect is cumulative and performance-related.

So, What Should I Consider When Using Waterson 180 Degree Opening Hinges?

1. If a 180° opening is required, use mechanical self-closing 180 degree opening door hinges only, and keep the spring tension at Level 3 or below to help extend service life.
2. If you need to close the double door at different closing speeds to create coordinated door sequencing, use our speed control nut to help.

Proper tension setup is critical when installing door hinges for 180 degree opening in institutional or commercial settings.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

After All, Are Waterson 180 Degree Door Hinges an Ideal Solution

In the public school project in Moreno Valley, CA that we mentioned earlier, the specification required replacing 30 classroom doors (3’ W × 80” H hollow metal doors with aluminum frames). A traditional surface-mounted door closer could not be used because it would interfere with the minimum head height clearance of 78″.

In this case, Waterson self closing 180 degree hinges for interior doors are an effective solution. Although we restrict routine daily use to the full 180° range, occasional wide-angle opening can be accommodated when properly installed and tension-adjusted.

How Do Waterson 180 Degree Opening Hinges Maintain Control and Clearance

Waterson 180 degree hinges for interior doors are not designed only to achieve maximum opening angle. They are engineered to maintain controlled closing performance, durability, and safety even in high-cycle environments.

• Spring Loaded Self Closing: Automatically closes the door after each use to maintain safety and compartmentalization.
• Wide Opening Angle: Capable of reaching 180° under proper field conditions.
• Fire Rated: Meet UL-listed for 3-hr fire doors and compliant with NFPA 80 standard for fire door assemblies.
• Latch Verification Performance: Provides sufficient closing force to ensure proper latching.
• Stainless Steel: Available in 304 or 316 SST for durability and corrosion resistance.
• ANSI/BHMA A156.17 Grade 1: Tested for over 1,000,000 cycles in high-traffic conditions.
• ADA Compliance: Opening force under 5 lb and closing time ≥ 5 seconds when properly adjusted.
• Adjustability: Numerical tension panel allows precise calibration.
• Custom Finish: Polished Satin/Black/Brass/Bronze tailored to the interior scheme.
• Easy Installation: Standard full mortise configuration with 78” clear installation guidance.
• Wide Application Range: Suitable for classroom doors, fire-rated doors, hotel rooms, stairwells, and commercial environments.

Our 180 degree opening hinges are not simply designed for maximum angle, they are engineered for controlled performance in demanding environments.

Some FAQs About 180 Degree Opening Door Hinges

Waterson Self Closing 180 Degree Opening Door Hinges

Waterson self closing 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 custom hinge 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.

Request For Quote

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.

Recent Post