Self Close vs Soft Close Hinges: Two Different Needs, Explained
Most commercial self-closing hinges still adopt either spring or hydraulic damper for [...]
4 Inch Self Closing Door Hinges for Residential & Commercial Doors
Quick Answer Waterson 4-inch self-closing hinges (K51M-400) fit standard 4" x 4" templates on 1-3/8" or 1-3/4" residential doors, in mechanical or hydraulic versions with [...]
Do Garage Doors Need to Be Self Closing and Soft Closing? Code + Safety
Quick Answer Yes, in most U.S. jurisdictions. The 2021 IRC (R302.5.1) requires the door between an attached garage and the house to be self-latching and [...]
Spring Hinges vs Door Closers: Pros, Cons & Cost Compared
Quick Answer Spring hinges mount on the door edge like regular hinges, cost less, and stay invisible, but basic models can slam the door. Overhead [...]
BEST Self Closing Door Hinges Ever: How to Define
A small detail like a hinge could affect the overall perfection of your design! A wrong choice could cost you both quality and reputation. Careful [...]
Soft Closing Hinges: 9 Most Frequently Asked Questions
Since the AIA in 2018, there has been an increased interest in Waterson hinges for many different projects. We have been inundated with questions by [...]
NFPA 80 Residential Fire Door Requirements: 13 Point Inspection Checklist
Quick Answer NFPA 80 is the standard that defines minimum requirements for fire door installation, inspection, and maintenance in buildings. It requires fire doors to [...]
Can a Tension Hinge Hold a Door Open? When to Specify a Hold Open Hinge
Quick Answer No. Waterson closer hinges are spring-powered self-closing hinges, not friction hinges, so tightening the speed control will not make a door stay at [...]
How to Fix Spring Hinges (and When Fixing Isn’t Enough)
Quick Answer Yes, many spring hinge problems like slamming and vibration can be fixed by lubricating, adjusting tension, or re-aligning the door, but traditional spring [...]
How to Secure Your Smart Home Ecosystem in 2026
Smart homes are convenient. They're also complex. A single household can now host dozens of connected devices — lights, smart locks, thermostats, cameras, speakers, and [...]