Spray Painting: A simple spray paint application by the customer is perfectly fine and will not affect the functionality of the hinges, provided the unit is not disassembled.

Powder Coating: We strongly advise against customers powder coating the fully assembled closer themselves, as high temperatures and thick coatings can compromise internal mechanisms, seals, and adjustments. However, we can accommodate custom powder coating colors according to your requirements before final assembly at our facility.

Yes. Waterson closer hinges have been specified for projects in Canada.

One recent example is a 425-set residential project at Modern Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Village in downtown Vancouver, a new rental residential development offering studio through four-bedroom units.

The project addresses a common challenge in multifamily residential construction: doors need reliable self-closing performance, but conventional surface-mounted door closers may not be desirable, while traditional spring hinges can require more frequent adjustment or replacement over time.

Waterson closer hinges integrate the hinge and self-closing mechanism into one component, providing the required closing function while maintaining a cleaner door appearance and reducing the need for separate surface-mounted closer hardware.

For architects, hardware consultants, contractors, and distributors working on Canadian projects, our team can help review application requirements and recommend the appropriate hinge configuration.

Yes. Waterson closer hinges are cUL certified for use in Canada and are suitable for Canadian fire-rated door applications when used as part of an approved fire-rated door assembly.

This provides Canadian architects, hardware consultants, and contractors with a tested closer hinge option for projects requiring fire-rated openings.

Yes! Under the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (TAA), Taiwan is a designated country. As a result, products and services sourced from Taiwan are treated equally to domestic U.S. products for federal procurement purposes, effectively waiving Buy American restrictions.

This means our products are fully compliant for U.S. federal procurement, with Buy American Act (BAA) restrictions waived under the Trade Agreements Act (TAA).

Yes! Our hydraulic hinges can be used on exterior gates. Just keep in mind that hydraulic closer hinges only work on a certain degree of the door opening (≤ 120°) for the best performance and durability.

Additionally, hydraulic fluid naturally flows slower in cold temperatures and faster in hot temperatures, which means the closing speed may vary with day and night temperature changes. This is a common characteristic of all hydraulic products.

If needed, closing speed can be adjusted using the Allen wrench included in the package.

Our full return policy, including return conditions, restocking fees, and how to request an RMA, is available on our Return Policy page: Check Waterson Hinges Return Policy here.

At this time we only provide self-closing closer hinges for vertical doors. 

It’s not leaking. Don’t worry, we simply added a bit of lubricant between the washers to improve initial performance. After a brief period of time the inner components will become smooth after the hinge breaks in. Self-closing performance will not be hindered in any way.
Simply wipe the lubricant with a soft cloth.

Waterson hinges can be both in-swing and out-swing, however, the fastening screws will always be facing on the in-swing side.

Waterson hinges are non-handed and can be inverted as needed. View this drawing to learn more.

This feature holds the door open at 90 degrees, and it only contains the door temporarily. With a light push of the door to below 80 degrees, the self-closing feature takes over and closes the door. Also, it doesn’t stop the door from opening too wide.

Unfortunately, the hold-open feature does not coexist with fire-rated doors.

Waterson Closer Hinges are all non-handed design.

Hydraulic hinges have a buffering feature that allows the door to close even slower when entering a certain angle, can only use on the door that opens ≤ 120° and at temperature > 32°F (0°C)

Mechanical hinges set (A3, A4) perform self-closing functions for frequently used doors, it is quiet but not as quiet as the hydraulic hinges (B3, B4). For further information please see this Solution page.

No, that is just a precaution to prevent the hinges from being easily damaged in the future. It will not damage directly, but it does make the hinge more prone to damaging, which lessens the lifetime of the hinge.

Yes, we do, our installation kits include screws for wooden and metal doors, shims to adjust the gap between the door and the frame, and an allen wrench for tension adjustment.

Waterson hinges work as a system; each hinge provides a different closing and speed control function. In theory, you could combine Waterson hinges with other ANSI 156.7 compatible hinges, however, we cannot guarantee the function and longevity in such a circumstance. Therefore we would not be able to honor the warranty. We recommend only using a set of Waterson hinges on any particular door.

Yes. Waterson hinges are perfect for outdoors, We usually provide K51MP for exterior use.

Follow the ANSI standard, the door below 7″ needs 3 hinges and the door below 8″ needs 4 hinges. Please take a look at this Configuration Sheet.

Both of them hold the same weight. It is based on the size of the door, depending on your application it is possible to use 2-4 hinges on a door.

We do offer 316 marine grade stainless steel, but it requires longer lead time.

Yes, Waterson hinge meets the USA standard (ANSI/BHMA A156.7, Template Hinge Dimensions) Therefore, you can safely replace the existing hinges with Waterson hinge.

We do, but we only offer this option to the customer who purchases self-closing hinges from us. Please Contact Us if you need any further assurance.

Waterson hinges perform best in a swing zone from 0˚ to 120˚. Whereas our hydraulic hybrid hinge open limit is 120˚, the mechanical can be opened beyond 120˚up to 180˚. That said, we do not suggest keeping the mechanical over 120˚ for long periods of time; frequently extending beyond 120˚ will damage the mechanism and decrease its lifespan.  Please note that excessive use over 120˚will not be covered by warranty. 

We suggest to spot weld our hinges under the condition that the hinges are well-adjust to exactly the user’s desire and making sure there are no further adjustments need to be made.