My gate is showing hold open at 90 degrees and won’t close unless it is pushed. I don’t need and didn’t request a hold-open function— why does it happen and how can I fix this?

Recently, we received a client’s feedback about Waterson gate hinges installed on a lightweight gate. The customer noted that his gate stopped and held open at 90°, which required a push to initiate the closing.

Waterson usually receives similar adjustment requests. To ensure proper functionality, it’s important to fine-tune both tension and speed settings to suit your gate’s weight and swing behavior. And here is the step-by-step guideline on how to do it.

Step 1: Know Your Hinge Model

Please note that Waterson heavy duty gate hinges offer a variety of product codes including K51P, K51PS, K51MP, K51W/WP, and among others. However, the adjustment process remains consistent and is categorized based on codes A, B, C, and D.

type of gate hinges

Step 2: Read the Adjustment Instructions

Waterson self closing gate hinges are easily adjustable and re-adjustable. On the top and bottom of Waterson hinges, there are the top tension setting and bottom speed setting respectively. Besides, all the needed tools for adjustment are also included in the hinge set box. Please based on the Adjustment Instructions of your hinge set to adjust these gate hinges properly.

For example:

Stainless Steel Self Closing Gate Hinges K51P-A3 is a set of 3 hinges/gates (SA.SA.SA1). Therefore, you should go to Set A3 (SA.SA.SA1) – A.3 How To Adjust, or watch the Youtube video for Set A3 (SA.SA.SA1) for more information.

Step 3: Re-check the Gate Hinges Movement

After adjusting, swing the gate several times to check for smooth self-closing and proper alignment. Re-adjust if needed.

Still Can’t Get Your Gate Hinges Adjusted? Contact Waterson Support Team

Waterson’s Support Team is always here to help — 24/7. However, to resolve your issue efficiently, we need clear visual information on EACH HINGE settings and installation.

Please follow the steps below before sending your support request:

  • Step 1: Take a photo of the bottom adjustment screw and hinge type marking (SA, SA1, etc.) on each hinge.
  • Step 2: Take a photo of the current tension setting on each hinge.
  • Step 3: Record 10-15s of your gate performance to help us understand your issue and provide accurate support.
  • Step 4: Send all the information to Waterson Contact Us Form

Watch a short instruction on how to send Waterson an adjusting request.

In case of performance issues or you need to deactivate the mechanism, we recommend resetting your Waterson self-closing hinges to factory settings. See how to reset Waterson self-closing hinges here.

Waterson Hinges provides not only an English version, but also in Tagalog, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Do you think we need more languages available? Send us your opinion now!

Waterson Spring Loaded Self Closing Gate Hinges

Waterson Self Closing Gate Hinges combine an overhead hinge into one attractive component with optional hold-open and door-stop features. These hinges are ideal for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors. The hinges are easily installed and adjusted to comply with ADA & ICC A117.1 requirements for opening force and to assure quiet, secure closing. Made with stainless steel, Waterson hinges meet NFPA 80 and are UL 3-hour fire-rated, as well as being suitable for both interior and all-weather exterior openings. See all our features.

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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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