“I need the hydraulic damper function, but I don’t need self-closing. I can’t find this solution in the market. Can Waterson help?” Donovan Teo, Hardware Distributor.
Traditional hydraulic hinges generally include both self-closing and damper control, which can be beneficial for users who want self-closing and no slamming doors at the same time. However, these two functions can’t be separated in traditional door-closing systems.
Recently, Mr. Teo contacted Waterson to locate a hydraulic door hinge that wouldn’t slam while in use . He hoped to avoid slamming that was not only hazardous to guests, but sounded terrible and tended to damage the door frames and other high-end components related to the entryways.
Anti Slam Hydraulic Door Hinge Design
To solve Teo’s problem, a heavy-duty soft close hydraulic hinge is an ideal option because of its oil buffer control and mechanical braking system. This hinge can be easily adjusted to slow a door and avoid violent slamming as needed. Each soft closing hinge is an innovative design with dual function that is located on opposite ends of the barrel. For example, the HA type provides a hydraulic damper (H) to close the door and a swing speed (A) to reduce the closing speed. Waterson offers six distinct types — DS, SA, SA1, HS, SB & HA (noted on the inside leaf). These can be configured to meet your particular needs.
For more information see the Hinge Model Table or read more on our hinge mechanism design.
Hydraulic Hinges Weight Capacity vs Traditional Hinges
Weight capacity should be the next consideration when you apply an anti-slam door hinge. Most customers when they reached Waterson, they all mentioned that “my old hinges just dropped out and a whole door collapsed”. Therefore, here are some weight feature comparisons between heavy duty hydraulic hinges and traditional hinges.
| Feature | Hydraulic Hinges | Traditional Hinges |
|---|---|---|
| Load-Bearing Capacity | High – Designed for heavy doors, load distribution | Moderate to Low – Suitable for standard doors |
| Support for Door Weight | Handles up to 260-440 lbs (varies by model) | Typically supports up to 100-150 lbs |
| Wear & Durability | Enhanced – Reduced strain due to hydraulic damping | Higher wear over time with increased strain |
| Best Applications | Heavy-duty industrial, commercial, residential doors (e.g., metal, wooden, glass, etc.) | lightweight doors |
| Maintenance Needs | Low – Hydraulic system reduces impact on the hinge | Moderate – More frequent adjustments over time |
Heavy-duty hydraulic hinges are truly a game-changer if you need a special load-bearing for your door. Not only will the hinge save your budget, it also saves your time in maintenance and energy to install and adjust. Read hydraulic door closer vs spring hinge comparison here.
But What Makes Waterson Heavy Duty Hydraulic Hinges so Special?
Waterson hydraulic door hinge incorporates several exceptional features to enhance door functionality and user experience:
- Door Stop Mechanism: Prevents wall damage by controlling the door swing.
- Hold Open: Allowing doors to remain open as needed.
- Fire-rated: Meet NFPA 80 and are UL 3-hour fire-rated.
- Hydraulic Action Zone (HAZ): Hydraulic mechanism decelerates door closing speed within the final 30°, ensuring safety and quiet operation.
- Adjustment Capabilities: Includes 3 setting adjustments to easily control the speed.
- Buffering Feature: Provides further control over door closing speed, ideal for doors that open ≤ 120° and operate in environments above 32°F (0°C)
Heavy Duty Hydraulic Hinges Application
For specialized applications, we recommend the following Waterson hinge solutions:
- Glass Hydraulic Hinges: Ideal for frameless glass doors, providing smooth, controlled closure while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
- Gate Hydraulic Hinges: Work on a certain degree of the door opening (≤ 120°) and the harsh temperature[> 32°F(0°C)].
- Garage Door Hydraulic Hinges: Suitable for heavy-duty garage doors, ensuring durable and reliable operation with fire-rated safety features.
- Heavy Door Hinges: For applications up to 440 lbs, our four-hinge sets provide robust support. For even greater load requirement, we recommend adding a fifth hinge for optimal stability and performance.
Go further with a case study of Waterson hydraulic hinges here. Or watch the video of 165 Office Doors at National Taiwan University (NTU) with Waterson Soft Closing Hinges below.
Before adjusting the buffer, you need to prepare the following three items:
- 3mm and 5mm hex wrenches (included in Waterson hinge set)
- Spreader bar (included with double spring (DS) hinge)
- Philips screwdriver
Next, watch the video below or read more details of Waterson Hinges Adjustment Instructions here to understand how to adjust buffer feature for self closing hinge.
Get The Best Heavy Duty Hydraulic Hinges with Waterson
Waterson Soft Close 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.
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.
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