Quick Answer

Stand on the pull side of the door. Hinges on the left = left hinge. Hinges on the right = right hinge. For a faster check, open the door, stand with your back against the hinges, and see where the knob is.

Not sure which to order? Waterson K51M models are non-handed and work on either side with no orientation needed.

It sounds simple, but right hinge vs left hinge is one of the most common causes of installation delays, incorrect orders, and return requests. And the confusion grows when you switch between manufacturers, code requirements, and material types.

Recently, one of our customers finally asked the one question that shouldn’t be asked this late:

Do Waterson Hinges have a left and a right option? Or can they work upside down?

So why don’t we start directly with the question most people really want answered?

right hinge vs left hinge

What are Left Hinges (LH) and Right Hinges (RH)?

A left-hand door uses a left hinge; a right-hand door uses a right hinge. The simplest and most accurate way to determine handing is as follows:

  • Stand on the pull side—the side where the door opens toward you.
  • Look at the hinges:
    • Hinges on the left → Left-hand door (left hinge)
    • Hinges on the right → Right-hand door (right hinge)

This is the foundation of every right hinge vs left hinge conversation, and it ensures you choose the correct model before installation. But what if you’re already onsite and need to confirm handing fast without relying on which side you’re standing on?

right hinge vs left hinge

How Do You Determine Right Hinge vs Left Hinge?

When you need zero ambiguity, use the installer’s method:

  1. Open the door fully.
  2. Stand inside the doorway with your back against the hinges.
  3. Check where the knob is:
    • Knob on your right → Right-hand / right hinge
    • Knob on your left → Left-hand / left hinge

This technique works consistently across wood, metal, and aluminum frames—especially when dealing with renovation projects where the pull/push orientation may not be obvious.

Do Waterson Hinges Require Left or Right Models?

Yes, Waterson not only manufactures stainless steel self-closing hinges in left-hand and right-hand configurations, but we also provide non-handed options.

Non-Handed Models (No Left / No Right Required)

If you see any stainless steel Waterson model with the letter M is non-handed. The M stands for “full-motise”, and these models can be installed on either left or right doors and are not orientation-dependent.

  • K51M: Full mortise door hinges for commercial wood and metal doors.
  • K51MP: Butt hinges for heavy wood and metal fence gates.
  • K51P / K51PS: Full surface hinges, with and without back plate
  • K51W: Side Mount Self-closing Gate Hinge without Cap
  • K51GM / K51GG: Soft-closing glass door hinges for heavy commercial glass panels, available in glass-to-frame and glass-to-glass hinges.
  • W41M / W41K: Aluminum hinges for residential doors, including full mortise and interfold designs.

right hinge vs left hinge

Handed Models (Left vs Right Hinge Selection)

The following product families are handed. They are engineered with directional geometry for specific swing orientations:

  • K51WP : Side-mount gate hinges with cap; right-handed
  • K51WPN: Side-mount gate hinges with cap; left-handed
  • K51GWL: glass-to-wall hinges; handed

Installation drawings and handing charts are available on the Waterson Download Page.

If you are unsure whether your application requires a right hinge vs left hinge, please contact our technical team to confirm based on door width, frame conditions, and opening clearance.

When Self Closing and Soft Closing Hinges Cover Every Side Need

Whether you select left hinge, right hinge, or a non-handed M-series, the engineering behind Waterson hinges ensures consistent performance across commercial and architectural environments.

Below are some outstanding features for your current projects:

Frequent Asked Question


Not for handed self-closing hinges. The spring and hydraulic mechanism is built to close in one direction, so flipping it will not reverse the closing action. If you need flexibility, choose a non-handed model such as the K51M, which works on either side.


LH and RH describe which side the hinges are on. LHR and RHR (left hand reverse, right hand reverse) describe doors that swing outward toward the viewer. Some manufacturers use these terms for locks and closers, which is a common source of ordering mistakes.


A handed self-closing hinge installed on the wrong side will try to close the door in the wrong direction. The door may not close, may stay forced open, and the hinge can be damaged.


Model number, door handing (LH or RH if the model is handed), door width, door weight, frame material, and required features such as hold-open or fire rating.

Request For Information

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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