Soft Close vs Self Close Hinges Overview

Soft close vs self close hinges are ideal for a variety of commercial applications, environments and conditions. Choose either Mechanical self closing or Hydraulic Hybrid soft closing depending upon your particular door closing needs.

CLOSING TYPE	MODEL #	DOOR TYPE	USAGE
**Mechanical Only	K51M-450-A3 K51M-450-A4 K51M-450-C3 K51M-450-C4	Hotel Room  Fire Rated   Arch Top  Heavy Duty Courtyard Style	Heavy latch High frequency Self closing Fully exterior Small rooms with low airflow *Harsh environments (ie. high salinity, chlorinated, corrosive, etc.) Weight doors over 200lbs under 440lbs More than 8”
**Hydraulic Hybrid	K51M-450-B3 K51M-450-B4 K51M-450-D3 K51M-450-D4	Offices Screen Door Glass Frameless Door French Style  Courtroom Gate	No latch opening High frequency Soft closing Interior only Quiet areas Breezy environments

* Harsh environment includes: acid, chemical, clean room, chlorinated pools, saltwater areas, and more
** For mechanical hinges, Waterson guarantees 10 years of interior & exterior use. For hydraulic function, we guarantee a 5-year warranty for the interior and 3-year for the exterior (see our warranty statement here)

Mechanical Only Self Closing 

Waterson mechanical hinges are great for high-frequency use heavy doors. State-of-the-art heat treated carbide components and EN-certified springs ensure durability, effectiveness, and longevity. Due to durable and constant braking force, your heavy-duty commercial doors will close effectively at a controlled speed every time. You can let the door close on its own without any hand force to avoid accelerated closing speed. Ideal for hotel rooms, fire-rated doors, and arch-top openings, to name a few.

Go further with Waterson’s door closing mechanism here.

Hydraulic Hybrid Soft Close

On the other hand, if the quiet closing, breezy environment, and users pushing too hard are chief concerns then you may want to consider choosing the Waterson hydraulic hybrid self-closing hinges due to its oil-controlled dynamic braking. Also an effective closing component, particularly in breezy conditions, Waterson hydraulic hinges respond well sans leakage to sudden wind changes with exceptional quietness. Great for offices, rugged exterior environments as low as -32F, glass doors, and more.

Explore more about Waterson hydraulic hinge heavy duty here.

Wind Resistance & Anti Slam: Mechanical vs. Hydraulic

Mechanical spring hinges offer self-closing functionality with speed control for interior and frequently used doors. However, these mechanical properties only allow for speed control within a constant speed zone. If the wind exceeds this setting, the door is prone to slamming shut.

On a positive note, the mechanical hinges are resilient against strong winds. They exhibit exceptional durability when faced with challenging environmental conditions.

In contrast, Hydraulic hinges use fluid dampers for precise control, ensuring smooth, gradual closing regardless of strong wind. This reduces wear, increases durability, and lowers maintenance. They also absorb shocks and vibrations, preventing damage and noise in windy conditions.

However, it is important to note that if the door swings open beyond 120 degrees, the hydraulic hinge is at a higher risk of breaking.

Waterson Soft Close and Self Close Hinges

Waterson 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 soft close hinges meet NFPA 80 and are UL 3-hour fire-rated, as well as being one of the best door hinges for both interior and all-weather exterior openings. See all our features.

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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