“I found the Waterson hinges online to get in hinges, but I can’t figure out how to order them.”

Are you having the same question? When our customers come to our spring hinge solution, they also see various hinge models to choose from. And sometimes, they don’t even know where to start.

If this also happens to you, let’s clarify how each Waterson spring hinge type functions, where it fits best, and what to consider before selecting your model.

types of spring hinges

Types of Spring Hinges: How Many Models does Waterson Offer?

1. Fire Rated Self Closing Door Hinges – A Model

A-Model spring hinges are designed for fire-rated commercial or residential doors that must automatically close to maintain fire compartmentation. They feature mechanical spring hinges that self-close doors after each use—no external closer required.

Applications:
These A Model hinges are suitable for fire-rated corridors, stairwell doors, elevator lobbies, apartment entry doors, and hospitality passageways requiring self-closing compliance.

Fire Rated Self Closing Door Hinges

2. Fire Rated Soft Closing Door Hinges – B Model

Regarding B-Model hinges, they combine mechanical self-closing tension with hydraulic soft-close control. This hybrid design ensures the door closes automatically while slowing down at the final few inches—ideal for minimizing impact and noise in high-traffic or sensitive environments.

Applications:
The B Model is commonly used in hospital corridors, hotel guestroom doors, offices, and laboratories that need quiet yet fire-rated self-closing performance.

Fire Rated Soft Closing Door Hinges

3. Hold Open Self Closing Door Hinges – C Model

C-Model spring hinges allow doors to stay open between 85°–90°, then automatically close once nudged past that point. Perfect for settings requiring both free-swing and auto-close convenience.

Applications:
Residential entrances, public facilities, commercial doors, and daycare centers—anywhere doors need to stay open temporarily but still meet self-closing requirements.

Hold Open Self Closing Door Hinges

4. Hold Open Soft Closing Door Hinges – D Model

Finally, D-Model combines soft-close hydraulics with a hold-open function. This configuration delivers the most user-friendly and versatile hinge, blending smooth motion, controlled closing, and temporary open positioning.

Applications:
Commercial healthcare facilities, commercial kitchens, educational buildings, and marine or outdoor projects usually install model D for soft control and flexible operation.

Hold Open Soft Closing Door Hinges

Waterson Types of Spring Hinge’ Features

Feature Details A Model  B Model C Model D Model
Self Closing Mechanism The integrated spring system automatically returns the door to the closed position after every use. No extra hardware required. ✓ ✓
Fire Rated Certified for 3-hour UL fire doors, compliant with NFPA 80 standards. ✓ ✓
Hydraulic Soft Closing Prevents slamming, extends hinge life, and ensures smooth, quiet operation. ✓ ✓
Hold Open Holds the door securely open at 85°–90°, then auto-releases with a light push or pull. ✓ ✓
ADA Compliant Provides <5 lbs opening force, ≥5 sec closing time, and proper vertical clearance. Meets ADA 404.2.8 standards. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
ANSI/BHMA A156.17 Grade-1 Tested to 1,000,000 cycles for heavy-duty performance. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Adjustable Tension & Speed Fine-tune spring tension and/or hydraulic control using numbered markers. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
304/316 Stainless Steel Corrosion-resistant for interior and exterior applications. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Finish Satin, Black, Brass, or Bronze to match design intent. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Warranty 5–10 years indoor; 3–10 years outdoor. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

How to Choose The Correct Waterson Spring Loaded Door Hinges

Selecting the right hinge starts with understanding your door environment and functional requirements:

  • Self-Closing? → Choose A or C models.
  • Soft-Closing? → Go with B or D models.
  • Fire-Rated Door? → Select A or B models.
  • Hold-Open Function? → Choose C or D models.

Besides, the number of hinges required depends on door height and door weight. Using the correct hinge set ensures smooth motion, balanced tension, and long-term stability.

Door Height Door Weight Recommended Hinge Set
≤ 60” < 150 lbs 2 Hinges
60–90” 150–260 lbs 3 Hinges
90–120” 260–330 lbs 4 Hinges

Note:

  • For tall or heavy doors, always opt for three hinges or more to prevent sagging and maintain self-closing consistency.
  • For doors over 120” or beyond 440 lbs, contact Waterson technical support for a custom solution.

View the full Waterson Spring Loaded Door Hinge Catalog here.

Some Consideration before Requesting for Quote

  • All Waterson spring hinges are single action, not double action. They swing in one direction only.
  • Our hinges operate within 0–120°. Anything beyond this range may cause internal damage and won’t be covered under warranty. Avoid pushing the door to 180°.
  • Waterson hinges are not compatible with soundproof doors, since the closing tension can’t overcome the weather strips.

interior soundproof door

Waterson Types of Spring Hinges: Self & Soft Closing

Waterson self and soft closing spring loaded 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 custom hinge 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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