Historical buildings like churches and early city halls frequently had significant entrance doors that required heavy-duty door hinges. In those days, the popular hinge size was 5” x 5” with 0.134-inch gauge stock. Those hinges were effective as door pivoting components, but they frequently caused significant slamming.

Pot-belly closer

Challenging Retrofits for Contractors

Vintage door closers were commonly used in commercial and institutional buildings for the purpose of greater door control and reduced slamming. Replacing and maintaining vintage door hinges today, however, poses a particular problem for contractors due to increasingly low availability. For example, rebuilding an antique vintage door closer requires a great deal of time and expense in sourcing and installing vintage components. On the other hand, if one chooses to use a modern spring hinge, one runs into a gauge compatibility problem.

5-inch Spring Hinge Gauge and Templates

Today most hinge manufacturers provide a 5” x 5” spring hinge gauge is 0.190 inches, which is too thick for most historical door openings. Available in both 0.190 and 0.134 gauge, Waterson 5 x 5 heavy duty vintage hinges are ideally suitable for historical vintage door hinge replacement. These antique hinges maintain door closing and speed control functionality without compromising the building’s aesthetics. See our product selection table for closer hinge sizes, templates, and finishes.

heavy duty antique door hinges

Waterson Heavy Duty Antique Door Hinges

Waterson Closer Hinges combine an overhead closer and hinge into one attractive component with optional hold-open and door stop features. Waterson hinges are ideal for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors. These closer 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 closer 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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