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Know The Ropes: Choosing The Best Hydraulic Hinges For Doors
“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 closer hinges generally include both hydraulic damper and self-closing functions, 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 closer systems, so at times when you don’t want to activate both functions, there is no way to do so. For example, Mr. Teo contacted Waterson to locate a hinge that wouldn’t slam while in use on frequently in-motion doors on a boat. 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 ship components related to the entryways.
INNOVATIVE HYDRAULIC DESIGN
We recommended that he consider the Waterson HA hydraulic hinge, which is ideal for use in windy areas 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 Waterson hinge is designed with innovative dual functions that are located on opposite ends of the barrel. For example, our HA type provides hydraulic damper (H) to close the door and swing speed (A) to reduce 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 below or read more on our hinge mechanism design.| MODELS TABLE | |||
| Mechanism | Functions | ||
| DS | S | Spring Power | Double spring model - both ends provide closing force. |
| S | Spring Power | ||
| SA | S | Spring Power | Provides closing force. |
| A | Swing Speed | Controls speed from 90 to 20 degrees of closing. | |
| SA1 | S | Spring Power | Provides closing force. |
| A1 | Latching Speed | Controls speed during the final 20 degrees of closing. | |
| SB | S | Spring Power | Provides closing force. |
| B | Hold-Open | Holds door open at 85+/-5 degrees. | |
| HA | H | Hydraulic Damping | Control either swing or latch speed or in-between. |
| A | Swing Speed | Controls speed from 90 to 20 degrees of closing. | |
| HS | H | Hydraulic Damping | Control either swing or latch speed or in-between. |
| S | Spring Power | Provides closing force. | |