Historical buildings like churches and early city halls frequently had significant entrance doors that required heavy duty 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. Enter the vintage door closer.
![Pot-belly closer](https://i0.wp.com/watersonusa.com/wp-content/uploads/Pot-belly-closer.jpg)
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 closers 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 sourcing and installing vintage components. On the other hand, if one chooses to use a modern spring hinge they run into a gauge compatibility problem. Today most hinge manufacturers provide 5” x 5” spring hinge gauge is 0.190 inch, which is too thick for most historical door openings. Available in both 0.190 and 0.134 gauge, Waterson 5 x 5 closer hinges are ideally suitable for historical vintage door closer replacement. With Waterson, you maintain door closing and speed control functionality without compromising the building’s aesthetics.
![5x5 spring hinge gauge](https://i0.wp.com/watersonusa.com/wp-content/uploads/5x5-spring-hinge-gauge.jpg)
Waterson Closer Hinge Systems combine door closers, spring hinges, and an optional hold open feature into one attractive & unobtrusive component that is ideal for commercial swing, gate, and glass doors. Our closer hinges are easily adjustable 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 suitable for both interior and all-weather exterior openings.