What Is a Swing Clear Hinge?
A swing clear hinge, also known as swing away hinge, is a specialty hinge that moves the door completely outside the frame when opened. This eliminates door obstruction in the opening and is commonly used to meet ADA and building code requirements.
Common problems it solves:
- Limited clearance for wheelchairs or gurneys
- Door edges blocking usable opening width
- Code compliance for accessible design
- Retrofit constraints with standard hinges
Waterson’s swing clear offset door hinges install flush and offer sleek form with commercial-grade strength—perfect for ADA-compliant builds.
How Does a Swing Clear Hinge Work?
Unlike standard butt hinges, swing clear hinges are offset so that when the door opens, it pivots entirely out of the opening. This allows maximum clear width—ideal for barrier-free design.
Waterson swing clear offset hinges combine the following benefits:
- Offset geometry: Pulls the door away from the frame edge
- ADA clearance: Exceeds minimum 32" clear opening on 36" wide doors
- Smooth motion: Tested to over 1 million open/close cycles
- Stainless steel body: Built to resist corrosion, heavy use, and wear
Why Should You Use Swing Away Hinges for Doors?
In many buildings, doors fall short of the required clear width. That’s a big problem, especially when accessibility is non-negotiable. Swing away hinges for doors solve this by allowing the door to open fully outside the frame, clearing the path.
Waterson swing away hinges are often installed in hospitals, schools, or any space where wheelchairs or carts need full access. If your project requires ADA compliance, this hinge type is a practical solution due to these features:
- ANSI/BHMA A156.17: Tested the one million cycles. Can handle the frequent opening and closing demands of commercial buildings
- ADA Compliant: Achieve 5 lbs of force, 5 seconds closing, and more than 32” clearance. This makes Waterson hinges accessible for all users.
- Soft & Slow Closing: Reduces noise and impact, improving safety and comfort.
- UL 3-Hour Fire Rated: Meets strict safety standards, making it suitable for fire-rated doors.
- Adjustable Speed Control: Users can fine-tune closing speed to prevent slamming.
- Heavyweight Bearing & Heavy-Duty: Can handle from 260–440 lbs door and even more with special door cases. Ensuring long-term reliability.
iF Product Design Award
- Award: iF Product Design Winner
- Year: 2023
- Product: Waterson Self-Closing Swing Clear Hinge
The iF Product Design Award, first introduced in 1954, is an annual recognition bestowed by the iF International Forum Design. This prestigious award spans multiple disciplines and attracts over 5,500 entries from about 59 nations each year. The award is a testament to outstanding design and innovation, marking the recipients as leaders in their respective fields.
For further information, please read “Improving lives through swing clear & self-closing”