Gate hinges are a metal device that secures the gate to the posts. And, accordingly, the quality and reliability of the functioning of the entire structure, as well as its service life, directly depend on them.

Peculiarities

When talking about the design of the gate, we must not forget even about the little things, especially about such an important component as the hinges. One of the main properties of hinges is their ability to rotate even with the heaviest door, without forcing the owner to exert much effort, protecting the gate from jamming and similar problematic situations. Therefore, the selection and process of welding loops requires special attention.

So, loops can be characterized as:

1. A power element, the main task of which is to take on the entire weight of the doors. Based on this, the hinges must have sufficient strength;
2. Parsed element. When the structure is completely assembled, you should make sure that when the gate is closed, the hinges will not be removed and burglars will not be able to disassemble them.

Features of operation and operation of loops:

1. Mandatory presence of special holes for lubrication. The mobility of the part depends on proper care, so they need to be lubricated regularly, even in the winter;
2. The opening radius of the gate directly depends on the hinges. Therefore, they need to be welded precisely and correctly. Before welding these elements, you need to place them on different platforms, draw up a kind of drawing and make sure that the doors open without problems;
3. Particular attention must be paid to the position of the hinges if they are intended to be fixed inside the sash. It is very important here that it opens well and does not jam.

Varieties

According to the GOST standard, loops are divided into:

1. Cylindrical, having a support bearing (or with an eccentric);
2. Cylindrical, having a reinforced structure;
3. Through;
4. Hidden;
5. Three-section overhead.

Cylindrical ones are equipped with a ball, or, in other words, a bearing. They are well suited for installing lightweight standardized gates. But it is worth remembering that the load on all hinges should be no more than 400 kg. This is the maximum weight that can be held. It needs to be clarified at the time of purchase, since it is different for each type of loop. Therefore, it is important to know this indicator.

They are standard in both form and appearance and look like a cylinder consisting of two parts. Accordingly, on one part there is a pin, which is inserted into the second part. However, hinges with support bearings are also equipped with a ball. This ball is located in the second part into which the pin is inserted.

The ball ensures smoother operation under heavy loads. In addition, on the opposite side of the bearing there is often a special hole that is closed with a plug. If necessary, remove it and lubricate the structure. Also, sometimes there are models where the bearing is located in the middle and the two parts seem to slide over the ball, ensuring easy opening and closing of the valves. The downside is that it is difficult to lubricate, since you have to lift the sash a little.

Cylindrical reinforced (with wings) hinges can withstand heavy loads, reaching up to 600 kg. They can be distinguished from ordinary cylindrical ones by their appearance and the presence of additional parts (fastening plates). This allows the frame, sash and gate supports to bear the weight of the entire structure evenly. They are attached by welding or screwed with self-tapping screws and provide opening in two directions.

They are made from stronger metal and therefore can withstand greater loads. In addition, the walls with the rod are thicker than usual, therefore their load-bearing capacity is increased. Bearings for such models are always marked.

Through (hinged) fastenings are suitable if it is not possible to provide welding or screw fastening. To attach them, you will have to drill through the gate support column and use screws or nuts. However, the hinges are distinguished by their small mass of maximum holding weight, reaching only 200 kg. They are right-handed and left-handed. They can be equipped with awnings.

Through loops have a rod that goes right through. The simplest designs are divided into three main elements: a pin to connect the two halves, and two loops. In more complex versions there may be much more elements. To protect the pin from being removed from below, a plug is installed (welded or screwed). If it is not there, then a special limiter is welded on top of the pin.

Overhead three-section (magnetic) fastenings are advisable if the sashes are very heavy.

They are suitable for fencing and differ:

1. High wear resistance and reliability;
2. Does not allow the canvas to sag, as it takes on almost the entire load;
3. They open and close easily and silently;
4. The most burglar-resistant of all types.

They can be confused with through ones, but they are cylindrical. There are two pins in the middle that point in different directions from each other. Empty bearings are attached to them on both sides and welded.

These hinges have literally stood the test of time, since this design was first created many hundreds of years ago. These days they are attracting attention due to their unusual and cute designs. They come in any shape, made in the form of different figures. They are best combined with doors made of wood and metal.

Hidden hinges are not visible when the gate is closed. They are located in the sash frame and are welded from the inside to the frame and to the transverse side of the pillars. They are extremely difficult to find, much less hack.

Arrow hinges can be hinged or semi-hinged and are suitable for fairly heavy and large gates.

They can be:

1. Ordinary;
2. Curly;
3. Removable.

Adjustable hinges easily allow you to change the height of the sash. They are very convenient if the support posts are to be displaced. The maximum load on them reaches 200 kg.

Differences in shape of loops:

1. Cylindrical. The fixation of the hinges is very tight on any gate. They have a round shape and wrap easily without touching anything;
2. Square. The shape is quite specific, so installation requires a small distance from the frame. They are fixed more securely, are hardly noticeable on the canvas, and have an attractive appearance;
3. Hexagonal. Similar to square models. They are fixed approximately between cylindrical and square, that is, they are universal;
4. Drop-shaped. Suitable for wooden and metal gates. They are very stable and highly durable. And, on top of everything else, they are quite attractive in appearance.

How to choose?

Wickets and gates can be made of wood, sheet steel, corrugated board or other finishing panels. The installation of hinges is also different. Metal structures are characterized by welded hinges; they are also fixed with bolts and self-tapping screws (for metal). Wooden gates are typically secured with self-tapping screws.

Based on this, when choosing, you need to focus on the fabric from which the gate is made, its dimensions and weight. For example, if the fasteners are designed for a weight of 200 kg, and the canvas is large and heavy, then they will quickly break. Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to install special reinforced hinges for heavy gates.

The location of the loops is also important. The most common are hidden and internal.

The hinges must perform the following functions:

1. Ensuring silent opening;
2. Retention of the canvas - it should under no circumstances sag;
3. The hinges should turn easily;
4. Long service life;
5. Burglary resistance;
6. Gate opening width.

The best option is devices equipped with a ball and support bearing. This model has many qualities and is durable. Adjustable models are also very good as they are very comfortable. And finally, the choice of hinges may depend solely on the aesthetic side of the part. For example, antique-style design of hinges, inlay with carvings or some forging element.

Sometimes questions may arise about the difference between hinges for gates and wickets. In fact, they are no different from each other, because they are selected for the gate according to the same criteria and must perform the same functions as the gates.

How to install?

Based on the size, weight of the leaves and the design of the hinges themselves, the door leaf can be hung on two, three, or even four hinges.

Installation of hinges is carried out in two main ways:

1. Bolts or self-tapping screws. Used for fastening small-sized structures with low weight;
2. Welding. Used for large, massive gates (for example, three-meter fences).

For those who have installed interior doors at home themselves, attaching the hinges with self-tapping screws will be quite simple. After all, both of these methods are similar to each other. The hinges are attached to the front area of ​​the sashes and the support post. In this case, they become a kind of decorative element of the entire structure and are suitable for both wood and metal.

How to weld correctly?

It is better to weld open loops one opposite the other. This is done for the purpose of resistance to hacking. If the hinges are prying from below, it will still be impossible to remove them.

Required equipment and parts:

1. Selected loops;
2. Mounting plates;
3. Grinder with electrodes;
4. Hammer;
5. Personal protective equipment: protective gloves, mask and clothing.

Sequencing:

• We take the structure and place it on a flat surface. We outline the places where the fasteners will be located;
• Lubricate the hinges themselves with grease;
• We take the sash and place it plumb in a vertical position;
• Using spot welding, we attach two parts of the loop;

• We check the location of the hinge axes;
• We grab the top loop;
• We check the presence of gaps and cracks, the quality of movement of the valves;
• We weld everything completely;
• We clean the cooking area using a grinder and paint it with paint.

During welding work, it is necessary to control the passage of current so that tack does not form in the loops. It is better to carry out the process itself crosswise to compensate for welding deformations.

Helpful tips when welding hinges:

• For straight hinges, it is better to choose a horizontal welding position;
• Before starting work, we take the substrate and place it under the sash, more precisely, under its lower area. The size of the backing should be approximately ½ of the loop. The upper area of ​​the sash must be held on the transverse edge with your hand;
• To evenly distribute the mass onto the hinges, additional mounting metal plates can be welded to them;
• A 5 mm external outlet is made to round-shaped pillars. Rectangular pillars are fixed at the same level with the transverse edge of the support;
• It is more expedient to weld the hinges twice on all sides in turn using small clamps;

• We apply a wooden block to the hinges. With it you can level them, and only then weld them;
• Before internal welding, you need to check how smoothly the doors move. If the movements look like jerks, then we do a few more grabs from the outside;
• Before finally welding the hinges, you need to close the doors and place a backing under them. This way the blade will not sag and the welding will be correct;
• The welding seam goes from bottom to top;
• Until the welding seams have completely cooled down, the gate cannot be opened;
• Hidden fastenings should be installed by a professional.

To weld a gate with your own hands, you will need basic electric welding skills, which will allow you to lay a short seam and assemble the structure. The most common method is welding a gate from profile pipes.

Assemble a simple frame and sew it up with any material. Regardless of the beauty of the design, it has a number of advantages compared to gates made from other materials.

The gate can be made from a corner, but the profile has a number of advantages. The design made from it has a large margin of safety. For such a wicket this quality is especially important. It is subjected to not only static loads, but also dynamic loads during repeated daily openings.

The profile pipe is inexpensive in comparison with other types of rolled metal with the same technical characteristics. With good processing after welding, the structure will serve for a long time.

Using squares you can make a gate of any configuration. It can be solid, sewn with multi-colored durable corrugated sheets, flat slate, or “cards” made of sheet metal. The gate is decorated with forging elements or simply sheathed with metal mesh and profile sections.

The design itself is quite simple to manufacture using electric welding.

Two pillar parts must be welded with 3 cross members and covered with corrugated sheeting. The only difficulty is welding and installing the hinges.

If you manage to weld a gate, then you will be able to weld other frame structures for your home.

It is possible to manufacture a gate without welding. The parts are secured to brackets and bolts. But welding is a more reliable and durable option.

Dimensions and shape

You can weld the gate in the form of an arch, an ellipse or any other shape. The most popular shape is rectangular with several jumpers to fasten the pillar parts and add rigidity. Installation together with poles is possible, but most often the gate is hung on the hinges of already standing poles.

Common dimensions of parts for the simplest design: height 2100 mm, width varied, depending on the installed pillars.

Older households had rather narrow and inconvenient gates, so you may have to make changes to the fence by moving the posts and widening the opening. As a rule, the entrance is made 1000 mm wide.

Materials

The pillars are made from profile pipes with shelf sizes of 80 or 100 mm. Taking into account its lowering into the ground by 800 mm, the length of the pillars should be 3 m. Plugs are welded to the upper ends to prevent water from entering.

For greater rigidity and securing the rack, you can weld small pieces of reinforcement or other rolled steel, 1 m long, on the section extending into the ground.

For standing ones, take a 40/40 or 40/60 profile, cut off two parts with a length of 2100 mm using a grinder. The edges of the pipes are cut at an angle of 450 for a larger welding area and reliable fastening.

The upper and lower lintels are prepared from the main profile, with a gate width of 1000 mm. parts are cut to size 980 mm. This will provide a gap of 10 mm between the loot and the gate on each side. Cut the edges at an angle of 450.

For the middle lintel you can take a 25/40 profile, its length should be 900 mm, it will be inserted inside the frame, so the width of 2 profile shelves is subtracted from the total length of the workpiece, in this case it is 80 mm.

You will need 2 hinges with an outer diameter of 30 mm and 4 steel plates with a thickness of 5 mm and a width of 40 mm. The hinges must be disassembled and the internal surfaces well lubricated with grease or other thick lubricant, then assembled. It is better to purchase loops with balls.

The plates are laid out on a flat surface and loops are attached to each part from different sides. That is, if a plate is attached to the part of the loop with a hole from the outside, then on the mating part the plate is placed towards the inside.

Welding is mandatory on both sides to ensure welding of the root of the seam. After the first pass, you need to beat off the slag and weld the second pass. At the root, welding is performed in one pass.

Tools for work

When all the main parts of the gate are ready, you should decide on the lock and handles. If necessary, you will need to weld brackets to attach the handle from the inside.

• welding machine;
• electrodes for welding steel grades MP-3 or ANO-21;
• hammer, sledgehammer;
• protective clothing and welding mask;
• building level or simple plumb line;
• trowel or spatula;
• several sections of pipe, 1000 mm long, for lintels when concreting pillars;
• concrete solution;
• For installation and welding of hinges, embedded parts are prepared to provide gaps between the gate, hatch and floor.

Having prepared all the materials and tools, we begin to manufacture and install the gate.

Installation and concreting of pillars

Based on the size of the opening, mark the installation locations of the pillars and use a hand drill to make a hole in the ground 80 mm deep. Then the profile is lowered into the holes and set in a strictly vertical position using a level or plumb line.

Special attention should be paid to this operation. The correctness of the entire installation of the gate depends on it. The pillars are fastened together with spacers and additionally each with jibs, filled with concrete, not forgetting to compact it when pouring. Now the concrete needs to be allowed to harden for 24 hours.

Frame welding

Welding can be done first, and then installing the pillars, but it can also be done the other way around. It will not take much time to weld the structure. The pillar parts and lintels are laid out on a flat surface.

They are set according to level. Connect the pillars and the top jumper. Place 2 potholders on each rack on the outside and sides. The lower part is grabbed in the same way.

Use a tape measure to measure the diagonal. A 2 mm skew on the side is allowed, but it is better to do it without skew. Having set the diagonal, they grab it from the outer end surface of the joints. Mark and grab the additional strut of the structure. It should be flush with the surface of the racks.

The entire structure is scalded on all sides. The front side of the gate, on which the lining will be attached, is cleaned with a grinder. All other joints are hammered and the quality of the weld seam is checked.

If the pores are large, scald these areas again. Now you can clean up the uneven joints a little without disturbing the seam. The wicket structure is ready.

It is necessary to weld the hinges onto the gate frame. This can also be done when hanging it on poles, but welding in the lower position will provide a better quality seam.

For welding, mark the same distance from the edge of the structure, align the hinges coaxially to each other and the gate, and grab them in several places. Once again check that the hinges are installed correctly and weld them on both sides.

Hanging on poles

After allowing the concrete to cure, they begin to install and secure the street door. Remove the spacers from the tray. Using mortgages, the position of the gate between the pillars is set, maintaining the gaps.

At the bottom, to prevent rubbing when the structure sag, a gap of 100 mm is made. This will provide ventilation to the yard and prevent scuffing. Check the correct installation in all planes and begin welding the hinges.

The plates on the mating part of the loop are placed on the pole. Now follows from all sides of the plate. We remove the embedded parts and check the operation of the gate. It should work easily without scuffing.

Sheathing

If you are sewing up the gate with mesh or rods, they should be secured before installing them on the posts. When laying a sheet of corrugated sheets, it should be fastened after welding. The corrugated sheeting is secured with self-tapping screws, the heads of which are covered with decorative overlays.

Without high-quality welding, the gate will not last long. For reliability, be sure to check the filling of the seam with molten metal.

Before welding, double-check that the part or the structure as a whole is installed correctly. Take your time.

Before sheathing with corrugated sheets, be sure to degrease all surfaces and first apply a primer and then paint that matches the color of the decorative coating of the gate and fence.

Having completed all the work on welding and installing the gate correctly and efficiently, you gain invaluable experience in the manufacture of frame structures.

The gate should open and close smoothly and fit snugly against the walls. This is why experts recommend welding metal loops to them. However, before this, you need to figure out how to properly weld garage hinges so that they hold securely.

Before installing opening elements for gates, you need to understand the main types of hinges. Varieties of loop products differ in the material from which they are made and in shape. Distinctive features also include service life and appearance.

There are four types of hinges that are most often used when installing garage doors:

• Cylindrical. This type is attached to gate leaves and posts. It is cylindrical hinges that are most often attached to gates, as they ensure their smooth opening. The design consists of a pin and a metal cylinder that is put on it.
• Reinforced models. The products have durable metal bearings, as well as additional iron plates that make the hinges much stronger.
• Through. They are installed in racks and attached to them with bolts and nuts. Experts advise using through structures to hide the hinges in the supports. The main disadvantage of through-type products is the complexity of installation.
• Three-section. They are considered the most expensive and reliable hinges, which are installed to additionally protect the gate from burglary.

Drawings and diagrams

Some people prefer to make their own gate hinges. However, before this, you need to make a product diagram, the development of which takes into account the following parameters:

• Strength and section diameter. When determining these parameters, the weight of the gate that will be installed in the garage is taken into account. For example, if they are made of a metal sheet five millimeters thick, you will have to install loops with a cross-sectional diameter of 2-4 centimeters.
• Length. If the garage is closed with a heavy gate weighing more than two hundred kilograms, hinges 20-25 centimeters long are welded. Thanks to this, the dimensions of the weld seam will not exceed nine centimeters.
• Gap. Garage owners often experience their gates jamming when opening. To get rid of this problem, a gap of half a millimeter is made between the hole and the axis.

Loop welding technology

To install the hinges correctly with your own hands, you need to familiarize yourself with the technology of welding them.

Installing plates

Experienced experts advise using small metal sheets called plates. They must be welded when installing round hinges. To install them, you do not need special, hard-to-reach tools.

It is enough to use a welding machine that reliably connects metal elements.

The plates must be welded with an even seam so that they are securely attached to the surface of the loops. Hinges can be installed on the gate only after the plates have been welded.

We install gates

Before installing the garage hinges, they install the gate leaves in the opening. This procedure is quite complicated, since it is not easy to install the sashes yourself. Experienced builders advise using a building level to ensure everything is installed level. It is contraindicated to perform such work by eye, since it will not be possible to install the sashes evenly without a level.

Attaching hinges to supports

Many people who do not know anything about welding equipment and welding believe that welding eyelets to supports is very difficult. However, if you become familiar with the installation features of such products, the work will seem less complicated.

The fastening process is carried out in several successive stages:

• Lubrication of hinges. First, the products are treated with machine oil, and they are lubricated in such a way that it does not flow down the hinges.
• Marking. Marks for welding are made on the fabric to which the loops will be welded.
• Welding to the canvas. To ensure that the structure is securely fastened, the bayonet parts are first welded, after which everything else is secured.
• Welding check. To check the evenness of the installation of the hinges, use a building level.

How to treat the surface of hinges

Immediately after installation is completed, the products are processed with a special grinding machine, which will eliminate uneven weld seams. Once the surface is sanded, you should think about protecting the surface of the hinges from corrosion. To do this, they can be coated with the following types of paints:

• Alkyd. To coat metal products, alkyd paints are often used, which are available in the form of enamel or oil-based compositions. Experts do not recommend using enamel, as it does not tolerate high temperatures and is susceptible to burning. Oil mixtures are much better and safer. They are made from natural oil and drying oil, which does not deteriorate under the influence of sunlight and temperature changes.
• Acrylic. They began to be used for processing metal surfaces relatively recently. Just a few decades ago, no one used acrylic paints to coat iron structures. Today, manufacturers produce paints that protect coatings from corrosion and extend their service life. Even 2-3 years after painting, the surface does not crack or fade.

Shelf life of the product

Many people are interested in how long gate hinges will last. The shelf life of such products directly depends on the quality of their manufacture and installation. If securely welded hinges are properly cared for, they will last for decades. Poorly welded products may break the next day.

Installation of metal doors, as well as gate doors and gates, requires welding of hinges to the door leaf and frame. How to choose hinges for installation, how to weld hinges on your own, and what equipment you will need for the job - answers to all questions can be found in this article.

Loop selection

The correct choice of hinges for metal gates and doors should be based on several factors:

• determining and selecting the type of loop;
• determining the number and overall dimensions of the loop.

First of all, welded hinges differ in shape. They can be:

• cylindrical. A variation of this group is the welded drop-shaped loop;
• square. They are used extremely rarely. Currently practically not produced;
• hexagonal.

All welded hinges can be additionally equipped with a ball that acts as a bearing. The ball makes it easier to open the door and reduces friction, which negatively affects the life of the fittings.

Also on sale you can find reinforced welded hinges, which are used for installation on a metal door of large size or weight. Additional plates allow you to evenly distribute the load on the hinge, which increases the service life of the product.

The most optimal option for a welded loop is a cylindrical ball loop, supplemented with strips. It is this kind of fittings that will serve for a long time without unnecessary problems.

How many hinges do you need to install?

The number and overall dimensions of hinges are selected depending on the weight of the door leaf. The greater the weight of the door, the larger the hinges required, and the number of hinges increases.

Installation of welded hinges

Let's look at how to properly weld hinges. To do this, you need to go through three main stages:

1. preparation of equipment and materials required for work;
2. preparing a metal surface for welding;
3. welding hinges on the door.

Tools and materials

Before properly welding hinges onto a metal door, you need to prepare the materials necessary for the work:

• loops selected according to all the rules indicated above;
• metal plates (if welding of hinges is carried out with reinforcement of the structure with plates). The dimensions of the plates are selected based on the weight of the door leaf. The greater the mass of the door, the larger the plates required. For example, garage hinges for gates of standard sizes (approximately 2.5 * 2.5 m) are welded onto metal plates measuring 80 * 80 mm;
• electric welding machine;
• dry electrodes. To carry out the work, it is enough to have electrodes with a diameter of 3-4 mm;
• a brush with metal bristles for preliminary cleaning of the work surface;
• personal protective equipment for the master.

When carrying out safety welding work, the welder’s face must be protected with a special mask that does not allow welding rays to pass through, and the body and hands must be protected with clothing and gloves made of non-flammable materials.

Preparation

When answering the question of how to properly weld hinges on gates and other metal doors, it should be mentioned that the preparatory stage is in practice the most important.

At the preparatory stage it is required:

1. mark areas for installing hinges. If two round hinges are installed, they should be located at a distance of 15-20 cm from the top and bottom of the door leaf. Additional hinges are located evenly along the entire height of the door;
2. all areas in which hinges are supposed to be welded must be cleaned of dust, rust, and so on. To carry out cleaning, use a brush with metal bristles, dry rags and, if necessary, treat the surface with some kind of solvent;

1. process the loops. The surface on which the weld will be located also needs to be cleaned. In addition, the inside of the loop, where the ball bearing is located, must be carefully installed. For lubrication, you can use litol, solid oil, and so on;

1. if the hinges are installed using metal plates, then at the preparatory stage it is necessary to weld the inserts to the hinges. Welding of hinges and plates is carried out with an even seam;

1. connecting the welding machine. When working with equipment, it is imperative to connect grounding;

1. The device is adjusted using regulators located on the equipment body and by testing the production of a weld.

All preliminary work is carried out with the utmost care. Any mistake or oversight may lead to the need to reinstall the hinges or replace the door leaf.

Welding

It is recommended to weld the hinges in a horizontal position of the door and door frame. If you install the box first, you will have to perform a vertical weld, which causes difficulties even for an experienced craftsman.

When welding a wicket or gate hinge, it is necessary to take into account the shape of the support post:

• The loop is welded to the round posts with a gap of 5 mm. This distance is necessary to open the gate (gate) to the maximum possible level;
• loops can be welded to square and rectangular posts without gaps, since the surface of the profile pipes is quite flat and does not create obstacles to the normal functioning of the gate.

Installation of the loop by welding after the preparatory stage is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. the prepared loop is separated into two components. One part needs to be welded to the frame of the gate (gate, door leaf), and the second part to the support post (door frame);
2. First of all, the lower loop is installed;
3. after the loop is located in the desired area, the loop is tacked by welding at several points;
4. The location of the loop is checked using a building level. If necessary, use a hammer to eliminate defects in the work;
5. the loop is finally welded;

To install the hinge, exclusively a continuous weld is used, since it is the most reliable.

1. The top hinge is installed in a similar way. When installing the top hinge, it is necessary to take into account that both hinges must be located not only in the same plane, but also clearly above each other. This arrangement of hinges allows the door (gate, gate) to open without restrictions;

1. at the last stage, the weld seams are cleaned of excess deposits formed as a result of welding. This operation is not mandatory, but can give the structure an aesthetic appearance.
A video on how to weld hinges will help you become more familiar with the process.

Once the hinges have been selected correctly, as well as their quantity and measurements, welding the fittings to the doors and frame is not much of a problem. The main rule of any welder is compliance with all safety rules when carrying out work, including the use of personal protective equipment.

The ease of opening and closing a metal door, the smoothness of its movement without jerking or creaking, and the ability to perform security functions largely depend on how well the door hinges were installed. To prevent them from becoming the “weak link” of the entire structure and failing at a crucial moment, the hinges should be properly welded to the metal door.

Types of loops

It is important to choose the right fasteners, taking into account the weight of the door and its dimensions. For heavy metal doors by modern industry The following types of loops are available:

1. Cylindrical. The most popular because they make it possible to open the gate to the maximum angle. Disadvantages include difficulty in attaching to a flat surface.
2. Drop-shaped. They are a type of cylindrical hinges.
3. Hexagonal.
4. Square. Used extremely rarely.

In this article you will learn how to properly weld hinges

Regardless of the cross-sectional shape, a door hinge is a part consisting of at least two elements. In the simplest hinges, the connection of these elements is made by a pin and a counter groove. Their main advantage is their low cost and ease of further maintenance (lubrication). At the same time, simple hinges fail faster.

In more complex designs, at the end of the pin there is a movably fixed ball (ball loops), the function of which is to replace sliding friction with rolling friction, which, as is known, is much less. This makes it easier to open and close the doors, and the hinges themselves will last longer.

There are also hinges equipped with ball bearings, but it is not recommended to use them for heavy doors, since the complex mechanism quickly becomes unusable. For massive gates and gate leaves, hinges are produced that are additionally reinforced with plates. Due to the plates, the weight of the door is more evenly distributed on them, which allows you to increase its service life.

Reinforced ball ones are considered the best option for heavy metal doors, garage doors and gates. They compare favorably with their cheaper counterparts in their long service life, ability to withstand significant weight loads and ease of installation.

In this video you will learn how to properly weld hinges:

For heavy metal doors, the welded method is recognized as the best. It allows you to fix the hinges as securely as possible, eliminating play and gradual loosening of connections.

Basic truths

The process of installing hinges can be considered using the example of a metal gate. So that it properly performs its main functions when welding hinges a number of conditions must be met:

1. Provide a gap between the support post and the gate frame, which should be 3-5 mm.
2. Provide a gap of several millimeters between the hinge and the gate frame by welding plates - metal plates of the required thickness - to the hinge. In total, for each loop you need two strips, the length of each of them is 2 mm less than the length of half.
3. The optimal distance from the edge of the gate to the loop is 15-20 cm. If you need a middle loop, then it is located exactly in the middle between the outer loops.

First, the lower part of the fastener (with the pin) is welded to the post, then the upper part (with the groove) is welded to the sash.

A properly assembled structure should have the following parts:

• a loop;
• plate; wicket frame;
• support pillar;
• lower part (with pin);
• upper part (with groove).

This design consists of several elements

All loops must be coaxial, that is, their centers must be on the same straight line. The alignment requirement is extremely important. It is on its compliance that it depends on how evenly the weight of the gate will be distributed on the fastenings and, accordingly, how long they will last.

To work, the master will need:

• welding machine;
• metal plate for making plates;
• Bulgarian;
• hammer;
• plumb line;
• oil for lubricating hinges;
• protective equipment - mask, gloves, overalls.

At the preparatory stage, you should mark the gate frame and sash, determining the places where the hinges will be welded. Clean them from dust, dirt, and rust. To do this, you can use a wire brush and solvents. Next, a similar treatment is performed on the surface of the hinges, and lubricant is applied to their inner part.

The traditional welding method involves the installation of plates at this stage, for which it is recommended:

1. Take 2 identical plates of the required thickness and length. Place them so that there is a gap of 2-3 mm between them.
2. Place the bottom part of the loop on them.
3. Weld the loop to one of the plates (in this case, to the right one).
4. Do the same for the top of the hinge and weld it to the left plate.
5. Then you need to install the shutters in the working position and fix them.
6. The plates with the lower part of each hinge are spot welded to the post, then the upper hinge elements are inserted into the lower parts and spot welded to the sash. After checking the alignment of the hinges and the operation of the gate, final welding is carried out along the contour of the plates.

For an inexperienced craftsman, vertical welding, which must be done on an already installed pole, may be too difficult a task. In addition, it is almost impossible to do the work alone: ​​you need an assistant.

The easiest way

If you have to rely only on your own strength, it will be easier to weld the hinges by laying both the support and the frame on a horizontal surface. The support post and the gate frame are laid so that their surfaces are in the same plane.

There is a small gap of 2-3 mm between the frame and the post. The hinge will be installed on a support post, with a slight indentation of a few millimeters from the edge facing the gate frame. Places for installing hinges are preliminarily marked and cleaned on the support.

Further actions are performed in several stages:

1. A bent electrode is placed under the loop and it is placed in the selected location. If the door is subsequently sheathed with clapboard or corrugated sheeting, you should step back even further from the edge of the support, otherwise the sash, the thickness of which will increase, will rest against the hinge when opening.
2. The free end of the loop is spot welded to the support. The connection should be strong and maintain some mobility, allowing for adjustment.
3. The bent electrode is removed and the second loop is similarly secured to the support.
4. Coaxiality is checked in two planes. To do this, you need to use a metal corner, placing it first on the side of both loops, and then on top. If necessary, a possible discrepancy can be eliminated with several blows of a hammer.
5. On the side of the gate frame, metal plates (plates) are applied close to the hinges, the length of which is 2 mm less than the length of half the hinge. They are spot welded to the hinges and to the wicket leaf.
6. At the last stage, the operation of the structure is checked and final welding is performed around the perimeter of the plate. The lower parts of the hinges are welded to the frame, for which you can also use metal plates, placing them on the other side of the hinges.

Welding without plates

If the weight of the gate is light, you can do without plates. The welding technology will be slightly changed:

1. The support and frame of the gate are laid horizontally so that their surfaces are in the same plane. A gap of 3-5 mm is left between them.
2. 20 cm is measured from the top edge of the frame and a loop is placed in the gap. To raise it a little, you can use two matches, placing them perpendicular to the gap and installing a hinge on them.
3. The hinge is fixed by spot welding: the lower element with the pin is welded to the support, the upper element with the groove is welded to the frame.
4. To check how well the hinges work, it is not at all necessary to lift the sash: it is much easier to turn the support. If everything is normal, final welding is performed along the entire length of the fastener.<./li>

These methods are suitable for installing new gates, doors or gates. If it is necessary, for example, to replace old hinges on an already installed gate, Experienced professionals suggest proceeding as follows:

1. Secure the plaits to the loop.
2. Laying the sash horizontally, weld the top part of the hinge.
3. Place the sash in the opening and secure it.
4. Insert the bottom of the loop into the top. Mark on the support the place where the bottom plate should be.
5. Weld the lower part to the support.

After welding the door hinges, the seams are cleaned, primed and painted. Further care of the hinges comes down to regular lubrication, which will prevent rust and reduce friction.

Lubrication should be carried out only in the warm season, otherwise the hinges may freeze. Before applying lubricant, it is recommended to remove the door from the hinge, remove the remains of the previous composition, dirt, rust from the pin, and clean the groove.

In order for your efforts on how to weld hinges on a door to be successful, you should be careful when purchasing garage hinges. Be sure to make sure that:

• their size and length correspond to the weight and dimensions of the doors;
• the pin rotates freely in the hole;
• between it and the inner surface of the groove there is a small gap of 0.1 mm;
• There is no damage on the hinge: dents, rust, shells.

The choice of material from which the hinge is made is equally important, since different types of steel are welded differently. It will be easiest to weld fasteners cast from black steel or low-alloy alloy. For them, you can use conventional electric welding.

If you purchase hinges made of stainless steel or alloy materials, you should be prepared for the fact that carbon dioxide or argon welding will be required. The only advantage of stainless steel is that the hinge will not rust. But, since the coefficient of friction in a hinge made of this material is much higher than in a hinge made of black steel, it will have to be lubricated and cleaned more often.

To avoid problems when welding loops and In the future, it is better to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. It is not advisable to purchase cheap hinges made from ordinary raw steel, since their service life is only 2-3 years. During this time, the hinge wears out so much that the gate leaves begin to sag.
2. It is better to figure out in advance which side of the gate the hinges will be welded on, taking into account that the optimal option for opening the doors is to the street, and think through the entire welding process down to the smallest detail.
3. We should not forget that the main function of the gate is to ensure security. It is not advisable to install them on the street side, since they can be easily cut off. If you cannot do without this, it is recommended to order hinges made of forged steel, which no cutter will accept.
4. You need to make sure that the gate leaf cannot be removed when closed. Sometimes, in order to avoid such actions on the part of intruders, experienced craftsmen place one of the hinges on each of the doors “upside down”. However, then it will be impossible to remove the sashes for the purpose of repairs.
5. If this is your first time dealing with a welding machine, you should learn how to handle it in advance. Only an absolutely even weld seam will give a reliable and durable connection. It will be difficult to redo completed work.

These simple tips will help the novice master, and the installed doors will not cause him any problems in the future.