When it comes to securing your garden, gate fixings play a crucial role. Not only do they enhance security and deter potential intruders, but they also ensure a stable and long-lasting boundary. With a wide range of gate hinges and hardware available, selecting the right option can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we explore various gate hinges and essential fixings to help you achieve a durable and high-quality finish for your gate.
Gate hinges are essential components that determine how smoothly and securely your gate operates. The right hinge choice depends on factors such as the gate's weight, material, and frequency of use. Opting for high-quality hinges ensures longevity and prevents issues such as sagging or misalignment over time.
There are several types of gate hinges to consider, each designed for specific applications. Some of the most commonly used include:
Tee Hinges, also known as Cross Garnet hinges, get their name from their ‘T’ shaped construction. They are a popular choice for lightweight gates, garage and shed doors, and even internal cottage-style doors. Easy to install, they feature a rectangular shaped knuckle that must be fitted to the gate post or frame and the tapered strap fits to the gate.
Tee hinges provide excellent support while maintaining a traditional aesthetic. They come in various sizes and materials, with galvanised options offering superior rust resistance. The Weighty Scotch Galvanised Tee Hinges are a robust option, ensuring stability and longevity.
What Size Tee Hinge Should I Use?
As a general rule, the hinge should be at least half the width of the gate or door. For example, if you're hanging a 900mm-wide gate, you'll need a hinge no shorter than 450mm to ensure stability.
For gates or doors taller than 2100mm (approximately 7 feet), adding a third hinge is highly recommended. However, if you're working with an external gate or door of this height, it's worth considering a more heavy-duty hinge to provide the necessary strength and durability.
Also known as Band and Gudgeon hinges, these types of hinges offer a sturdy and dependable option for a variety of applications. Compared to Tee Hinges, these hinges are much more robust, making them a popular choice for timber gates, garage doors, and stable doors.
How Band & Hook Hinges Work
These hinges come in two separate components:
The hinge plate features a hook (or pin), which allows the band to slide over it, creating a pivot point for the gate. The hinge plate is fixed to the post using screws, while the band is secured to the gate with screws and a single coach bolt that passes through the entire gate or door. While installation is relatively straightforward, the coach bolt can make the process slightly more time-consuming.
What Size Band & Hook Hinge Should I Use?
For a standard gate, a Band & Hook Hinge should be about one-third of the gate or door width. For example, a 900mm (3ft) wide gate would typically require a 300mm (12-inch) hinge for adequate support.
For heavy-duty applications, however, a stronger hinge is necessary. In this case, the hinge should be at least half the width of the gate or door—meaning a 900mm-wide gate would need a 450mm hinge to ensure stability.
Adjustable gate hinges serve the same fundamental purpose as Band & Hook hinges but offer one key advantage—they allow for fine-tuning after installation. As the name suggests, these hinges provide adjustability, making them particularly useful for both manually operated and automated gates, especially those using above-ground ram systems.
How Do Adjustable Gate Hinges Work?
The design of these hinges is similar to hook and ride hinges, consisting of:
The bolt passes through the band and is adjusted using two locking nuts, allowing you to fine-tune the gate’s position even after it’s been installed. This feature is particularly beneficial if the gate post starts to sag over time under the gate’s weight. Instead of having to rehang the gate, you can simply adjust the hinge to lift the gate back into position, preventing it from dragging on the ground.
Additionally, adjustable hinges can be a great option for beginners, as they allow for corrections after installation. There's no need to get everything perfectly level on the first try - you can fine-tune the alignment afterward.
Choosing the Right Size Adjustable Hinges
The sizing rules for adjustable hinges mirror those of Band and Hook hinges. For standard domestic use, the hinge should be one-third the width of the gate. For heavy-duty applications, opt for a hinge that’s half the gate’s width. For gates taller than 2100mm (7ft), adding a third hinge is recommended for extra support.
Beyond hinges, additional hardware such as latches, bolts, and fixings contribute to the overall stability and security of your gate. When choosing gate hardware, consider the following:
Both adjustable hinges and Band and Hook hinges have a potential security flaw - if someone is determined enough, they can be lifted off their hinge pins. While this is usually more of a concern for smaller pedestrian gates, it’s less of an issue for larger driveway gates due to their weight.
Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective solution to prevent this: install the top hinge pin upside down. This small adjustment makes it significantly harder for anyone to lift the gate off its hinges.
For optimal performance, follow these best practices when installing your gate hinges and hardware:
Choosing the right gate hinges and hardware is crucial for security, durability, and ease of use. Whether you're working on a small garden gate or a heavy-duty driveway gate, investing in high-quality fixings ensures long-term stability and protection.
At KPT Timber, we offer a wide range of galvanised tee hinges, adjustable band & hook hinges, and other premium gate hardware. Explore our collection today to find the perfect solution for your gate and fencing needs!
SOURCES:
https://www.birkdalesales.com/blogs/garden-fence-questions/best-hinges-for-heavy-wood-gate
https://www.woodworkersuk.co.uk/ultimate-guide-to-gate-garage-door-hinges/
https://doorcontrolsdirect.co.uk/blog/post/122-types-of-hinges-a-very-comprehensive-guide
