Swing gates are the easiest option to install and use. The sash pivots when opening inward or outward on pivoting hinges. They bear the load of keeping the gate leaves in a stationary state and during displacement. In order for the gate in the country to serve for a long time, you need to choose and install the hinges correctly.
Types of loops and their properties
A hinge is a type of movable hinge, usually in 2 parts. The hinge can rotate around its own axis. In fact, depending on the type of hinge, the sash swings open to an angle of 90 to 180 degrees.
There are options that allow you to open the sash both inward and outward. They are more convenient to use, but more difficult to install and more expensive.
Before welding the hinges to steel gates, you need to correctly calculate the load and choose the optimal design. The following models are distinguished:
- Overhead - there are 2–4 bearings inside the body, which ensure the swing of the sash. Hinges for gates are massive, made of steel, brass, stainless steel. The design prevents sagging of the leaves, ensures quiet opening.
- Overhead three-section - a modern modification of the mounted ones. The structure is rather massive, with large dimensions, but it can withstand very high loads. This option is intended for massive gates. The hinges do not squeak, provide smooth displacement of the heavy sash and prevent distortion or sagging.
- Cylindrical or teardrop shaped as standard. However, for the gate, they purchase a model with reinforcement - improved plates. Such a "droplet" can withstand a load of up to 600 kg. Cylindrical hinges are fastened by welding or screw connection.
- If the gate does not weigh so much or the sheds are welded onto the wicket, models with a support bearing are recommended. This element and the hinge joint itself are hidden in a metal case and are practically not subject to wear. Permissible load - 100 kg. Fix them by welding.
- Loops of the "arrow" type - they differ from ordinary overhead loops by a larger area of the retainer, usually in the form of an arrow. Fittings allow you to evenly distribute the load with a large sash. Withstands weight up to 700 kg. For the manufacture of hinges, sheet steel is used.
- Through - designed for a load of no more than 200 kg. They are installed if the fittings cannot be straightened or screwed on. In this case, mounting columns are installed on the door frame, in which the retainer is placed. Fastened with nuts.
Arrow hinges are usually very decorative and imitate old-fashioned fittings or forged details.
Selection and preparation of loops
Steel gates - the structure is heavy and large. In addition, the gate is constantly exposed to snow, rain, cold and sun. The accessories for them must be chosen very carefully:
- The most important parameter is the weight that the hinges can support. The marking indicates the recommended sash weight, taking into account the movement, therefore, it is prohibited to exceed this figure.
- Opening angle - if trees grow next to the gate and the sash cannot open completely, there is no point in choosing hinges with a 180 degree rotation.If the sashes must completely free the opening, it is better to buy the latter.
- Fastening method - this parameter is determined by the design of the canvas and support pillars.
- Service life - it is difficult and difficult to change the hardware on the gate. The preference is given to the most reliable products and firms.
Often, decorativeness is also a decisive factor when choosing. For carved wooden gates, it is better to choose beautiful overhead "arrows".
Gate attachment technique
Installation of pivot hinges on the gate is done in 3 main ways:
- electric welding - parts of the hinges are welded to the canvas and frame;
- mounting on bolts - more often used if the canvas is made of wood;
- on self-tapping screws - recommended for thin-sheet structures, like corrugated sheeting.
Hardware placement can be hidden or visible. The latter, for example, include all variants of overhead loops. You can hide cylindrical models from your eyes.
The nuances of installation on supports of different sections
Profile or round iron pipes are most often used as support pillars for gates. The nature of the section affects the way the fittings are fixed.
On posts with a square or rectangular cross-section, the hinges are welded from the outside, to the support plane.
If the support post is round, they immediately determine in which direction the sash opens. Then they find the most protruding line - usually the middle of the pipe, retreat from it in the direction of plowing 5–6 mm and fix the loops. It is more difficult to cook for a round professional pipe. Neatness is required here. If possible, the welding is replaced by bolting.
Required tools and materials
To install the fittings you will need:
- pivoting hinges of the required design;
- tape measure and building level;
- welding machine;
- bolts, screws, other fasteners, if the fittings are mounted in a different way.
Welding work may only be carried out in protective clothing, gloves and a mask.
DIY welding of loops
Welding is the most reliable method. How to weld the hinges to the gate depends on the material of the canvas, its thickness and weight.
Gates made of corrugated board
The profiled sheet model belongs to thin sheet structures. Such a thin sheet is easy to burn through, so the work will be done very carefully. Step by step scheme:
- The frame is cooked from a profile, revetted with a profiled sheet. The finished canvas is laid on a flat surface.
- Under the lower part of the fittings, a substrate is made by 2–4 mm, the upper part is grabbed from the end.
- Loops are set with a rectangular bar.
- On each side of the part, make 2 small tacks.
- The elements are welded to the support pillars.
- The sash is installed so that a gap of 2–2.5 cm remains between the rack and the canvas, and between the sashes in the center - 1–1.5 cm.
- Check the verticality of the leaves and freedom of movement. If the gate moves easily and without delay, make 2 tacks per hinge outside the gate.
- A stand is made in the middle so that the canvas does not sag over time.
You can move the flaps only after the seams have completely cooled down.
Stone fence
Iron fittings cannot be welded to a brick or stone post. To do this, a metal pipe with mortgages under the hinges is placed inside the pillar during the construction phase. If this was not done, rods are laid when laying the pillar. If the support is already ready, the rods are driven in or screwed into the holes between the stones.
A substrate with a thickness of 2-3 mm is welded onto rods or embeds. If the post is round, the backing is shifted outward by 5–6 mm. In order to properly weld the hinges on the gate to the square stone pillars, there is no need to retreat: here the hinges are placed flush on the outside.
At first, the fittings are only grabbed.Then he aligns it with a bar, hang the sashes, if nothing prevents them from opening, they are finally welded.
Garage door
The main feature of this procedure: it is allowed to weld the hinges only in an upright position.
The scheme is simple:
- Mark the position of the hinges on the frame. You must step back at least 25 cm from the edges of the frame.
- The hinges are lubricated with grease to pre-sinter.
- They grab the lower part of the canopy at the mark, thread the upper part into it, check how easily it moves. If everything is correct, the upper part is also slightly tacked.
- Hang up the garage door with an assistant and check how well it opens. If everything is fine, the hinges are welded along the long side of the plate.
- The gate is hung up again, checking the freedom of movement. The elements are finally attached - along the perimeter of the entire connecting plate.
Welding points are cleaned, primed and painted.
Safety engineering
Welding is a dangerous type of work. When performing it, follow the safety rules.
- Do not keep flammable liquids or materials near the welding site. The site should be vacated.
- During work, it is necessary to exclude the presence of children and pets on the site.
- Welding is carried out in a protective mask, goggles, gloves and an apron.
- The instructions for handling the welding machine used must be strictly followed.
- Cleaning and grinding the seams, as well as any other work - hanging the sashes, for example, is performed only after the joints have cooled to room temperature.
During work, keep a working fire extinguisher nearby.
Tips & Tricks
In order for the gate to serve for a long time, and the welding does not take much time, you should pay attention to the advice of specialists:
- The hinges are installed in strictly defined places in order to correctly distribute the load. Therefore, before work, you need to study the drawing.
- Direct-type models are attached to sashes laid on the floor, and nothing else.
- Before welding, it is recommended to make a kind of support under the bottom to provide support.
Welding the hinges to the gate is not that difficult. However, such work requires skill with the welding machine. In addition, fittings for such heavy sashes must be selected taking into account their weight, size, and opening characteristics.
