More information about hatch hinges

What exactly are hatch hinges?

The function of a hatch hinge is to support a hatch while allowing it to move smoothly when opening and closing. A hatch hinge consists of one part welded to the frame or coaming and one part welded to the hatch. Both components hinge around a hinge axis.

Hatch hinges are often used in shipbuilding and offshore, but are also useful in industry and other places where metal hatches are used.
 

From light to heavy-duty hinge: what types of hatch hinges are there?

Hatches applied in industry, offshore and shipbuilding are often heavy duty. This is because the hatch is heavy or because it is equipped with a counterweight. Hinges used for this purpose are subjected to heavy loads, which demand a heavy-duty execution.

Rob Snel’s product range consists of several types of hinges that are more or less suitable as hatch hinges depending on the weight of the hatch:

• Heavy-duty hatch hinges are the strongest hinges in our product range. They are applied in cases where the hatch is too heavy for adjustable hinges. A heavy-duty hinge comes with an M20 hinge bolt.
• Light hatch hinges are designed for slightly lighter hatches, but can nevertheless handle a heavy load. You have a choice between straight side plates (for use on a steel corner frame) or curved side plates (for use on a coaming). A light hinge comes with an M10 or M16 hinge bolt.

Heavy-duty hatch hinge

Light hatch hinge

Other hinges you can use as a hatch hinge

In addition to light hatch hinges and heavy-duty hinges, our product range includes a number of hinges with a wider scope of application. These hinges are used as hatch hinges. But they also make for great door hinges:

• Adjustable hinges are often used for watertight doors and hatches. The benefit of these hinges is that they can be adjusted for proper compression of the rubber. This is a legal requirement if a door has to be weather or waterproof.
• Slotted hinges are often used when toggles are also applied on the hinge side. A slotted hinge is similar to an adjustable hinge, except a slotted hinge has a thick strip with a slotted hole instead of an eyebolt. This makes a slotted hinge less adjustable than an adjustable hinge.
• Weld-on hinges and weld-on bullet hinges are suitable for slightly lighter hatches that are subjected to fewer demands due to their position. They are not adjustable and are less heavy duty than the other types of hinges.

Adjustable hatch hinge

Slotted hinge

Weld-on hinge

Weld-on bullet hinge

Centre type or flat type?

In most cases, the various types of hinges are available in a centre type and a flat type version.

Centre type version

Flat type version

 
In the centre type version, one side of the hinge plate aligns with the centre line of the hinge point.

In the flat type version, the outside of the hinge plate is in line with the outside of the round part that the axle passes through. This makes the outside completely level. You can also choose to weld the hinge plate onto the door the other way round, i.e. with the flat side down.
 

Light or heavy-duty hatch hinges: choose the hinge you need

We offer six different types of hinges that can be used for hatches:
heavy-duty and light hatch hinges, adjustable hinges, slotted hinges, weld-on hinges and weld-on bullet hinges.
Depending on the type, these are available in various sizes, materials and designs.

Browse our product range and find the hinge you are looking for.
 

Request a risk-free quote right away

Buying hatch hinges at Rob Snel Select the hinge of your choice and add it to your enquiry. After receiving your request, we will send you a risk-free quote. Once you confirm, the hinges will be coming your way shortly! Learn more about the ordering process here.