More information about adjustable hinges

What is an adjustable hinge?

An adjustable hinge is a heavy-duty hinge that is adjustable.
It includes the following components:

• An outside hinge joint: this is welded onto the metal door, gate or hatch;
• An eye bolt: this is the connecting element between the structure (e.g. a door frame welded into a ship’s structure) and the hinged part (e.g. a door);
• A hinge spindle equipped with a grease nipple;
• Nuts: allows the hinge to be adjusted as required.

What are the benefits of using such hinges?

An adjustable hinge is the ideal solution if you are looking for:

• a strong hinge for a metal door, gate or hatch;
• a solution that can withstand harsh conditions;
• a hinge that is adjustable making it possible to ensure that the rubber seal of the door or hatch is pressed just enough to ensure that a weather or watertight seal is created;
• ease of installation: the ability to adjust hinges after installation reduces the need for accurate pre-measurement, making installation more flexible and saving time and costs;
• an aesthetically pleasing and solid-looking product.

 
Unlike traditional hinges, which are often installed once and forgotten, adjustable hinges offer the possibility of making minor adjustments after they have been fitted. This can be crucial if, due to weathering or ageing over time, the dimensions and elasticity of the rubber change slightly. Our advice: replace the door or hatch rubber seal periodically.

Curious about the other hinges we have in our range? Then feel free to visit the pages on door hinges and hatch hinges.
 

Mounting using a threaded bush or a hinge bracket

There are two ways to attach the hinge to the structure using the eye bolt. You can use:

• a threaded bush: this is a piece of round steel equipped with a threaded hole; the eye bolt is threaded into the bush and the threaded sleeve is then welded onto the angle steel;
• a hinge bracket: this is a u-shaped profile that comes in two versions; one version to weld to a coaming and another version that can be welded to angle steel.

 
How do you fit and adjust an adjustable hinge?

1. Weld a bracket onto the door frame or coaming for each hinge (instead of a bracket, a threaded bush may be used in many cases).
2. Drill a hole in this bracket through which the eye bolt fits.
3. Screw a hexagon nut on the eye bolt on both sides of the bracket. This will allow the door to fit tighter to the frame.
4. Adjust the construction so that the frame presses tightly enough into the rubber seal to make the door or hatch weather- or waterproof. If it is a ship door or ship hatch to be class certified, it must be tested under the watchful eye of a classification agency.
5. Done! The door (or hatch) and hinge plate rotate around the eye of the eye bolt.

Adjustable hinge

Application with threaded bush

Application with hinge bracket on frame

Application with hinge bracket on coaming

Centre or flat type: which version should be used?

In many cases, the outside hinge joint is available in various designs:

• The steel and stainless-steel versions are available as flat type and centre type versions:
  • In the flat type version, the outside of the hinge joint is in line with the outside of the bead, making the outside completely flat. Ideally, the bead should point downwards so that the pivot point is as low as possible. If this is more convenient, you may also choose to place the bead at the top.
  • In the centre type version, one side of the outside hinge joint lies on the centre line of the hinge point.
• The aluminium outside hinge joint is available in a single version.

Aluminium outside hinge joint

Flat type version

Centre type version

Adjustable hinges are easy to buy from Rob Snel

Have you made your choice? Don’t hesitate to request products. Requesting products is easy and without obligation. Select adjustable hinges of your choice and add them to your request. After receiving your request, we will soon let you know the cost and delivery time. Once you agree to our proposal, we make sure you receive the products quickly. More information about the ordering process.