Canopies for gates and wickets: how to weld correctly

Today, few garages and fences can do without reliable connections. It is their correct installation that determines how long they will function properly. We are talking about gate hinges that secure the gate to the frame and open it to the desired angle.

This article will discuss the main types of metal hinges and the features of their installation on various surfaces. Gate hinges are a mechanism consisting of two main elements that form a hinge. It allows the fence canvas to easily rotate relative to the base. Such connecting elements are capable of providing opening in the range from 90 – 180°. Some designs provide the ability to move in both directions, and this greatly increases the functionality of the structure.

Application of internal loops

Despite some controversy among users regarding hidden garage fittings, internal hinges offer the following advantages:

1. A higher level of security and burglary resistance, which is especially important if you store very expensive and valuable property in your garage.
2. Long service life, which in practice is estimated at many decades.
3. High resistance to loads, thanks to which doors weighing up to 400-500 kg each can be hung on hidden hinges without any significant consequences for the overall design.

If you value the security of your property, hidden hinges are a great investment and will give you peace of mind over your property.

Internal hinges for garage

Welded hinges

Iron gates, and every other one, in an iron frame are attached to the supports with special welded hinge hinges.

Kinds

Welded door hinges for gates differ from each other primarily in size and material of manufacture. In addition, there are differences in shape, design and ability to carry a certain load.

They are in form:

• Cylindrical;
• Hexagonal;
• Drop-shaped.

By design:

• Simple - with a removable or non-removable “finger”;
• Ball-type - with an iron ball, which ensures easy opening of the gate by reducing the friction force in the hinges;
• Bearing - with a bearing between the two halves of the product.

By load:

• Uncomplicated;
• Reinforced - with welded plates, allowing the load on the loop to be distributed more evenly. This increases the reliability of fastening the gate and increases the service life of the canopies.

Required number of loops

The overall dimensions of the welded hinges, as well as their number, are selected in accordance with the weight of the gate. The heavier it is, the more there should be. Or they themselves should be more wonderful.

The recommended quantity is shown in the table:

Installation of gates on welded hinges

It’s worth emphasizing right away that it’s very difficult to do this work on your own, and it’s simply unrealistic if you don’t have experience. Welding is a complex, labor-intensive process, scary for a beginner. Based on this, it is possible to undertake installation only if this is not the first time you have seen and held a welding machine in your hands.

In addition to this, do not forget to stock up on electrodes, a mask and personal protective equipment. And the necessary tools:

• An iron brush for cleaning work surfaces from dirt, rust, and old paint;
• Grinder for cleaning welds;
• Tape measure or ruler, pencil;
• Construction level;
• Clamps or other devices for fixing parts.

Then, it is necessary to make markings on the door leaf, depending on the number of hinges. The top and bottom should be placed no further than 15-20 cm from the edge.

It is much more ergonomic to weld them while the gate and frame are in a horizontal position.

A detailed description of the process is shown in the table:

If the gate posts are already in place, installation is carried out using a different technology. The instructions recommend that you first accurately mark and weld the upper parts of the hinges to the gate leaf.

After this, as in the case of overhead awnings and a wooden gate, the sash is installed in the opening and fixed in it using pads and wedges. The verticality of the installation, and being in the same plane with the box, is checked by the building level.

After this, the lower part is inserted into the upper part of the loop, and its position is marked on the support post with chalk or a construction pencil. Or it is immediately tacked in two places by spot welding.

Having grabbed all the hinges, you need to remove the wedges and pads and check the movement of the gate. Only then is it possible to make vertical continuous seams.

And then everything is the same: the internal seams are boiled, they are cleaned, after which the entire structure is painted in the chosen color.

Let's get to work. Swing gate frame

Using a grinder, we cut out the workpiece according to the dimensions of the drawing and chamfer the joints. We connect the parts using electric welding.

It’s better to work together, one holds, the other cooks. We grab the parts, then, after checking the corners and diagonals, we weld them with a reliable seam.

First, we weld the outer rectangle of the canvas, then insert and weld the cross members. (see Fig. 1).

During the welding process, parts must be aligned exactly in one plane, for which they must be placed on a perfectly flat surface.

It is unlikely that there will be such a site in the countryside. To replace it, you will have to make an assembly table from a couple of dozen bricks or cinder blocks. They need to be placed in rows, with an interval of about forty centimeters along the level, so that the upper edges lie in a common plane.

We will weld the first sash on this improvised slipway, first using tacks. Then we will weld the second sash on it. It will be much more convenient. We swap the sashes and finally weld the seams first, making adjustments if necessary.

Several distinctive features of welding hinges to corrugated sheets

Quite often, profiled sheets are used as a material for creating gates or fences. If a person needs to weld hinges to this material, then some factors should be taken into account. It is required to make lintels that must be parallel to the vertical part of the sash.

An important step in working on swing iron gates is welding the hinges

It is necessary to secure the jumpers in those places where the hinges are welded. They must divide the sash into 3 identical elements. Hinges must be welded to the jumpers. To cover the welding area and jumper, small pieces of corrugated sheeting can be screwed on top. It is better to give preference to thicker loops with a length of more than 1 m.

Completion

After carefully welding the bayonet parts of the loops on the pole, you will need to attach the inserted upper parts of the loops to them immediately with the balls. Then press the baited part against the door leaf as tightly as possible and continue welding work.

At the end of the welding work, the seams can be processed with a grinder.

This technology has been successfully used by all door installation services for a long time. It will not be difficult to do this yourself if you have welding skills and the necessary equipment with consumables:

• Metal door hinges;
• Plates/plates;
• Welding machine;
• Electrodes;
• Bench hammer;
• Welding mask, gloves and overalls;
• Bulgarian.

Basic truths

The process of installing hinges can be considered using the example of a metal gate. In order for it to properly perform its main functions, a number of conditions must be met when welding hinges:

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.

Classification

In order to choose the right product when purchasing, we will consider popular types that are suitable for various occasions. The standards are reflected in the following list:

1. Overheads are a popular classic option. They are easy to install and operate and are affordable.
2. Screw-in, suitable for wooden gates with light leaf. They are burglary resistant and look nice, but are not suitable for a heavy door.
3. Through ones (through which the rod passes) correspond to a thin fabric. The simplest type includes 3 elements: right and left hinges, a pin, but up to 6 parts are also found.
4. Secret (hidden type) with increased security, but affordable. They are difficult to install, which is the only drawback. A special design hides the mechanism in the gate from view when it is closed. Fastening is done to the ends of the support posts and to the frame from the inside. Such loops cannot be cut or removed without special tools.
5. Reinforced, used for heavy fabric. For example, with a diameter of 34 mm for a load of 300 kg per pair.
6. Cylindrical, corresponding to classic models. There are also mechanisms with support bearings and reinforced structures. The first ones are the most standard in appearance and shape. This is a cylinder made of 2 parts with a pin in one of them and a hole for its installation in the other. There is a modification - a ball bearing, which makes the operation smooth. The reinforced model has a thicker rod and walls. Do-it-yourself patterns on gates made of corrugated sheets? This is a garage option used for gates.
7. Three-section types are also used for gates. They are similar to through ones, but are classified as cylindrical types. In the middle there are 2 pins with opposite directions. Empty cylinders are put on them on both sides. They are welded to poles (for example, a pipe). As a result, they cannot be removed without cutting.

The photo shows a wooden door.

Each species has distinctive features. But in everyday life, gates are usually equipped with reinforced hangers. And for gates, simple cylindrical ones are used, which come in the following shapes:

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• round;
• hexagonal;
• drop-shaped (for example, 16x120 with a support washer);
• square.

Purpose of the product

Hinges, or awnings, are devices with which gates are opened. The mechanism consists of several elements. They rotate around their axis and ensure the operation of the gate. The principle of free rotation underlies all types of locking mechanisms. This quality makes them an indispensable part of the gate.

After installation

To choose the right gate awnings, you need to take into account the following:

It is better to purchase loops in a specialized store. Only large retail outlets have all the necessary documents: a quality certificate, a guarantee from the manufacturer and a hinge installation diagram. This does not always guarantee the quality of the product 100%, but if you are not satisfied with the product, it can be returned or exchanged. You should buy a mechanism taking into account the weight of the swing gates. Each type of canopy is designed for a specific load that it will withstand. It is advisable to choose with a margin of safety. For example, for a sash weighing 200 kg, take a device designed for 300 kg. Take into account the location of the house for safe operation of the gate. Some types of hidden swing mechanisms prevent the gate from opening completely. This is inconvenient when leaving the yard, since open doors interfere with street traffic.

You need to use gate canopies with the correct connection method

Hinges are welded onto metal sashes, and screwed onto wooden sashes with bolts or self-tapping screws. Therefore, it is important to know what material the sashes are made of. It is worth paying attention to the material from which the canopy is made. This affects the service life. Products made of plastic or thin metal will not last long on heavy sashes

Over time, they will begin to warp and jam. If you select such loops, then this must be taken into account.

Installation option

Materials and tools

To do the job well, you will need professional tools

In addition to the welding machine, you will need the following tools and consumables:

• welder's protective mask;
• measuring instrument: ruler, tape measure, building level;
• lubricant for hinges - grease or a composition similar in properties to it;
• An angle grinder will be needed to clean up welding seams and dismantle an incorrectly installed hinge group.

Support pillars are best made from a profile pipe of square or rectangular cross-section. This will ensure the reliability of the structure and facilitate the installation process of the canvas.

Manufacturing of gate posts

Accurate and correct installation of racks is the most important part of the entire structure.

To make the racks, we take two sections of profile pipe 100x100x4. To increase adhesion to concrete, we will weld a steel plate bearing 200x200x6 mm to it from below. To prevent moisture from getting inside the pipe, we weld the top with a 100x100 mm steel plate.

I recommend: Types of handrails and stainless steel structures

We will weld the plate for fastening the opening mechanism and the hinges when the racks are already installed and the leaves are suspended.

Selection of loops and their quantity

If you decide to use welded hinges to install the gate, you can choose from several types:

• the simplest and most inexpensive option is a split cylinder with a rotating axis in one part and a cavity-cap in the other. Such hinges require periodic lubrication, without which they quickly begin to creak;
• The most popular are hinges of the same design, but improved with a ball or bearing on which the axis rests. They can be either two- or three-section;

Welded hinges with a ball Source dekoriko.ru
Another option - the same hinges with metal plates welded to each part.

However, it is not enough to know how to weld hinges to the gate - first you need to calculate the load on them and decide on the quantity. This is not difficult to do if you know the weight of the sashes.

Hinges without plates can withstand a maximum of 400 kg depending on their diameter and the length and thickness of the metal. And hinges with plates that take on part of the load are designed for a more impressive weight - they can withstand up to 600 kg.

Knowing the design load on the hinges and the weight of the structure, you can determine the required number of hinges. Of course, there will not be less than two of them per sash. And in the case of heavy gates, the number of canopies is increased to 3 or 4. An additional hinge is installed just below the top one, which bears the main load.

3 hinges are often installed on massive insulated garage doors. Source dekoriko.ru

By the way, you can strengthen ordinary hinges yourself by welding to them plates cut from thick metal of a suitable size. The weld must be continuous.

Welding Recommendations

Professionals give recommendations on welding:

1. Straight hinges are welded directly onto the gate itself.
2. You will need to make a backing the size of half the loop. Its length should be no more than 4 millimeters under the bottom side.
3. It happens that it is necessary to attach a loop to a round column. Then the hinges are placed with a protrusion on the outer side of about six millimeters.
4. Experts advise welding small seams alternately on each side. It's better to walk twice.
5. The next step is to weld the hinges on the inside.
6. The final stage of welding should be carried out on a closed gate, having previously installed a stand that will prevent it from sagging.
7. The seam should only be on the underside.
8. When the hinges have cooled down after welding, you can try to open the gate. Caution must be exercised.

That's it, the installation of the hinges is complete. You can additionally lubricate and paint them if they were not previously covered with enamel. As you can see, you can install the hinges yourself. But you need to have at least basic skills in working with a welding machine.

Choosing loops

The choice is made taking into account the size and weight of the valves. For example, a metal garage door will require stronger hinges with a support bearing than a gate. The stores offer a variety of types:

1. Drop-shaped ones with support bearings are designed for weights up to 400 kg.
2. Cylindrical, thanks to the amplifier, which works as a load distributor, and the support bearing, ensure ease of opening with a load of up to 600 kg.
3. Through ones are chosen if it is impossible to weld the hinges or secure them with bolts. Fixation is carried out using a through hole in the rack. They are attached to the sash with nuts. Maximum load up to 200 kg.
4. 3-section doors are difficult to break into and are used for hanging heavy sashes.
5. Forged ones are functional and are used as decoration for wooden gates.
6. Steel boom hinges are often installed on garage doors made of thick metal.
7. Height-adjustable hinges are useful if the position of the support posts may change.

Hinge with support bearing ensures easy opening with loads up to 600 kg

What are the advantages of cylindrical hinges that have a support bearing?

This category has the usual form. They look like a cylinder in appearance. There is a pin on one side, and a hole is made for it on the other. This design is supplemented with a bearing ball. Such fastenings are often used for metal sashes that weigh no more than four hundred kilograms.

Smooth operation is ensured by a special ball bearing. Typically it is placed in a part with a hole. In order to be able to lubricate the bearing during operation, a hole is drilled on the other side. It can be closed with a suitable size plug. When it is necessary to improve the movement and mobility of this curtain, simply open the plug and lubricate the bearing.

Wooden gate hinges

You can buy your favorite wooden gate inexpensively at any construction market.

An example of the design of forged hinges for a wooden gate

Many suppliers manufacture custom gates or wickets. For those who can boast of having even a little experience in construction work, it will not be difficult to make a simple structure with their own hands.

If you have a gate, all that remains is to select hinges that match it in terms of characteristics and dimensions. Correctly chosen fastening will provide the sash with an ideal “fit” and full-fledged long-term operation. For a small wooden gate, the most suitable way to fix the hinges is to install the door with self-tapping screws.

Installation of hinges with self-tapping screws

In principle, this method of attaching hinges is similar to installing interior doors. However, to install a wicket, the components must be wicket or gate components. When choosing this type of fixation, the hinges are attached to the end of the gate, providing the structure with additional stability and improving its external performance.

Stages of installing a wooden gate:

1. Using wood screws, the wicket hinge should be attached to the facade of the sash in the marked places. For greater reliability, it is advisable to use at least 3 hinges for 1 gate.

Attaching hinges to the gate with self-tapping screws

The structure with attached hinges must be placed on a flat surface (on the ground) along with the posts. In this case, care must be taken to ensure that the fabric of the product is not damaged. It is best to place a lumber lining under the gate and posts, for example, a piece of plywood or chipboard. If necessary, places for hinges are prepared on the support post. For this purpose, cuts are made. It is convenient to do this work with a hammer and chisel. Piles with attachment points marked by markings are installed in holes prepared in advance for supports. The lower ends of each pillar should be treated with an antiseptic and wrapped in roofing material. The pillars must be fixed in a strict vertical line, which is verified by the building level.

An example of installed posts for a wooden gate

Using self-tapping screws, the gate is attached to reinforced piles.

For support pillars, a hole should be made at least 120 cm deep. At the bottom of the hole there must be a compacted sand cushion (15 cm in height). The pillars can be backfilled or concreted. This method of installing them will save the structure from shrinkage, which is fraught with transfer of loops.

First you need a sketch of a swing gate

There are unlikely to be any difficulties with the drawing (sketch). There are plenty of different projects on the Internet; you just need to take the one that suits you and modify it to your liking.

Let's look at the manufacture of swing gates using the example of a design that can be seen in the figure (see Fig. 1).

First, the dimensions of do-it-yourself swing gates with an electric drive, here we reasoned as follows:

There is no need for a special height for the gate. Two meters is enough to hide the territory of the site from casual glances.

The passage must be wide enough to allow the truck to enter. Let's say you need to bring in black soil, manure for fertilizer, supply building materials, or something else bulky. The width of the truck is 2.5 m, let’s add a little over a meter in order to drive in comfortably even in reverse. We get an acceptable opening width of 3.6 m, which is well divided into two doors of 1.8 m each.

Beginning of work

Before welding begins, you need to place the future gate leaves in the garage opening. This is done in order to achieve the correct position of the sashes and determine the scope of work. At this stage, be patient and, if possible, have an assistant. Only after you have achieved an even position of the valves can you proceed to the welding itself. The peculiarity is that it is extremely rare to carry out this type of work in a horizontal position. And making a vertical weld can be difficult even for experienced craftsmen. Taking this fact into account, welding should be carried out with special care, describing circular movements and, as it were, lifting the metal.

At first glance, this type of work seems complex and requires special skills. However, it is quite possible to perform it, following the rules and having a certain skill. The most important thing is to take your time when performing work and carry out actions in accordance with the plan.

You need to measure approximately 20-25 cm from the top and bottom of the canvas and mark it with a pencil or chalk. To prevent the hinges from baking, they need to be lubricated, for example with grease, or small pieces of wood the size of a match should be placed. This trick will help avoid jamming during operation and generally simplify the process. We weld the hinges to the gate. At the initial stage, you should not completely weld the hinges. You just need to lightly grab them by welding

It is important to remember that the lower half of the part is welded first. For those who use the welding machine for the first time, you need to remember that the loop is welded in the direction from the bottom to the top, and the movement of the electrode should be smooth and without breaks. After the first seam is completed, the gate needs to be opened and checked using a builder's level or laser level to see how well it opens and closes

You can finish the work if you are satisfied with the result. An ideally installed structure should open without effort or additional noise. Repeat all these manipulations for the remaining parts.

Places where welding was done must be carefully sanded using a grinder. The final stage is priming and painting the gate in the chosen color.

Covering the gate frame with wood

Welding work has been completed. While the paint is drying on the metal, prepare the boards for the wooden fence.

Planed boards are sold in lengths of both 4 and 6 meters. We cut them with a hacksaw with a short tooth according to a single pattern into equal lengths. They will turn out to be a little less than two meters long because 2-3 millimeters will be spent on cutting, but such an error is acceptable.

We sand the ends with sandpaper. We treat the boards with protective stain or other paints and varnishes and let them dry.

It is more convenient to do the paneling if the sashes are lying down. We remove them from the hinges and carefully place them on wooden pads next to the gate.

Installing them again will be more difficult; the total weight of the finished sash together with the wood will be about 100 kg. However, with two or three of us this won’t be much of a problem, but it will be much more convenient to do the cladding and it will turn out to be of better quality.

We attach the boards to the frame using galvanized self-tapping screws at the end of which there is a drilling tip or, as builders say, a “feather.”

To prevent the canvas from looking sloppy, the heads of the screws should be positioned strictly on the same line. We achieve this as follows:

First we attach the end board. It is better to do this from the side where the sashes adjoin. We extend the top of the board 10-12 mm above the horizontal crossbar of the gate. On the opposite side of the canvas frame, to its vertical post, we attach a thin wooden strip with tape or a piece of rope. We pull a string to it from the top edge of the board. The lace will give us a line along which the top of the remaining boards will be exposed.

We pull the second cord parallel to the first, flush with the screw head. Along this line we will line up the heads of the remaining fasteners. We will tie this thread to a nail driven into the rail.

We install all the pick-up boards, fasten them with self-tapping screws and move on to the lower rows of fastenings. Here you don’t have to tighten the lace, but simply mark the lines of the screw heads with a pencil.

Lubricate the hinges with grease, insert the balls and install the doors in place.

Main types of garage hinges

The building materials market offers a wide variety of hinges for swing doors. Each variety has individual parameters and advantages of use. The first thing you need to do when choosing is to select an installation option. The following installation methods are available:

• welding - the hinges are fixed on the door leaf and frame;
• installation using bolts - used when working with wood material;
• fastening with self-tapping screws - suitable for structures made from profiled sheets.

Based on placement, clamps are divided into hidden and internal. Their main differences lie in the installation method and decorative characteristics. When choosing garage hinges, the weight of the door is of great importance. Incorrect calculation of the expected load provokes skew of the canvas and difficulties with opening. For dense sheet steel with a large mass, it is recommended to purchase reinforced clamps.

With support bearing

Hinges equipped with a support bearing are the basic type of cylindrical type fasteners. The support bearing and swivel joint are reliably protected from external influences by the main body made of metal alloys.

Models with support bearings are intended for lightweight swing structures. The maximum permissible load is 100 kg. The clamps with support bearings are attached to the sashes and frame using a welding machine.

Cylindrical with additional reinforcement

Reinforced clamps are equipped with additional plates, which helps distribute the load over a large surface of the sashes or pillar. It is recommended to use cylindrical hinges with improved plates for thin profile structures. The parts are fixed to the swing gate leaves and frame by welding or screw connection.

Depending on the side of location, cylindrical reinforced hinges are divided into right and left. The diameter of the element is 50 mm. The maximum total load reaches 600 kg.

End-to-end

If it is not possible to secure the hinges by welding or screwing to the frame, a through type is used. For installation in the gate frame, mounting columns are drilled along the entire length, into which part of the retainer is threaded. For final fastening, nuts of the appropriate size are used. Thanks to a special fastening scheme, through-type fasteners can withstand loads of up to 200 kg.

Three-section invoices

For massive swing gates, it is necessary to increase the number of latches and choose a type with increased wear resistance. The best option is three-section models that can withstand the load of a heavy structure. The main advantages of overhead three-section hinges are:

• smooth sliding when opening and closing the gate;
• no creaking;
• reliable protection against burglary;
• preventing the sash from warping and sagging.

Boom loops

Garage boom hinges are suitable for attaching large swing doors, gates and thin-profile structures. The main distinguishing feature is the increased area of ​​the clamp, due to which it provides additional strength and prevents distortions.

At the connection points, the arrow loops are able to withstand increased stress. This is facilitated by uniform distribution along the entire length of the sash. The range of dimensions of the clamps varies up to 700 mm, which makes it possible to find the optimal option for any gate design. The fastening parts are made from durable sheet steel, which ensures a long service life.

Invoices

Despite the ease of installation, overhead types of hinges are highly reliable. The fasteners are made from durable materials, including steel alloys, brass and stainless steel, which significantly increases the variability of their use. Inside the housing there are 2-4 ball bearings necessary for smooth opening of the gate.

To fix the overhead hinges on the frame, you need to mark their exact location and secure it with self-tapping screws. The clamps are included in the universal category and are not divided into left- and right-handed ones. If after installation it becomes necessary to remove the canvas from the hinges, you will need to unscrew the screws.

Step-by-step guide to installing corrugated sheet gates

1. The first step is to mark the location for the gate.
2. Next, holes for the pillars are dug at least one meter deep. Before digging in, the supports are treated with an anti-corrosion primer.

Post holes can be dug by hand or using an auger

The solution for strengthening the pillars must be compacted well.

To ensure that the gate stands level, before installation you need to position the gate and place a stone or brick under it

Locks, decorations, forged elements are installed on gates made of corrugated sheets last

The good thing about corrugated sheets is that they do not require painting. But you can purchase ready-made material, stylized as wood or stone. You can decorate the gate with forged elements or other decor - on top or along the door leaf. To decorate the gate, you can trim the top edge, but then it needs to be protected with a profile. If desired, the corrugated sheet can be painted with special paints that are resistant to external influences. You can only use the gate freely one month after installation.

What should gate hinges be like?

Metal gates are most often installed on garages and fences that protect the perimeter of the area. First of all, they perform security and protective functions, and only then decorative ones. Products in this category can weigh from 200 to 1500 kg. Therefore, in order for the structure to serve well for many years, it is necessary to select only fittings that are suitable in terms of strength.

Drawing with dimensions of gate hinges

Poor quality hinges or hinges that do not fit the gate lead to the following problems:

• cannot withstand the applied load and become deformed;
• the gate begins to sag;
• The doors no longer open easily and close tightly.

Buying high-quality hinges that best fit the gate means:

• provide the gate with all conditions for long-term service;
• forget about creaking and grinding noises when operating the sashes;
• provide the entrance to the yard or garage with maximum protection against burglary.

Modern fittings for garage structures function perfectly in any weather. Permissible temperature range:

• from – 400;
• up to +1200.

Mechanism selection

Main types of garage hinges

The rapid technological process affects many aspects of our lives, and even hinges for wooden gates (as well as metal ones) are no exception. If previously the fittings for garage doors were very simple and monotonous, today you can find many types of different hinges that differ in their features and advantages.

The table shows the main types.

Which gate hinges to choose from such a variety? If you are already overwhelmed by the wide range of modern stores, read on to find out the rules of choice.

Why hinge hinges are so good

It should be noted that hinged gate hinges are highly popular. It is largely due to the numerous advantages of such loops, which are listed below:

• Ease, smoothness and noiselessness of turning, subject to regular lubrication.
• Hinges for metal gates are highly resistant to burglary.
• Ability to withstand heavy loads, especially for hinges with a large hinge.
• No chance of spontaneous closing and opening (provided the garage door is installed correctly in a vertical plane).

The positive qualities mentioned above make it possible to install hinge hinges on gates made of corrugated sheets. Thus, the hinges that are installed inside the hinges are made of durable and reliable metals with decent performance characteristics. Thanks to this, not only the possible load on the hinges from heavy door leaves increases, but also their service life.

Cylindrical garage hinges in different sizes

It is important to select the correct number and parameters of hinges based on the weight of the gate door, for example:

• For a lightweight gate made of corrugated sheets, one hinge per hinge with a diameter of 25 mm is sufficient.
• For a standard gate door you will have to choose hinges with hinges with a diameter of 35 mm or more.
• If you plan to install a massive garage door, it is necessary to increase not only the diameter of the hinge, but also the number of such balls in one hinge (up to 2-3 pieces per leaf).

Varieties

Hinges allow you to smoothly open and close the gate without making a single sound

All types of loops can be divided into three groups:

• classic;
• decorative;
• hidden.

The first ones have a normal appearance, because the consumer encounters them quite often, since they are installed on entrance and interior doors. Even though we are talking about gate hinges, they are not particularly different. In this case, there is one aspect that plays an important role, this is the special treatment of the material, thanks to which the hinges will withstand any weather conditions.

Increased reliability is one of the most important characteristics during hinge production. This element must withstand heavy loads, because the gate is heavy and is also used regularly. Therefore, additional bearings are often installed to improve the data. You can often find hinges without ears on sale, since the consumer can independently weld them to the product, depending on the structure of the system.

Articulated

Hinges are in great demand and this can be reasonably explained. They allow you to easily and smoothly guide the gate and are resistant to breakage, which is an important indicator. Some of the hinges of this device are designed for installation on large gates, as they can withstand heavy loads. Spontaneous opening and closing is excluded if the structure itself is installed correctly and this fitting option is selected.

For the manufacture of hinges, durable and reliable metal is used, which has excellent performance. Heavy gates will last a long time with this installation.

Hidden

They resemble classic ones, but the main advantage is their increased burglary resistance, and for many this is the main indicator. Removing such gates will be problematic and will also take a lot of time.

Decorative

According to the principle of operation, they do not differ from the classic ones, but they look more aesthetically pleasing and can emphasize the design of the gate installation. Hinges can be antique, forged, or in a certain style. Welded structures are strong, reliable and provide safety.

teardrop-shaped

They take their name from the shape of the bearings, which are an integral part of the structure. Such hinges are in demand during the installation of garage and entrance gates, steel doors and even safes. Thanks to the teardrop shape, the problem of uneven movement is solved, so if you have heavy swing gates, this option will be one of the best. When opening, you will not hear creaking or noise, the structure will move smoothly.

Cylindrical

They are suitable for a massive frame where strength and resistance to heavy loads are required. They have support bearings that do their job for a long time. In such hinges the crown will be hidden in the body.

Adjustable

This type of hinge is distinguished by its ability to be adjusted, which is an indispensable advantage in certain situations. Thanks to them, you don’t have to worry about the sashes jamming. As for the cost, it all depends on the variety you have chosen, as well as the manufacturer, because everyone sets their own prices.

Loop welding technology

Before we talk about how to weld hinges on gates, it is worth taking a closer look at the conditions necessary for their normal operation.

Even if the load is calculated correctly, the hinges may not be able to cope with it if their position deviates even slightly from the vertical. They will quickly fail. And the second point: there should be a small gap of 1-2 mm between the hinge body and the support post so that the metal parts of the post and the mating part of the canopy do not touch or rub against each other. The same gap should be left on the side of the sash.

Differences in loop shapes

The method of attaching the loop directly depends on its shape. There are three varieties:

1. Cylindrical ones are considered basic loops. They have a regular shape and are easily attached to various surfaces. Moreover, they usually fit tightly to the gate. They have a rounded shape and can be easily turned without touching the corners.
2. When installing square hinges, you need to step back from the frame, otherwise they will touch its corners. These hinges are chosen for gates based on the design idea. They are not very noticeable on the gate and have an unusual appearance. The disadvantages of this type include the difficulty of fastening, since there is a large gap between the pillars and the sash.
3. Hex hinges are similar to square ones, but they are considered more convenient to use. They have a convenient mounting method. Hexagonal products are distinguished by their reliability in operation.

Video description

To understand what we are talking about, watch the video

The nuances of installation on supports of different sections

The supporting posts on which the sashes are hung can be round, square or, less commonly, rectangular in cross-section. There is a difference between how to properly weld gate hinges to round posts or supports made of profile pipes.

If the profile pipe has smooth edges without bends or distortions, then it will be easy to cope with the task of how to properly weld gate hinges to square posts. They are installed on the outer plane of the support.

Canopy with plates on a square postSource distroy.ru

In the case of a round support, you must first decide in which direction the doors will open. Then they find the most protruding line (the middle of the pillar relative to the opening) and step back from it a few millimeters outward - in the direction of plowing. 5-6 mm is enough for the wicket or gate leaf to move smoothly and without jerking around the axis of the canopy. Since it is more difficult to weld hinges on gates to round posts than to square ones, here you need to be especially careful and attentive, maintaining the same indentation size for all hinges.

Installation and welding work

Experienced welders recommend first welding the canopies to the sashes, laying them on a flat horizontal surface. A half in the form of a hollow cylinder is welded to them, and a mating part with a pin (pin up) is subsequently welded to the supports. They retreat approximately 15 cm from the top and bottom edges.

Wicket frame with welded hingesSource www.chipmaker.ru

Then the sash with welded canopies is installed in the opening on stands that provide the required distance to the ground, and is rigidly fixed with clamps, pliers and other devices. They do this so that it stands strictly vertically, and there is a gap of 5 mm or so between it and the support. To do this, use a laser level or a plumb line, and spacers of the required thickness are inserted between the elements.

Other craftsmen prefer to first install the gate, and then weld the hinges to both it and the post. There is no big difference, everyone does what is convenient for them.

Another option is to make the upper and lower ribs of the frame whole when making the sashes and cut them after hanging them on the hinges. Source sqezo.ru

Now let’s talk about how to properly weld canopies on gates. The sequence of work looks like this:

• 1.5-2.5 mm thick wire is wrapped and twisted around the loops at the top and bottom to form a gap between it and the welding plane. You can place matches or other objects of suitable thickness, but they fall out, move or break, which is very inconvenient;
• The places where the canopies are attached are marked on the supports and an even long block or profile pipe is applied to them. Fix it level, ensuring a vertical position.