Double action spring hinges

The Double Action Barrel Spring Hinge
The Double Action Barrel Spring Hinge is the classic hardware solution for creating swinging café-style, saloon, or lightweight commercial doors that need to operate smoothly in both directions. Often referred to as a double-acting or saloon door hinge, this precision-engineered component allows a door to open a full 180 degrees inward or outward. It uses an internal spring mechanism to automatically return it to the center closed position.

This versatile hinge is the perfect choice for applications where hands-free operation is desired. It works beautifully for kitchen pass-throughs, restaurant entrances, pet doors, or lightweight shed doors. With adjustable spring tension and a durable steel build, this hinge provides reliable, long-lasting performance for both residential and light commercial settings.

Double action spring hinges

How Does the Double Action Mechanism Work?
A key question about this hinge involves its unique operating principle. Unlike standard hinges that only allow a door to swing one way, this double-action hinge features a precision-engineered barrel with a powerful internal spring. When the door is pushed open in either direction, the spring compresses.

As soon as the force is released, the stored energy in the spring automatically returns the door to its closed, center-aligned position. This creates a seamless, self-closing action that is perfect for high-traffic areas.

What Size and Weight Capacity Do I Need?
Selecting the correct size of this double action spring hinge is critical for proper door function. The size refers to the height of the hinge plate that mounts on the door and jamb. This double action hinge is available in three standard sizes, each with specific door thickness and weight recommendations.

For the 4-inch model, the door thickness range is 7/8-inch to 1-1/4-inch. With two hinges, the weight rating is 50 to 60 pounds. With three hinges, the weight rating is 70 to 75 pounds.

For the 5-inch model, the door thickness range is 1-1/8-inch to 1-1/2-inch. With two hinges, the weight rating is 60 to 65 pounds. With three hinges, the weight rating is 80 to 100 pounds.

For the 6-inch model, the door thickness range is 1-1/4-inch to 1-3/4-inch. With two hinges, the weight rating is 70 to 75 pounds. With three hinges, the weight rating is 90 to 125 pounds.

Is the Spring Tension Adjustable?
Yes, one of the most valuable features of this double action spring hinge is its adjustable spring tension. This allows you to fine-tune the closing force to match your specific door weight and environmental conditions such as wind or drafts.

The adjustment mechanism, typically located on the hinge barrel, lets you increase or decrease the spring power. This ensures your door closes smoothly and reliably every time without slamming.

How Many Hinges Should I Install?
For a properly functioning double-action door, correct hinge quantity is essential. The manufacturer recommends using three hinges per door for heavier doors. This provides maximum support and ensures a long service life. Two hinges may be used for lighter doors, such as those in residential applications.

If a three-hinge configuration is chosen for this double action spring hinge, the center hinge should be installed as close as possible to the top hinge. This optimizes weight distribution and stability.

What Applications Are Suitable for This Hinge?
The versatility of this double action spring hinge makes it ideal for numerous applications.

For café and restaurant doors, it creates classic saloon-style doors for kitchen entrances. For residential interior doors, it works perfectly for pass-throughs between kitchens and dining rooms. For pet doors, it allows animals to pass through while ensuring the door closes automatically.

For light commercial use, it suits office break rooms or back-of-house areas. For sheds and barns, it works for swinging doors on outbuildings in light-duty applications. For gates, it is suitable for lightweight interior gates.

What is Included in the Package?
This double action spring hinge comes as a single unit. Mounting hardware is included. Most packages contain the hinge body with pre-installed spring mechanism and the necessary wood screws for face-mounting to your door and frame. For a complete installation, you will need to purchase two or three hinges depending on your door’s weight and dimensions.

Are These Hinges Easy to Install?
Yes, these hinges are designed for straightforward face-mount installation on standard wood doors and frames. They come with pre-drilled holes and all required mounting hardware. However, please note that when replacing existing hinges, the screw holes on new hardware rarely align perfectly with old ones. Some filling and re-drilling may be necessary to achieve a perfect fit. The included instructions provide clear guidance for proper alignment and installation.

What About Corrosion Resistance?
For environments where moisture or humidity is a concern, this double action spring hinge is also available in a 304 Stainless Steel variant. The stainless steel model offers enhanced corrosion resistance while maintaining all the functional benefits of the standard steel version. This includes adjustable tension and double-action operation. This makes it suitable for coastal applications, bathrooms, or other damp locations.

Double action spring hinges  available in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Meru, Embu, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Nyandarua,

Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Turkana, Samburu, Trans Nzoia, Uasin, Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Baringo,

Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Nairobi.

In Nairobi you can find them at: Westlands, Dagoretti,  Lang’ata, Starehe, Kamukunji, Embakasi, and Kasarani, Kibera, Mathare,

Eastleigh, Karen, Lavington, Westlands, Parklands, Runda, South C, South, Ngong Road

In Mombasa you can find us at : Nyali, Mwembe Tayari, Majengo, Likoni ,Bamburi, Miritini