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We are often asked for advice on hinges for gates, garage doors, sheds and out buildings, so I have decided to write a general guide to try to address some of the confusion over the different types of hinges for gates and outdoor buildings as well as tips on fitting them and technical advice on size requirements etc.

There are so many variations of wooden garden gates and numerous situations and locations, you may be fitting a simple inward opening single garden gate between two wooden posts or if you are not so lucky a pair of 6ft gates between brick pillars over rising ground.

The good news is that there is pretty much a hinge variation for every type of wooden garden gate in almost any situation so whether you are a budding DIY enthusiast or a competent carpenter you should be able to make a more informed choice by reading my Ultimate Guide

Tee Hinges

Tee hinges are generally sold in pairs, they are a general-purpose hinge with a frame fixing flap, a straight knuckle and a tapering horizontal strap with screw fixings along its length. Tee hinges are normally made from steel and coated with a protective finish such as zinc plate, epoxy black or galvanised. They are available in 3 gauges and various lengths to suit the size and weight of your gate.

Zinc Tee Hinges on a Wooden Gate

We have a comprehensive range of Tee Hinges available in our Shed & Gate Hinges category.

If you live in a coastal environment or other high moisture environment and require extra corrosion resistance, then we can also offer a range of marine grade 316 Stainless Steel Tee Hinges.

Black Tee Hinges on a Wooden Picket Gate

Length

Hinge length is determined by the width of your gate. The hinge should be one third the width of the gate – so for a 48” wide gate you need a hinge that is 16” long.

Suitability

Light Tee Hinges – Small gates and doors up to 10kg and max width of 900mm

Medium Tee Hinges – Medium gates up to 20kg and max width of 1200mm

Heavy Tee Hinges – Large Gates up to 50kg and max width of 1800mm

Hook and Band Hinges

Hook and Band hinges are also sometimes referred to as ‘Hook and Ride’ hinges or ‘Coach Hinges’ They are sold in pairs and are a general-purpose hinge used on medium to heavy garden gates or doors. They comprise of a band or heavy strap, holed for both screws and a coach bolt fixing and a hook on plate which fixes to the frame.

Black Hook and Band Hinges on Wooden Gate

They can be fitted with both hooks facing upwards allowing for the gate to be lifted off or with the top hook facing down to stop the gate being lifted, the bottom hook takes the weight of the gate while the top hook keeps the gate in position.

Watch this great video entitled "A tip to make sure your wooden gates cannot be lifted off their hinges" by Inwood (Cymru) Ltd

Cranked or Straight

Hook and band hinges are available in various sizes as either straight hook and band hinges or cranked hook and band hinges. When fitting the hook to the front face of the post the cranked pattern allows for the gate to sit flush with the front of the post. When fitting a straight hook and band hinge in the same way the gate will sit slightly proud of the front of the post unless the plate is recessed.

Length

With hook and band hinges we recommend that the hinge should be about one third the width of the gate or door, however if the gate or door is over six feet in height a third hinge should be used to prevent warping.

Suitability

12” / 300mm – Medium gates up to 20kg and max width of 1200mm

14” / 350mm – Medium gates up to 20kg and max width of 1200mm

16” / 400mm – Medium gates up to 20kg and max width of 1200mm

18” / 450mm – Large gates up to 50kg and max width of 1800mm

20” / 500mm – Large gates up to 50kg and max width of 1800mm

24” / 600mm – Large gates up to 50kg and max width of 1800mm

30” / 750mm – Extra large gates up to 80kg and max width of 2400mm

36” / 900mm – Extra large gates up to 80kg and max width of 2400mm

Hook Size/Diameter

12” / 300mm – 1/2” / 12mm

14” / 350mm – 1/2” / 12mm

16” / 400mm – 1/2” / 12mm

18” / 450mm – 5/8” / 16mm

20” / 500mm – 5/8” / 16mm

24” / 600mm – 5/8” / 16mm

30” / 750mm – 3/4” / 20mm

36” / 900mm – 3/4” / 20mm

Hook and band hinges are supplied with fixings and the standard hook on a rectangular plate, this is suitable for most application however other hooks are also available to use with alternative setups such as the ‘Gate Hanger Hook to Bolt’ the ‘Gate Hook to Drive’ and the ‘Gate Hook to Build

More specialist hook and band hinges are also available such as the curved rail hook and band hinge sets for gates and doors with an arched or curved top rail or adjustable bands and hooks on plates allowing the installer to both align gates during fitting and adjust after fitting to compensate for gate drop over time.

Heavy Reversible Hinges

Heavy reversible hinges are more of a traditional design dating back to 1850, they are more decorative than hook and band hinges. Supplied in pairs, they comprise of forged heavy-duty steel straps and cast-iron cups. These hinges have exceptional strength and are ideal for heavy gates, barn doors, stables and garage doors.

Heavy Reversible Hinges on a White Fancy Gate

See our standard range of Heavy Reversible Hinges. These traditional hinges are available in various lengths ranging from 12” / 300mm to 36” / 900mm.

Length

With heavy reversible hinges we recommend that the hinge should be about one quarter to one third the width of the gate or door, normally one pair of hinges per door is sufficient, however if the gate or door is over six feet in height a third hinge should be used to prevent warping. The rule of thumb is one hinge per three feet of height.

Suitability

12” / 300mm – Medium gates up to 20kg and max width of 1200mm

14” / 350mm – Medium gates up to 20kg and max width of 1200mm

16” / 400mm – Medium gates up to 20kg and max width of 1200mm

18” / 450mm – Large gates up to 50kg and max width of 1800mm

20” / 500mm – Large gates up to 50kg and max width of 1800mm

24” / 600mm – Large gates up to 50kg and max width of 1800mm

30” / 750mm – Extra large gates up to 80kg and max width of 2400mm

36” / 900mm – Extra large gates up to 80kg and max width of 2400mm

We supply heavy reversible hinges in various finishes to suit your requirements including hot spelter galvanised, epoxy black and premium black, which is black powder coating on top of hot dip galvanising making them more corrosion resistant than standard epoxy black finish.

Heavy Reversible Hinges on a Glazed Garage Door

I always recommend packing the cups with grease when installing, this will create a smoother action and lengthen the life of the cups and hinge pins.

Security Tip

As with all hinges fitted externally on garage doors, barn doors and other outbuildings, security can be increased by fitting the cups with non-removable screws. Alternatively, you could fit Hinge Bolts which help prevent doors being forced off their hinges.

Gate Hinges Summary

Tee Hinges are normally fitted to small gates and shed doors, whilst hook and band hinges and heavy reversible hinges are more commonly found fitted to medium to large gates and doors. The hook and band hinge of choice should be the cranked hook and band because you will end up with the gate sitting flush with the post. Heavy reversible hinges are more traditional and decorative and often seen fitted to wooden garage doors, stables and barns.

We also do a very comprehensive range of Gatemate Shed and Gate Hinges from Birkdale, this range of superior gate furniture are all individualy pre-packed and supplied with all screws and fixings.

I hope this guide will help you to select the correct hinge for the job, however please do not hesitate to contact me or any of the sales team here at e-Hardware where we will be more than happy to discuss your needs and help you find the right products.

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Review by Mark Simms

posted on May 08, 2024
Great blog post thanks. Very helpful as I didn't have a clue what size hinges to buy for my gates.

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