#HTE

A Look at Double Action Spring Hinges for Two-Way Auto-Closing Doors

Here on the farm, I’m in the process of clearing out a derelict shed. The previous two tenants left it loaded up with rusted tools, a broken tiller, cans of hardened paint, two bent shotgun barrels, an old bicycle, et cetera. This photo was after I cleared out about 75% of it. 

Amidst the junk I found some usable hardware and tools, and it’s fun trying to figure out what they do. Most recently I found a pair of these:

These are dusty but brand-new, and if it’s not obvious what they are, they’re double-action hinges. Like what you would see installed on saloon doors, the kitchen door in a restaurant or a shop space. 

These hinges were designed for a very particular use case. An auto-closing, double-swinging door that does not latch nor lock is only useful in a low-security situation where people will pass through the doors with both of their hands full. A utility shed, in an area remote enough that you’re not worried about theft, is a perfect place to apply them. Here’s how they’re typically installed:

This shed has no door, so at any given moment any of my chicken co-habitants can strut into the shed to leave me a nice, fragrant present. The previous tenants presumably purchased these hinges to install a door but never got around to it. So at some point I’ll tackle it, and will probably document it here.

If you’re looking for double-action hinges yourself, you’ll find they come in a variety of sizes, and you can get started here. 

They’re pretty pricey; I’m looking for a smaller set to build a lightweight dog-proof gate to my shop, and even the diminutive 2-inch models start around $40 a pop. If you’ve got a cheaper source, please sound off in the comments.