Friction Hinges
Door hinges play a fundamental role in the movement and security of various enclosures, securing objects to stay in place as needed. Friction hinges take this a step further by leveraging friction to create resistance, allowing users to hold open objects more easily for various uses.
When sourcing friction hinges, it’s critical to choose a manufacturer known for producing durable and reliable components. The outstanding engineers at Sierra Pacific Engineering and Products (SPEP) specialize in creating parts that exceed customers’ expectations, including friction hinges.
For decades, organizations occupying diverse industries have trusted SPEP as their preferred access hardware supplier because of our ability to manufacture top-quality components and strictly adhere to rigorous quality control processes. We offer flush mount, adjustable friction hinges in ranging specs, including sizes, materials, and finishes, to better meet your needs. Discover more about the selection of friction hinges available at SPEP.
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What is a Friction Hinge and How Does it Work?
Friction hinges, also known as torque hinges or position control hinges, are a class of hinges that enable controlled movement of a door, lid, or panel without the need for additional mechanisms or hardware. The hinge allows an object to maintain its position by using internal friction to prevent movement. Therefore, once the hinge is set at a desired angle, it holds that position until an external force is applied.
Friction hinges generally are made of a series of interlocking parts that generate resistance as they move. Most friction hinges have adjustable torque for greater control over the opening angle. From fully open to completely closed, friction hinges can be set to a variety of positions, depending on the application and intended use.
This type of hinge is most commonly used in scenarios where users need a lid or door to remain in the open position without assistance. Friction hinges offer smooth and controlled opening and closing motions, making them ideal for safety and convenience.
Applications for friction hinges include:
- Toolboxes
- Laptops
- Folding furniture, such as tables or desks
- Sun visors in automobiles
- Medical devices
Friction Hinges from SPEP
Understanding the importance of high-quality parts to complete projects safely and efficiently, SPEP provides a wide range of friction hinges to accommodate the diverse needs of our clients. Our catalog includes:
- Window friction hinges
- Plastic friction hinges
- Laptop friction hinges
- Heavy-duty friction hinges
- Miniature friction hinges
- Stainless steel friction hinges
Friction positioning hinges available at SPEP are offered in varying sizes and strong materials for added durability, such as steel, die-cast zinc, black plastic, and brass. For further customization, customers can choose the finish of their friction hinge, depending on the material selected. Our friction hinge finishes include:
- Mill
- Powder coat
- Black
- Chrome plated
- Polished
- Brushed
- Nickel plated
- Electropolished
- Tumbled and deburred
If you’re having trouble choosing a friction hinge, we have you covered. The SPEP team is standing by to assist customers in selecting the appropriate friction hinge configuration for their intended application.
What is the difference between a friction hinge and a standard hinge?
Friction hinges operate similarly to traditional hinges with the biggest difference being friction hinges provide adjustable resistance to hold the position of a door or panel. This makes them ideal for circumstances where an object must remain in a fixed position.
Are there benefits to using a friction hinge?
Friction hinges provide significant advantages, such as:
- Controlled movement: The hinge offers a full range of motion with the ability to hold doors or panels in place at various angles, providing enhanced control and stability.
- Durability: Depending on the material, friction hinges are corrosion-resistant and designed to withstand frequent use, making them capable of handling a host of applications.
- Safety: By preventing unexpected closures, friction hinges provide advanced safety in many applications.
- Space-saving: In some cases, traditional hinges may be impractical, whereas friction hinges can be used in confined spaces.
Can friction hinges be used outdoors?
Yes, friction hinges can be excellent choices for outdoor applications. However, to withstand harsh outdoor elements and ensure continuous reliability and performance, the hinge’s material must be resistant to corrosion (stainless steel or zinc-plated).
Are friction hinges easy to install?
Friction hinges are highly versatile and can be easily installed on many types of doors or windows. To make the installation process seamless, SPEP provides detailed, step-by-step instructions and necessary hardware, including fasteners and washers. Customers who have trouble installing their friction hinge can contact our support team for additional guidance.
What if I can’t find the friction hinge I am looking for?
While our inventory consists of numerous metal and plastic hinges, SPEP understands every need is unique. Therefore, we offer customization services from our ISO-certified engineering team. Our engineering department boasts over 200 patents, demonstrating our passion for innovation and willingness to think outside the box to meet the needs of our clients.
By precisely following your specific specifications, we can create high-quality friction hinges using the materials and finishes that meet your needs. Once all specs are approved by the client, customized friction hinges go into production, and orders are quickly filled. We will retain your specs in our records for faster checkout in the future.
Whether you need heavy-duty or light-duty friction hinges, SPEP is here for you. When you source parts from us, you can feel confident knowing that your hardware will function flawlessly, and you have the continuous support of our dedicated team.
Contact SPEP today for more information about our friction hinges and other premium products, including latches and more.