Pivot Hinges for Doors (Double Action, Heavy Duty & Concealed Options)

What Are Pivot Hinges?

A pivot hinge is a type of door hinge that mounts at the top and bottom — or center — of the door rather than along the door's side edge. This design distributes door weight more evenly across the opening, supports smoother operation for heavier doors, and allows for fully concealed installation where no hinge hardware is visible when the door is closed.

Pivot hinges are the preferred hardware choice for swinging cafe doors, saloon doors, double action commercial traffic doors, modern entrance doors, hidden doors, and heavy architectural doors where standard side-mounted hinges cannot provide adequate support.

Pivot hinges are available in several configurations depending on how the door operates, the weight it needs to support, and the application. Understanding the different types of pivot hinges will help you choose the right system for your project.

Types of Pivot Hinges

Double Action Pivot Hinges

Double action pivot hinges allow doors to swing in both directions and automatically return to center. These are commonly used in high-traffic applications where hands-free movement is required, such as commercial or service environments. They are ideal for doors that need continuous two-way access.

Heavy Duty Pivot Hinges

Heavy duty pivot hinges are designed to support larger and heavier doors that require increased durability and strength. These hinges are commonly used in commercial and architectural applications where standard hinges cannot handle the load. They provide long-term performance in high-use environments.

Single Action Pivot Hinges

Single action pivot hinges allow doors to swing in one direction only, offering more controlled movement compared to double action systems. These are typically used in residential or light commercial applications where a door needs to open and close in a single direction.

Concealed Pivot Hinges

Concealed pivot hinges are designed to be hidden within the door and frame, creating a clean, modern appearance with no visible hardware. These are commonly used in architectural and interior design applications where aesthetics are a priority.

When to Use Pivot Hinges

Pivot hinges are best suited for applications where traditional hinges may not provide enough support or where a cleaner, more modern appearance is desired. They are widely used in both residential and commercial environments.

• Heavy or oversized doors requiring enhanced structural support
• Modern interior doors with minimal visible hardware
• Commercial doors exposed to frequent daily use
• Doors requiring smooth, balanced opening and closing

For high-traffic applications, pivot hinges provide a dependable solution that maintains performance over time.

Pivot Hinges vs Traditional Hinges

Pivot hinges provide better weight support and smoother operation compared to traditional hinges, making them ideal for heavier doors and high-use applications.

Common Applications for Pivot Hinges

Pivot hinges are used across a wide range of residential and commercial applications due to their strength and versatility. Their ability to support larger doors makes them a preferred choice for modern construction and high-use environments.

• Modern interior and architectural doors
• Commercial entry and office doors
• Retail and hospitality spaces
• Restaurant and service area doors
• Custom and oversized door installations
• Double action saloon-style doors

These hinges provide consistent performance in environments where reliability and durability are essential.

Choosing the Right Pivot Hinge

Selecting the correct pivot hinge depends on several key factors including door size, weight, and application. Choosing the right hinge ensures smooth operation and long-term performance.

Door Weight:Ensure the hinge is rated to support your door load

• Standard gravity pivot — up to 30 lbs
• Commercial Grade gravity pivot — up to 50 lbs
• S7012 spring pivot — up to 75 lbs
• Commercial horizontal spring pivot — up to 90 lbs
• Heavy duty hydraulic pivot — up to 250 lbs
• Rixson center hung — up to 500 lbs

Application Type: Residential or commercial usage

Mounting Style: Floor-mounted or jamb-mounted configurations

Finish: Match your existing door hardware and design

For heavier or high-traffic doors, heavy-duty pivot hinge systems are recommended to ensure consistent operation over time.

Pivot Hinges for Commercial Applications

In commercial environments, pivot hinges are often selected for their durability and ability to handle repeated use. Offices, restaurants, and retail locations rely on pivot hinge systems to maintain smooth door operation even under constant traffic.

If your application requires two-way door movement, consider pairing pivot systems with double action hinges, which allow doors to swing in both directions and return to center automatically.

Related Door Hardware

• Double Action Hinges
• Door Accessories
• Commercial Swinging Doors

Bommer Pivot Hinge Replacements

Bommer Industries ceased production in 2022. If you have an existing Bommer pivot hinge installation that needs replacement hardware, we carry direct equivalents for all major Bommer commercial pivot models.

See our complete Bommer hinge replacement guide for model-specific cross reference and direct product links.

Our Bommer-equivalent pivot hinges match original specifications for door weight capacity, mounting style, tension adjustment, and hold-open functionality. In stock and ships same day or next day.

Why Choose Pivot Hinges?

• Smoother door operation for consistent performance
• Supports heavier doors compared to standard hinges
• Longer lifespan in high-use environments
• Ideal for residential and commercial applications

Frequently Asked Questions About Pivot Hinges

What is the difference between a pivot hinge and a standard butt hinge?

A standard butt hinge mounts along the edge of the door and frame. A pivot hinge mounts at the top and bottom — or center — of the door, allowing it to rotate on a vertical axis. Pivot hinges support heavier doors, allow concealed installation, and are the preferred choice for swinging cafe doors, double action doors, and commercial traffic doors.

Can pivot hinges be used for double action swinging doors?

Yes. Double action pivot hinges allow the door to swing in both directions and return to center automatically. Our horizontal spring pivot hinges and gravity pivot hinges are specifically designed for double action cafe doors, saloon doors, and commercial swinging doors. Both hold-open and non-hold-open configurations are available.

What is the maximum door weight pivot hinges can support?

Weight capacity varies by model. Standard gravity supports up to 30 lbs and s7012 spring pivots support doors up to 75 lbs. Commercial horizontal spring pivots support up to 90 lbs. Heavy duty hydraulic pivots support up to 250 lbs. Rixson center hung systems support up to 500 lbs. Use the door weight filter on this page to find the correct hinge for your door.

What is the maximum door width supported?

Our pivot hinge selection supports door widths from under 18 inches up to 44 inches wide depending on the model. For wider commercial openings, double door configurations or heavy duty center hung pivots are available.

Are these pivot hinges compatible with Bommer hinge models?

Yes. Several of our pivot hinges are direct replacements for Bommer commercial pivot models including the 7512, 7811, 7812, 7813, 7814, 7818, and 7819 series. See our Bommer hinge replacement guide for model-specific cross-reference, or call 1-855-343-6677 to confirm compatibility before ordering.

Can pivot hinges be fully concealed?

Yes. Our concealed pivot hinge range installs entirely inside the door and frame with no visible hardware when the door is closed. Available in 180° and 360° rotation configurations. See our hidden door hinges page for the full concealed hinge selection.

Do pivot hinges work for glass doors?

Yes. We carry pivot hinges specifically designed for glass doors including frameless glass panels, shower doors, and full glass interior doors. These require no drilling of the glass and are available in multiple finishes.

What finishes are available for pivot hinges?

Pivot hinges are available in black, brass, chrome, nickel, oil rubbed bronze, stainless steel, zinc, and primed for paint. Finish availability varies by model. Use the hardware finish filter on this page to see options for your selected hinge.

Can pivot hinges be used outdoors?

Yes. Stainless steel pivot hinges are recommended for outdoor applications including gates, exterior entries, and pool or wet environments where corrosion resistance is required.

What is the difference between hold-open and non-hold-open pivot hinges?

Hold-open pivot hinges allow the door to stay open at approximately 90° when pushed to that position — useful for high-traffic areas where doors need to stay open during service. Non-hold-open hinges return the door to center automatically every time they are released. Both configurations are available in gravity and spring pivot systems.

Need Help Choosing the Right Pivot Hinge?

Call 855-343-6677 or email info@swingingcafedoors.com.