Everything you need to know about double action hinges
Double action hinges—also known as saloon door hinges, café door hinges, double acting hinges, or double swing hinges—are a must-have for spaces that require doors to swing in both directions. These versatile swinging door hinges return the door to its center position automatically, making them ideal for high-traffic or hands-free areas in both residential and commercial settings. In this article, we’ll cover the types, functions, and applications of double action door hinges, plus the pros and cons of the most popular options.
Key Takeaways:
- Double action hinges allow doors to swing both inward and outward and return to center
- Commonly used for double hinged doors in commercial, industrial, and residential spaces
- Available in a range of materials, finishes, and sizes
- Operate using spring or gravity mechanisms
- Not suitable for fire-rated doors due to bi-directional swing design
What Are Double Action Hinges?
How Do Double Action Door Hinges Work?
A double action hinge (or double-acting hinge) allows a door or gate to swing open in both directions—both inward and outward—and automatically returns it to the center (closed) position. This functionality is especially helpful in high-traffic areas or where hands-free access is preferred.
These hinges consist of two sets of knuckles on each hinge leaf. Each set enables pivoting in one direction; combined, they support movement in both directions. This dual-motion design creates convenience and flexibility for swinging doors of various types.
Common Applications of Double Action Hinges
Commercial and Industrial Uses
Double action hinges are frequently found in double hinged doors in retail stores, restaurants, commercial kitchens, and public buildings. In these environments, swing door hinges help manage high foot traffic by allowing easy, bi-directional access.
In industrial settings, double action hinges are used on larger gates or doors that need to accommodate equipment, machinery, or carts moving in and out efficiently.
Residential Applications
In homes, apartments, or condos, double action door hinges are popular for doors that lead to patios, balconies, or kitchens. The ability to push the door open from either side—using a hand, hip, or elbow—makes these hinges great for multitasking homeowners and parents with full hands.
Material and Finish Options for Swing Door Hinges
Versatile and Stylish Hardware
Double action hinges come in various materials, including:
- Steel – for durability in high-use environments
- Aluminum – lightweight and rust-resistant
- Stainless steel – ideal for humid or outdoor conditions
They are also available in finishes like satin chrome, polished brass, and oil-rubbed bronze—making it easy to match your swinging door hardware to the design of your space.
Size Matters
These hinges are manufactured in multiple sizes to accommodate different door weights and widths. Choosing the right size is essential to ensure proper door function and longevity.
Important Safety Note
Not Fire-Rated
While versatile, double action hinges are not suitable for use on fire doors. Because they allow the door to swing in both directions, they cannot maintain the integrity of a fire-rated seal. For fire safety applications, a single-action hinge that allows one-way movement is the recommended choice.
How Do Double Action Hinges Operate?
All double action door hinges share core characteristics:
- They return the door to center automatically
- No handle is required—doors can be pushed open by hand, hip, or elbow
- They swing back and forth before settling in the closed position
- They use either a spring mechanism or gravity to reset the door
These traits make them especially useful for saloon doors, café doors, and other hands-free entry points.
Quick Comparison: Pros and Cons of Popular Double Action Hinges
Overview of Top Hinge Styles
There are a few main styles of double action door hinges currently in widespread use, each with its own strengths and drawbacks. We’ll explore a full comparison of the top models in our next article to help you select the best hinge for your swinging door installation.
Need Help Choosing the Right Hinge?
Whether you’re outfitting a kitchen, restaurant, storefront, or home, Swinging Cafe Doors offers a wide selection of double action hinges, saloon door hinges, and swing door hinges to match your exact needs. Browse our full selection of door hardware or get a custom quote today to get expert help with your project.
Shop Double Spring Action Hinges
- Adjustable Spring Tension
- Great for Commercial Applications
- Non-Hold Open
- Mounts to the Sides of the Doors
- Wide Variety of Finish Options
Double action spring hinges use a spring (located inside the barrels) to pull the doors to the center. The spring hinges can be adjusted, using less or more spring tension can be applied to the hinges. These hinges do NOT offer a hold-open feature. These hinges are normally used in commercial applications. The spring hinges allow you to have a full height door (minimum gapping is required). The spring hinges do have a faster swing but there is some noise associated with these hinges. The design of the spring hinges includes barrels and mounts to each side of the door. The door will fit into the flange between the barrels. Double action hinges are available in a wide range of sizes including 3", 4", 5", 6", and 7".
Pro:
- Adjustable tension
- Allows for full length doors- small gap necessary for the doors to swing.
Con:
- Some noise with hinge action
- Wide barrel mounted to the side of the doors. (Only hinge design)
- Non-hold open
Double Action Gravity Pivot Hinges
- Mounts to the top and bottom of the doors
- Wide variety of hinge designs/ finishes
- Hold Open Feature
- Great for Residential and Commercial Applications
- Soft Gravity Swing
Double action gravity hinges are the most popular hinges that people select with saloon doors. These hinges offer many features including a hold-open feature that makes their operation perfect for a commercial or residential application. These hinges use gravity to pull the doors back to the center. The swing with these hinges is slower than the spring hinges. There is no noise with the operation of the gravity hinges. These hinges do mount to the top and bottom of the doors, requiring some gap at the top and bottom of the doors. There are several different styles and brands of gravity hinges. The Bommer 7512 can be recessed into the bottom of the doors allowing for less gap requirement. These hinges are a pivot hinges, the bottom hinge will do the work and the top hinge acts as a pivot point.
Pro:
- No noise with hinge operation
- Hold Open/ Non-Hold Open Option
- Several different hinge style
- Seamless Operation
- Some hinges can be integrated into the door (bottom hinge only)
Con:
- Height Clearance necessary for some gravity hinges
- No adjustment available for faster/slower swing
- Mount to the top and bottom of the door(s)
Double Action Horizontal Spring Pivot Hinges
- Mounts to the top and bottom of the doors
- Wide variety of hinge designs/ finishes
- Hold Open Feature
- Hinge is recessed into the doors
The horizontal spring action pivot hinge is a great hinge for both residential and commercial applications. The horizontal spring pivot hinge is incorporated into the bottom of the door(s) and allows for a hold-open feature at 75-90 degrees. The hinge offers an easy swing with the ability to adjust the tension. These hinges operate with minimal noise. The hinge does need to be recessed into the top and bottom of the doors. The hinge is available in a wide variety of finishes.
Pro:
- No noise with hinge operation
- Hold Open Option
- Beautifully integrated hinge
- Seamless operation
- Adjustable spring tension
- Horizontal Spring pivot allows for the tallest doors with gravity hinges (minimal gaps needed)
Con:
- Doors need to be recessed to accommodate top and bottom hinge
- Double Action Spring Hinges
Get Expert Help Choosing the Right Double Action Hinges
Have questions about which double action hinge is right for your door? Our team is here to help. Whether you’re weighing the pros and cons of saloon door hinges, need help with sizing for a double hinged door, or want guidance on installation options, we’ve got the expertise to assist.
Call us at 1-855-343-6677 or contact us online to get personalized support and find the perfect swing door hinges for your project.