We get asked a lot of questions like, 'Which hinge should I use?' or 'What size hinge do I need for my gate?' so we thought it was time to break it all down in one place. Whether you're working with garden gates, field gates, garage doors, or anything in between, this guide covers the different types of hinges and how to choose the right one.
Types of Gate and Garage Door Hinges
1. Tee Hinges
You’ll probably recognize Tee hinges. They’re common on lightweight garden gates, sheds, and rustic internal doors. Tee hinges are surface-mounted and very easy to install, just screw them in.
They come in various finishes including Zinc, Black, and Galvanised.
What size do I need?
Use a hinge at least half the width of your door or gate (e.g., for a 900mm gate, go for a 450mm hinge). For anything taller than 2100mm (7ft), add a third hinge. That said, for large or heavy gates, we’d recommend a more robust hinge than this type.
2. Strap Hinges
Strap hinges are similar to Tee hinges but have two tapered straps. They’re typically used for bi-folding gates or doors, where one panel is attached to another.
They’re mounted with screws and available in limited sizes and finishes, so options may be restricted depending on your project.
3. Hook & Band
These are much stronger than Tee or Strap hinges and a popular choice for wooden gates, garage doors, and stables.
They come in two parts:
- A hinge plate with a pin that attaches to the post
- A band that fits over the pin and attaches to the gate with screws and a coach bolt
They’re relatively easy to install, though they can have some play once hung. To reduce gate sagging or prevent them from being lifted off, we suggest installing the top pin upside down.
Straight vs Cranked Versions:
- Straight hinges sit proud unless recessed into the frame
- Cranked hinges let the gate sit flush with the frame
What size?
Use hinges that are a third of the gate width for regular use or half the width for heavy-duty applications. Gates over 7ft tall should use three hinges.
Available in many sizes and finishes include galvanised and black.
4. Adjustable Hinges
These work similarly to cranked Hook & Band hinges but give you more control to tweak the gate alignment after fitting, especially handy if your gate post sags over time.
They’re a great option for beginners or for use with automated gate systems, thanks to the threaded bolt and nut system that allows post-installation adjustments.
Finishes include black and galvanised.
Note: They can be used on garage doors, but adjustment is limited by the frame enclosure.
5. Reversible Hinges
These are like Hook & Band hinges but with a twist, the pin is attached to the band instead of the post.
You get two cups (top and bottom) that hold the pin in place. Once installed, the gates can’t be lifted off, which adds an extra layer of security.
They look tidier than some of the other heavy-duty options and work well on gates, garage doors, and stables.
6. Field Gate Hinges
Made specifically for field gates, these wrap around the gate and are designed to allow bi-directional swing, depending on how they’re fitted.
They’re sold in sets with:
- A longer top hinge (which wraps over the top rail and stile)
- A shorter bottom hinge (which wraps only the stile)
If your gate is planed (not rough-sawn), it may be thinner than the standard, so you might need a hinge packer to get a snug fit.
Popular set types:
- With 100mm square plates
- With adjustable bottom hinges for fine-tuning
- With “hook to drive” and “hook to bolt” fittings for building into posts
Useful Extras and Tips
Fitting Hinges to Existing Pins
Pin sizes vary by hinge type and size. For example:
- 300mm Hook & Band: 12mm pin
- 600mm: 19mm pin
Check compatibility before buying replacements.
Tee, Strap, Reversible, and D&D hinges do not work with existing hinge pins.
Security Tips:
1. Preventing Lift-Off:
Fit your top hinge pin upside down on Band & Gudgeon or Adjustable hinges to stop the gate from being lifted off.
2. Preventing Unscrewing:
Use coach bolts instead of screws (tighten from the inside), or opt for anti-vandal screws. For extra security on garage doors, add hinge bolts, they’re cheap and effective.
Building Hinge Pins into Brick or Stone Walls
Use “hooks to build” if you’re setting hinge pins directly into a wall. These are embedded in mortar during construction and come in:
- 19mm pin (for 9" brickwork)
- 11mm pin (for 4.5" brickwork)
Conclusion
Choosing the right hinge for your gate or garage door can make all the difference in terms of longevity, appearance, and security. Hopefully, this guide makes it easier to find exactly what you need, whether you’re installing a small garden gate or a large automated driveway setup.
You’ll find most of the hinges and accessories mentioned above available in our shop under the Gate Hinges section.
Have a question? Don’t hesitate to get in touch!