Does my door need a Pivot?

Every door and application in the modern age is a special case, each door needing to be both practical and capable of making a statement; from the office buildings with their open glass concepts to a home's revolutionary front door, each opening holds a unique appearance and needs to match. When though, is a pivot required to meet those needs? RIXSON has both the product and expertise to help you make the best informed descision possible for your opening.

For glossary, see pivot terms here.

Would a Hinge or Pivot be better suited?

Butt Hinges

Doors needing a full mortise, standard 4-1/2 x 4-1/2 preps, and no vertical adjustment typically only need a butt hinge. Butt hinges are perfect when the weight of the door is on the frame or have minimal bearing surface.

Continuous Hinges

Continuous hinges are commonly used to replace failed hinges, and can withstand more abuse than butt hinges. These hinges use self-tapping screws, affect closer spring size, and work in applications where the door weight is on the frame with screws in tension. Minimal (if any) bearing surface, and no necessary vertical adjustment are typical for this type.

Pivot Sets

Pivots are highly efficient, as well as insuring long life of both the door and frame assembly by keeping the weight of the door on the floor through screws in shear. Known for low maintenance, these are great for heavier and taller doors with better bearing capacity (door weighing almost nothing), the ability to adjust, and still aesthetically appealing, pivot sets are perfect for applications where appearance is a huge factor.

Common Pivot Applications:

Extra heavy doors
- Lead lined, thick doors
High frequency doors
- Entrance or corridor doors
Doors subject to abuseDelivery doors
- Back of house areas
Where security is first priority
When beauty is a factor