When it comes to metal gates, doors, and fencing systems, one of the most overlooked yet crucial components is the hinge. The right hinge doesn’t just keep your gate swinging - it ensures smooth movement, long-term durability, and, most importantly, safety.
At DC Iron, we stock a wide range of gate and door hinges, catering to everyone from professional fabricators to DIY home improvers. Whether you’re building a large field gate, a decorative garden gate, or a heavy-duty security door, we’ve got the right hinge for the job.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of hinges we offer, explain what they do best, and help you choose the right one for your next project.
The Different Types of Hinges Available at DC Iron
Best For:
Use with adjustable gate hinge systems and gate eyes Fine-tuning gate alignment and level
Strength:
Medium to heavy-duty gates
Description:
Adjustable eye bolts are threaded components that allow precise vertical and horizontal adjustment of your gate. They’re typically used in combination with hook-on plates or gate pins, making them ideal for situations where ground settling or weight imbalance can affect alignment.
Top Tip:
Pair them with heavy-duty hinge plates for maximum stability.
Best For:
-Heavy metal gates or where alignment needs frequent adjustment
-Uneven ground or sloping driveways
Strength:
Heavy-duty gates
Description:
These hinges offer adjustable eye bolts integrated into the hinge system, allowing you to tweak the gate's position without removing it. Perfect for farm gates, commercial entrances, and long-span garden gates where slight shifts over time are common.
Best For:
-Use in traditional hook-and-eye hinge systems
-Ideal for wooden or metal farm-style gates when paired with gate pins
Strength:
Light to medium-duty gates
Description:
Gate eyes are metal loops that slot over gate pins or hooks. They allow the gate to swing freely while being easy to install and remove. They’re commonly used in agricultural gates, field gates, and wooden gates.
Best For:
-Supporting gate eyes or adjustable eyes
-Fixed wall or post mountings
Strength:
Medium to heavy-duty gates
Description:
These are heavy-duty metal pins that serve as the pivot point for gates. Available in bolt-on or weld-on options, gate pins are a robust solution for wooden or metal gates, especially where strength is key.
Best For:
-Self-closing pedestrian gates, garden gates and playground fences, especially in public or domestic settings
Strength:
Light gates
Description:
Gate springs automatically return the gate to its closed position, ensuring safety and security. Often used in garden gates, side gates, or playground fencing, they are a great low-maintenance solution when gate closers aren’t necessary.
Top Tip:
Pair with a gate latch for full security.
Best For:
-Timber gates, especially those with thicker frames
-Field and garden gates
Strength:
Medium to heavy-duty gates
Description:
These hinges wrap around the edge of the gate, giving extra stability and a larger surface area for mounting. They’re ideal for heavy or wide gates and are often used in rural and domestic environments.
Best For:
-Agricultural and farm gates
-Timber or metal field access gates
Strength:
Heavy duty gates
Description:
Field gate hinges are heavy-duty and built for outdoor, high-impact use. Typically composed of a bottom strap and a top adjustable eye, they can handle wide openings and rough treatment - perfect for farms, estates, and livestock enclosures.
Best For:
-Gates where controlled, automatic closing is required
-Commercial premises, playgrounds, schools
Strength:
Light to Medium-duty gates
Description:
Unlike gate springs, gate closers offer smooth, controlled closure without slamming. They help prevent damage and improve safety, especially in high-traffic areas. We stock various hydraulic and mechanical models to suit your gate type.
Best For:
-Light to medium wooden gates
-Garden gates, shed doors, fencing panels
Strength:
Light to medium gates
Description:
Shaped like a “T”, these hinges provide a neat, flush finish and are easy to install. While not suited for very heavy gates, they’re a solid choice for decorative or residential wooden gates.
Top Tip:
Choose galvanised or black powder-coated for a more weather-resistant finish.
Best For:
-Doors, metal cabinets, or internal gates
-Flush-fitting applications
Strength:
Light to Medium-duty gates or doors
Description:
These classic hinges allow a full 180° opening and are typically recessed into both the gate and frame for a clean finish. Ideal for metal-to-metal or wood-to-wood applications in more controlled environments.
Best For:
-Heavy metal doors or gates
-Industrial applications or gates that require easy removal
Strength:
Heavy duty gates
Description:
Flag hinges consist of two “flags” that interlock and can be easily separated. They’re a go-to for removable gates or panels that require periodic maintenance. Their robust design handles heavy loads and frequent use.
Rising Hinges
Best For:
-Gates installed on sloped driveways
-Avoiding ground drag
Strength:
Medium duty gates
Description:
Rising hinges lift the gate slightly as it opens, allowing it to clear inclines without scraping. These are essential in uneven ground conditions or where ground clearance is limited.
Cranked Band & Hook Hinges
Best For:
-Traditional barn doors, stable doors, and heavy wooden gates
Strength:
Medium to heavy duty gates
Description:
These provide an offset (cranked) fitting, allowing the gate to sit flush with the post or frame. Great for period properties or where aesthetics meet function.
Choosing the Right Hinge: Key Considerations
Before selecting your hinge, think about the following:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Gate Weight | Heavier gates need robust hinges like adjustable or flag hinges |
| Material | Match the hinge finish to the gate (e.g. galvanised for outdoor use) |
| Gate Width | Wider gates benefit from wrap-around or adjustable hinges |
| Mounting Surface | Some hinges suit timber posts; others need brickwork or metal frames |
| Security | For high-security gates, choose bolt-through or non-removable hinges |
| Aesthetics | Decorative gates might require flush or concealed hinges |
Final Thoughts on Gate and Door Hinges
Choosing the right hinge is critical to the performance and lifespan of your gate or door. Whether you're building a new system from scratch or upgrading existing hardware, DC Iron stocks an extensive range of high-quality hinges to suit all types of projects.
Browse our full range of hinges online, or get in touch with our team for expert advice on the best hinge for your application.
Need Fixings Too?
Don't forget - we also stock a full range of gate parts; bolts, nuts, screws, anchors, and post bases to match your hinge installation. One-stop shop, zero fuss.