If you’ve ever tried to install double action hinge doors, you probably know that they take a little bit of skill, patience, and finesse. Once installed, however, double action hinges are truly a game changer.  Sometimes referred to as saloon door hinges or double-acting hinges, these doors swing open in both directions and close on their own. They’re easy to use and perfect for a variety of settings, including restaurants and in retail stores. 

To make the most of your double action hinge doors, you have to first know how to install them properly and then know what to do if you run into a snag with the installation. 

Before reading through this troubleshooting guide to installing double action hinge doors, it is important to familiarize yourself with all the relevant hinge terminology. Review our Hinge Resource Library for a quick refresh.

Steps for Installing Double Action Hinges:

1. To properly mount spring hinges, you’ll need to release the tension on the springs. Insert the tension rod into one of the adjustment holes on the tension lug and turn it so that the tension pin can be easily removed (Fig. 1)
2. Mount the door leaf to the door flange. The door leaf may be mortised or surface applied. Make sure the door leaf is centered between the axial centers of the double acting hinge.
3. Align the door centerline with the centerline of the frame.
4. Attach the jamb flange to the surface of the door casing. You may need shims under the jamb flanges to properly align the door.
5. Make sure the hinges are mounted at the height locations designated in Fig. 2
6. Ensure that the axial center of each hinge is also vertically aligned.

Instructions for Spring Adjustment Tensioning:

1. Place the door in the closed position and wedge up from the floor until it is plumb.
2. Insert the tension rod into the adjustment holes on the tension lug and turn it in the correct direction (Fig. 1). Turn it towards the left when the hinge is mounted with the tension lug at the top and towards the right when it is mounted with the tension lug at the bottom.*One hole of tension is recommended for the bottom hinges. DO NOT EXCEED FIVE HOLES OF TENSION.
3. Insert the tension pin and remove the tension rod.
4. Increase tension on the top hinge if the door sags or if return action is too slow.

CAUTION: IMPROPER USE OR MOUNTING MAY CAUSE INJURY. DO NOT USE DOORS WITH HINGE EDGE BEVELED.

Common Issues with Installing Double Action Hinges

The instructions above should give you double action hinge doors that swing open and close like a charm. Occasionally, you may run into the problem of a sagging door. This is the most common issue we see with double action door installations. If this happens, check on the following:

1. Tension adjustments - readjust the tension on the double action hinges. See video below for assistance.  If you still have issues, go to step 2.
2. Do you have enough hinges installed? We always recommend installing three hinges per door with two at the top and one at the bottom.  See the installation guide and instructions for reference. If you still have issues, go to step 3.
3. If the door is still sagging, make sure you have the right hinge size and grade installed.  See the chart below:

*We always recommend sizing up and installing three hinges per door. If you are still having issues, proceed to step 4.

4. If you are still having issues installing your double action hinges, the door may not be hung level, which could cause the door to sag or tilt to one side.  Make sure the door was hung level in the door jamb.

The steps above should solve 95% of the issues you may have with your double action hinges.  If you are still experiencing issues, you may have a defective product. If this is the case, please contact us at Hinge Outlet for support or to discuss replacing your double action hinges. 

How to Adjust a Double Action Hinge: