Double Action Hinges | Self-Closing Double Acting Door Hinges

Double action hinges allow doors to swing in both directions and automatically return toward the closed position. Available in barrel style spring and gravity styles, these hinges are ideal for café doors, saloon doors, kitchen doors, and residential or commercial swinging doors. Shop our selection of self closing double acting hinges in a variety of sizes, finishes, and configurations.

What Are Double Action Hinges?

Double action hinges, also called double acting hinges, allow doors to swing both inward and outward. These hinges are commonly used on cafe doors, saloon doors, kitchen doors, restaurant doors, and other interior openings requiring two-way movement.

Double acting hinges are available in several styles, including spring hinges, gravity pivots, horizontal spring pivots, and concealed pivot systems. Each style offers different installation requirements, self closing mechanisms, and hardware visibility.

Types of Double Action Hinges

Double Action Spring Hinges

Double action spring hinges, often called double barrel spring hinges, use adjustable spring tension to return doors toward the closed position. These self-closing hinges mount to the side of the door and jamb, making them a popular choice for counter-height cafe doors, saloon doors, and other interior swinging doors, available in wide variety of sizes and finishes.

Double Action Gravity Pivot Hinges

Gravity pivot hinges mount at the top and bottom of the door and use gravity to return the door toward the closed position. Hold-open options are available, allowing the door to remain open at a designated angle. These hinges are offered in standard, premium, and commercial-grade configurations.

Double Action Self Closing Horizontal Spring Pivot Hinges

Horizontal spring pivot hinges are designed for full-height double action doors. The spring mechanism is mortised into the bottom of the door, while cover plates provide a finished appearance over the pivot hardware. Available in a wide variety of finish option and hinge configurations for your needs.

Self Closing Concealed Pivot Double Action Hinges

Concealed double action hinges provide two-way swinging operation for full-height doors while minimizing visible hardware, but more detail installation required. Our selection includes premium commercial-grade adjustable options and standard-grade systems with varying finish and door thickness requirements.

How to Choose the Right Double Acting Hinges

The best double action hinge depends on your door's height, width, weight, thickness, installation requirements, and whether you need the door to hold open. Some hinges mount directly to the side of the door and jamb, while others require top and bottom mounting or mortising into the door.

Hinge Type Hardware Models / SKUs Installation Self-Closing 90° Hold-Open Best Application
Double Action Spring Hinges 2HDCOMM,
3HDCOMM,
4HDCOMM,
5HDCOMM,
6HDCOMM,
7.5HDCOMM 		Side-mounted to the door and jamb; no top or bottom pivot mounting required Yes No Counter-height and full-height swinging doors, cafe doors, saloon doors, and residential or commercial applications where straightforward installation is preferred
Gravity Pivot Hinges S7512, S7514,
MDHardware,
SG Hardware,
TB-Pivot-SS 		Top and bottom mounting; additional clearance required for the pivot hardware Yes Hold-open and non-hold-open options available at 90° Residential and commercial swinging doors requiring gravity-assisted closing, with an optional 90° hold-open feature
Horizontal Spring Pivot Hinges S7811, S7812,
S7813, S7814,
S7818, S7819 		Top and bottom pivot mounting. Spring mechanism mortised into the bottom of the door, with hardware covered by finish plates Yes Hold-open and non-hold-open options available at 90° Full-height swinging doors in residential and commercial applications requiring spring-assisted closing, with an optional 90° hold-open feature
Concealed Double Action Hinges AM-HYD-O,
RA-PIVOT,
ALREX-O 		Top and bottom pivot mounting. Hardware is mortised into the door with corresponding mounting hardware to minimize visible components Yes Hold-open and non-hold-open options available at 90° Full-height swinging doors in residential and commercial applications, with an optional 90° hold-open feature

Self-Closing vs. Double Action Hinges: What's the Difference?

Double action describes a hinge that allows a door to swing in both directions, while self-closing refers to the mechanism that automatically returns the door toward the closed position. All of our double action hinges provide both functions, although the closing mechanism varies by hinge type.

Double action spring hinges use adjustable spring tension and do not hold the door open. Gravity pivot hinges use the weight of the door to assist with closing, while horizontal spring pivots use spring tension. Both gravity and horizontal spring pivots are available with or without a 90° hold-open feature. Concealed double action hinges provide self-closing operation with a 90° hold-open feature and minimal visible hardware.

A 90° hold-open hinge is still self-closing. The door returns toward the closed position during normal operation but can remain open when positioned at the designated 90° angle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Double Action Hinges

Do double action spring hinges automatically close the door?

Yes. Double action spring hinges use adjustable spring tension to return the door toward the closed position after swinging in either direction. These self-closing hinges are commonly used on cafe doors, saloon doors, kitchen doors, and other interior swinging doors. Standard double action spring hinges do not have a hold-open feature.

What is the difference between double action spring hinges and barrel hinges?

Double action spring hinges are often called double barrel spring hinges because they feature two spring-loaded barrels. They allow the door to swing in both directions and return toward the closed position. However, not all barrel hinges are double action, so be sure to select hinges specifically designed for two-way swinging doors.

How do I choose the right size double action spring hinge?

The correct hinge size depends on the door's width, height, weight, thickness, and frequency of use. Our double action spring hinges are available in sizes from 2" to 7-1/2", with different capacities and finish options depending on the model. Always check the hinge specifications to ensure compatibility with your door.

Need Help Choosing the Right Double Action Hinges?

Call 855-343-6677 or email info@swingingcafedoors.com.

!