A double-sided Hinge pin refers to the metal rod that serves as the central pivot of a double-sided hinge. It is the component that connects the two halves (or plates) of the hinge, allowing the door to open and close. The term “double-sided” refers to the hinge’s installation method: the two halves of the hinge are embedded in adjacent mortises on the door leaf and door frame, respectively, so that the door lies flush with both the door leaf and the door frame when closed.
Although it is a standard feature in most residential and commercial door hinges, hinge pins come in a variety of designs tailored to different applications:
Removable pins: These pins can be easily knocked out with a hammer and punch, allowing the door to be removed from the frame without dismantling the hinges. They are most commonly found on interior doors and are popular because they are easy to remove.
Fixed/Non-removable pins: Designed as a security feature, these pins are typically used on exterior doors. The pins are secured with hex screws, which are accessible only when the door is open, making it significantly more difficult for intruders to remove the door panel from the outside.
Spring-loaded pins: This is a specialized type featuring a built-in spring that automatically closes the door after it is opened. The spring is usually attached to the hinge pin or located inside it.
Ball-bearing hinges: Although the hinge pin still serves as the pivot point, this type of hinge features ball bearings at the contact points of the hinge joint. This design reduces friction, allowing the hinge pin to rotate more smoothly and supporting heavier doors.
Hinge pins are usually made of steel, but materials such as brass or stainless steel may also be used. To remove a door panel, the hinge pin must typically be removed first by gently tapping it upward with a hammer and a nail puller. However, if the hinge uses a non-removable pin, the door panel must first be opened, and the small set screw at the hinge joint must be loosened before the pin can be slid out.