Pivots are a type of hanging device for swinging commercial doors. They are most often used in sets or can be used with concealed closers. Pivots offer a couple of benefits not available with conventional hinges or continuous hinges. They can carry a lot more weight than other door hinges and they offer a clean finished appearance.

There are two main types of pivots.

  1. Offset Pivots
  2. Center Hung Pivots

Offset Pivots

Offset pivots have a pivot point that is offset from the face of the door. Offset pivots are used on single acting doors. Generally two offset dimensions are available, 3/4″ and 1-1/2″ where 3/4″ offset is used most often. 1-1/2″ offset pivots can allow a door to swing past projecting trim on the face of the frame and allow the door to swing a full 180 degrees.

Offset Pivots

Pivots are ideal for doors that are heavier than usual there are pivots that can hold doors up to 1500 lbs. Pivots are aesthetically appealing because they are located at the top and bottom of the door only. There are intermediate pivots available that can carry additional weight or that can act as a power transfer for electric hardware installed on the door.

 

Center Hung Pivots

Center hung pivots are used on single or double acting doors. The pivot point of the door is in the center of the door thickness. When used on double acting doors the edges of the door will be cut with a radius edge to allow the doors to swing in either direction. Hardware mounted to the frame and the door need to be coordinated to ensure they use correct templates for center hung pivot applications.

Center Hung Pivots

Center hung pivots can be used on many door types. Common applications include rescue hardware applications in hospitals or healthcare. The center hung pivots are usually mortised into the top and bottom of the door providing a low profile and often are unnoticeable.

Other Pivot Options

Lead-lined pivots are available for lead-lined doors. The pivots are not actually lined, they are made so that the fastener holes are staggered on either side of the lead to prevent penetration into the lead sheet.

Pocket pivots are another option that acts similarly to a swing clear hinge by swinging the door out of the clear width opening. The door also often swings into a pocket built into the wall and held open. The pocket pivots are mortised into the frame and the door so they require a little more prep than the typical pivots.

 

Refer to the individual manufacturers for weight ratings and other options.