Installing a pivot hinge involves attaching a threaded rod to an outer threaded shaft, and then fastening a nut onto the threaded rod with a machine screw. The nut then holds the whole assembly together, just as a typical hinged shower door is. However, an open shower door is classified as a non-hinged shower door, while a hinged shower door is classified as a pivot hinge. In either case, the door is classified by its pivot - either a straight shaft that runs parallel to the shower wall, or an angle that allows the door to pivot from left to right when opening it.
Some pivot shower door hinges are available in models ranging from two to four hinges. Some two-piece pivot units are made of a thick metal shaft attached to a heavy duty chrome housing. While this type of housing provides excellent protection, it can be prone to rust. Also, the housing can become clogged with grease over time, which will prevent the unit from opening and closing properly. A heavy duty plastic housing is a better alternative.
A good quality plastic housing is available in several different configurations, depending on the type of shower door that needs to have a pivot shower doors. This type of housing usually has two hinges, one at the top of the door and one at the bottom. This arrangement allows the door to move up and down in the shower stall without the hinges separating from each other, allowing for a larger opening when the door is open. A popular style is a "Y-shaped" housing that resembles a U-shape. These are more expensive than the two-piece designs, but they provide excellent security.
Another option for a pivot shower door hinges is a frameless unit. These are made of high-quality, precision-crafted, fully multi-latch stainless steel. These units are most commonly found in single-piece construction. A typical frameless unit has a matching finish stainless steel trim ring on both sides, a chrome-plated pivot housing, a shower rod that attaches to the housing, and a front yoke that connect the two.
When purchasing a frameless unit, it is important to make sure that there are two hinges on either side of the door. One side must be larger in size than the other, depending on the style of unit that you purchase. Also, it is important to check the screws and bolts for adequate strength. If these components are insufficient, the entire shower door pivot hinges could be weakened and cause the unit to malfunction.
Another option for replacement hinges is to purchase a set of replacement hinges. This will allow for ease of installation, as well as prevent the occurrence of a mismatched hinge style. These sets usually come with one large, and one small, panel. The large panel usually has four to six screws that mount to each other. The small panel typically has two to four screws, which mount to the two hinges on the side of your shower doors.
There are several types of shower door hinges available. They range from simple threaded hinges to those that incorporate a hand crank and spring mechanism for easy operation. These hand-cranked types use a small, threaded lever that turns when turning, which engages the hinged panels when closed. A popular style is the replaceable lever hinge, which features an engaging mechanism that turns the lever when the door is shut and reverts when the door is opened.
These are just a few of the options available to you when it comes to replacement hinges for your shower doors. The most important thing to remember when purchasing these items is that they should be made from the appropriate materials. There are many options that you have, including materials such as acrylic, copper, brass, chrome and more. By taking the time to do a little research, you will be able to choose from doors that will not only look great but also function well, every time you walk into your shower.
