Do you have a door in your home that only opens in one direction? Maybe it’s a closet door that only swings out, or a bathroom door that only swings in.
Whatever the case may be, there may come a time when you want the door to be able to swing in both directions.
Whether it’s for convenience, accessibility, or aesthetic reasons, it is possible to modify a door so that it can swing both ways.
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of installing a double acting spring hinge, which is a type of hinge that allows a door to swing in both directions.
With a little bit of DIY know-how and some basic tools, you can make your door swing both ways in no time!
Can a Door Swing Either Way?
It is possible for a door to swing either way. The direction in which a door swings is determined by the location of the hinges on the door and the door frame. If the hinges are placed on the left side of the door and the door frame, the door will swing towards the right. If the hinges are placed on the right side of the door and the door frame, the door will swing towards the left.
If you have a door that currently only swings in one direction and you want to modify it to swing both ways, you can either install a double acting spring hinge or move the existing hinges to the opposite side of the door and door frame.
However, keep in mind that this may require some carpentry skills and may not be suitable for all types of doors. It is always a good idea to consult with a professional if you are unsure about making any modifications to your doors.
Overall, a double swing door is a practical and stylish solution for dividing or connecting spaces, and it can be a great addition to any home.
What Do You Call a Door that Swings Both Ways?
There is no specific term for a door that swings both ways. A door that can swing in both directions can be referred to as a double acting door, a two-way swinging door, or a reversible door. These terms all refer to a door that is equipped with a double acting spring hinge, which allows the door to swing in both directions and is balanced by a spring mechanism.
Double acting doors are commonly used in commercial and public buildings, where they can provide easy and convenient access to a space. They are also sometimes used in residential settings, particularly in doorways that lead to pantries, closets, or utility rooms.
How does a double swing door work?
A double swing door, also known as a French door, is a type of door that consists of two hinged door panels that swing in opposite directions. These doors are often used as entry doors, patio doors, or as a partition between two spaces.
The way a double swing door works is similar to a single swing door. Each door panel is mounted to the door frame with hinges, and a latch or lock mechanism is used to secure the door closed. When you want to open the door, you can push or pull on one of the door panels to release the latch and allow the door to swing open. Depending on the direction you push or pull, the door will either swing inward or outward.
One of the key differences between a single swing door and a double swing door is that the latter allows for more flexibility in terms of the opening direction. With a single swing door, the door can only swing in one direction, whereas with a double swing door, you can open either door panel independently, allowing for a wider range of opening configurations.
For example, you could open both door panels together to create a larger opening, or you could open one door panel while keeping the other closed for added privacy.
How Can You Make a Door Swing Both Ways?
To make a door swing both ways, you will need to install a double acting spring hinge.
This type of hinge allows the door to swing in both directions and is equipped with a spring mechanism that helps to balance the weight of the door.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a double acting spring hinge:
- Gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a drill, a screwdriver, a hammer, a chisel, a level, a tape measure, and the double acting spring hinges.
- Measure and mark the location for the hinges. You should place the hinges about 4 inches from the top and bottom of the door. Make sure to use a level to ensure that the marks are straight.
- Cut out the mortise. Use a chisel and a hammer to cut out a shallow channel, or mortise, in the door jamb and the door where the hinges will be installed. The mortise should be about the same size and shape as the hinges.
- Install the hinges. Place the hinges in the mortises and secure them with screws. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific type of hinges you are using.
- Adjust the spring tension. Most double acting spring hinges have a tension adjustment screw, which you can use to adjust the amount of force required to open and close the door. Turn the screw clockwise to increase the tension, or counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Test the door. Once you have installed and adjusted the hinges, open and close the door a few times to make sure it swings smoothly in both directions. Make any necessary adjustments to the spring tension or the hinges as needed.
The above-mentioned steps talked about using two hinges but remember that doors that weigh over 75 pounds need three hinges. That being said, almost all interior doors weigh less.
What Type of Hinge Opens Both Ways?
Now you may want to know about the hinges that swing both ways.
A double acting spring hinge is a type of hinge that allows a door to swing in both directions. This type of hinge is equipped with a spring mechanism that helps to balance the weight of the door and allows it to open and close smoothly in either direction.
Double acting spring hinges are commonly used on doors that are used frequently and need to be easily accessible from both sides.
Double-acting hinges are precise and smooth. They are designed for heavy duty and have a long lifespan. Double-acting hinges can be made from materials such as stainless steel, bronze, and brass.
These copper-based alloys are durable and resistant to extreme weather, but brass may require additional surface treatment for salty air. Bronze is completely weatherproof.
FAQ’s
Can a Shower Glass Door or Kitchen Pantry Door Swing Both Ways?
Yes, it is possible for a shower glass door or a kitchen pantry door to swing both ways. To make a door swing both ways, you will need to install a double acting spring hinge. This type of hinge allows the door to swing in both directions and is equipped with a spring mechanism that helps to balance the weight of the door.
In the case of a shower glass door, a double acting spring hinge can be used to allow the door to swing in either direction, depending on the layout of the bathroom and the preference of the user. This can be particularly useful in small bathrooms where space is limited, as it allows for more flexibility in terms of the door opening direction.
As for a kitchen pantry door, a double acting spring hinge can be used to allow the door to swing in either direction, depending on the layout of the kitchen and the preference of the user. This can be particularly useful in small kitchens where residence space is limited, as it allows for easier access to the pantry from either side of the door.
Can a Fire Door Swing Both Ways?
Fire doors are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke from one part of a building to another. They are typically installed in buildings with a sprinkler system and are equipped with special hardware, such as hinges, locks, and seals, that are designed to maintain their fire resistance properties.
In general, fire doors are designed to swing in one direction only, either inward or outward. This is because the hinges and hardware used on fire doors are typically one-way hinges, which means that they can only be installed on the door in a specific orientation. If a fire door is installed with the hinges on the wrong side, it may not function properly and could potentially fail in a fire.
However, it is possible for a fire door to swing both ways under certain circumstances. Some manufacturers offer double acting spring hinges that are specifically designed for use on fire doors.
These hinges allow the door to swing in both directions and are equipped with a spring mechanism that helps to balance the weight of the door. In order to use these hinges on a fire door, the door must be rated for both inward and outward swing and the hinges must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is important to note that fire doors are an important part of a building’s fire safety system, and it is crucial that they are installed and maintained correctly. If you are considering modifying a fire door to swing both ways, it is important to consult with a professional and follow all relevant codes and regulations.
Can a Screen Door Swing Both Ways?
It is possible for a screen door to swing both ways. To make a screen door swing both ways, you will need to install a double acting spring hinge.
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Conclusion
To summarize the above discussion, Making a door swing is easy enough.
A door can be made to swing both ways by installing a double acting spring hinge. This type of hinge allows the door to swing in both directions and is equipped with a spring mechanism that helps to balance the weight of the door.
If you have any queries please let us know we would be more than happy to help you. Thank you for reading!
