What Are Polymer Hinges?

When you think about gate hinges, you probably think of the typical metal hinges you see on most gates. Whether they’re galvanized or powder coated, for chain link gates or wood gates, they’re made of metal, and they’re kind of similar.

But there is a different type of gate hinge out there. Let’s take a closer look at what polymer hinges are, what kind of gate they work on, and what the pros and cons of this kind of gate hinge are.

What Is a Polymer Hinge Made Out Of?

The name gives it away. Polymer gate hinges are not made from metal. At least, not entirely.

Instead, they’re made from a combination of high-quality, ultra-durable plastic known as polymer, and usually some stainless steel and other metal parts.

What Kind of Gates Do Polymer Hinges Work On?

Like metal hinges, polymer hinges come in a huge range of sizes and designs. There are some that are perfect for ornamental or vinyl gates, some that are designed for pool fence gates, and even some that will work on round posts and gate frames like chain link gates.

Usually, polymer hinges work better on lighter gates, so they’re more commonly used for residential gates than for commercial, industrial, and high-security gates, but there are some that are designed to carry heavier weights.

What Are the Pros of Polymer Gate Hinges?

The biggest pro of polymer gate hinges is that they don’t rust or corrode. Even though they have some metal components, those parts are usually either stainless steel, hidden below a layer of polymer plastic, or both. So they’re fantastic for use in places that have highly corrosive air, like beach houses or anywhere on the coast.

What Are the Cons of Polymer Gate Hinges

Polymer gate hinges aren’t as strong as metal hinges, which is not as much of a problem if you check the carrying capacity of your polymer hinge before you choose them.

However, it does also mean that they’re lower security than a metal hinge. They can be easier to cut and tamper with, so if you’re building a high-security gate, think twice before you choose this type of hinge, or conceal your hinges behind a cover plate or cover strip.

Special Types of Polymer Gate Hinges

Polymer gate hinges come in some fairly unique designs and styles, and you can find things like self-closing hinges, lockable hinges, and even alarmed pool gate hinges in some polymer hinge product lines.

Because polymer is more malleable than steel, it can be molded and made into a lot more shapes, and this makes this a more versatile and varied type of gate hinge.

Where Can You Buy Polymer Hinges?

Polymer hinges used to be a fairly rare commodity, but these days, you can find them in many hardware stores and from online retailers like Amazon.

Many fence companies are now also offering polymer hinges as an alternative on some of their gates and fence systems, so if you’re interested in this type of hinge, you can always ask the company you’re working with to give you this option or an alternative.