What to look for
Template hinges
Commercial hinges follow standard template hole patterns to fit hollow-metal frames — match the template.
Cycle rating
High-traffic openings need heavy-weight ball-bearing hinges rated for millions of cycles.
Continuous geared option
Full-height continuous geared hinges spread stress and resist sag on abused doors — common on schools and hospitals.
Code and fire ratings
Confirm fire-door and accessibility requirements for the opening before specifying.
Spec by traffic and door
| Application | Hinge | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-traffic entry | Ball-bearing, ANSI Grade 1 | Bearings survive millions of cycles. |
| Standard office door | Ball-bearing Grade 2 | Adequate cycle life. |
| Heavy / oversized | Continuous (geared) hinge | Spreads load full height, no sag. |
| Out-swing exterior | NRP ball-bearing | Pins can't be pulled. |
| Fire-rated opening | UL-listed hinge | Must match the door's fire label. |
Our picks by use case
Hinge Outlet Commercial Ball-Bearing Stainless Hinge, 4″ NRP (2-pack)
Commercial-grade stainless ball-bearing hinge with a non-removable pin and square corners, drilled to a standard template for hollow-metal frames. For high-cycle openings, verify the cycle and fire ratings for your specific door.
Check price on Amazon →Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.304 Stainless Continuous (Piano) Hinge, 1.5″ x 72″, Made in USA
The full-length 72″ version — for abuse-prone or full-height doors and panels where you want continuous support along the entire edge. Trim to fit.
Check price on Amazon →Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.Common mistakes to avoid
- Speccing a plain-bearing hinge on a high-cycle door — it drags within a year.
- Ignoring ANSI/BHMA grade; Grade 3 residential hinges fail fast in commercial traffic.
- Using non-NRP hinges on out-swing exterior doors (a security hole).
- Putting a non-fire-rated hinge on a fire door, which voids the label.
- Under-sizing hinge count or width for heavy solid-core doors.
Frequently asked questions
What ANSI grade do I need?
Grade 1 (BHMA A156.1) for high-traffic and exterior commercial doors; Grade 2 for moderate use. Grade 3 is residential and won't hold up in a busy building.
When should I use a continuous hinge?
On heavy, high-abuse, or sag-prone doors. A geared continuous hinge carries load along the full height, eliminating the point stress that makes butt hinges sag.
What is a template hinge?
A hinge drilled to a standard hole pattern (template) that matches commercial hollow-metal frames so it bolts straight in.
Continuous or butt hinges for commercial?
Butt (template) hinges suit most openings; continuous geared hinges are chosen for high-abuse, high-traffic doors where sag and pull-off are concerns.