National

National Hardware hinges, gate hardware and reinforcement pieces serve homeowners and builders hanging doors, fitting gates and repairing joints. Different reinforcement shapes let you match the connection, while many specialty hinges offer adjustable tension and closing speeds. You can choose for both fit and movement.

National Hardware began in Sterling, Illinois, in 1901 as National Wagon Company. The business shifted from wagons to hardware and became National Manufacturing Co. Its product lines include hinges, door and gate hardware, home hardware and reinforcement hardware.

Reinforcement hardware for the joint

Start with how the pieces meet and where you can fasten them. National offers reinforcement hardware in different angles and configurations for attaching, connecting, aligning and splicing materials, including corner braces and square mending plates. Match the shape to the joint and put the fasteners into sound material.

National leaves the safe working load unrated because applications vary, and determining proper use is the end user’s responsibility. For a repair carrying weight, choose the connection around the actual load, the material and the fasteners.

Door hinges that fit the opening

Measure a replacement hinge open and lying flat. National identifies door thickness and width as the dimensions that guide hinge size. The easy mistake is matching the finish while overlooking the fit. Compare the screw-hole pattern and the recess in the door and jamb too.

National’s rounded and square hinge corners provide the same functionality. On an existing door, match the corner shape to the recess so the leaf seats properly. A dime matches a 1/4-inch radius; a quarter matches a 5/8-inch radius.

National’s commercial-grade door hinges use thicker-gauge material than its residential hinges. Check the leaf fit so the hinge sits flush. For a painted finish, National identifies primer-coated hinges that accept special metal paint; keep paint off the moving joint.

Gate installation and spring-hinge adjustment

National’s gate hardware is intended for easy installation. Start with a sound gate frame and a firm hinge post, since movement in either can throw the latch out of alignment. Support the gate at its intended height during layout, and check clearance through the full swing before fastening the latch.

Many National specialty hinges offer adjustable tension and closing speeds, giving you a way to tune the closing action after installation. National also offers spring hinges, including double-acting versions. Support the door, fit and fasten the hinges, and establish free movement before setting tension. Use the chosen hinge’s installation instructions for the adjustment method, then test the closing action. Fix rubbing before increasing spring tension.

Home and cabinet hardware

National offers doorstops, hooks and handrail brackets, along with barn door locks and hooks. Position a doorstop so the handle clears the wall. For hooks and handrail brackets, plan the attachment around the wall material and the load.

National’s cabinet options include cabinet hinges and cabinet spring hinges. Match the mounting arrangement and the way the door sits against the cabinet before choosing the closing action. With the old hinge removed, check the existing screw holes for damage.

Hinge dimensions and fit details

Detail	Specification
Common residential hinge sizes	3 inches and 3-1/2 inches
Residential hinge corner options	1/4-inch radius, 5/8-inch radius or square
Measuring position	Hinge open and lying flat
Door dimensions used for hinge sizing	Thickness and width
Commercial-grade hinge material	Thicker gauge than residential hinges

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you install a National Hardware spring hinge?

Support the door and fit your National Hardware spring hinge so the door swings freely before you set the spring tension. Use the instructions for that hinge’s adjustment method, then test whether the door closes and latches from different opening positions. More tension won’t fix a binding door, and you shouldn’t have to make it slam to catch the latch.

How do I choose a National Hardware gate hinge?

Start with where your National Hardware gate hinge will fasten to the gate and post. The mounting needs to reach sound framing, and the hinge position needs to let the gate swing clear of the post. For a replacement, check the wood around the old screw holes; a new hinge won’t restore the grip of stripped holes.

How much weight can a National Hardware extra heavy T-hinge hold?

You can’t size a National Hardware T-hinge by the words ‘extra heavy’ alone. You need a load rating and installation requirements for the specific hinge. Gate width matters too, because a wider gate puts more leverage on the hinge attachment even at the same weight.

What is a National Hardware strap hinge used for?

A National Hardware strap hinge lets you hang a swinging panel with a long hinge leaf fastened across its face. On a gate, that reach is useful when it puts the fasteners into a solid frame rail. Check that alignment before choosing the hinge length; a longer strap won’t help much if its screws only catch thin facing boards.