Hinge bolts are small, solid metal studs installed on the hinge side of outward-swinging doors. Their job is to keep the Door Locked in place even if the hinge pins are removed or cut, preventing the door from being forced open from the hinge side.

They are a passive security feature—they don’t move or lock electronically, but they add a strong mechanical barrier.

The Basic Principle

When the door is closed:

1. The hinge bolt on the door aligns with a matching hole in the door frame

2. The bolt projects into the frame

3. Even if hinge pins are removed, the door cannot be pulled outward because the bolt is trapped in the frame

Think of it as a deadbolt on the hinge side.

Where Hinge Bolts Are Installed

• Mounted on the hinge edge of the door

• Usually installed between hinges

• Most doors use 2–3 hinge bolts, depending on height and security level

They are hidden when the door is closed and invisible from the outside.

Key Components

1. Hinge Bolt (Stud)

• Solid steel or hardened steel pin

• Fixed (non-moving)

• Press-fit or screwed into the door edge

2. Strike Hole or Receiver

• Drilled into the door frame

• Precisely aligned with the hinge bolt

• Often reinforced with a metal sleeve

Why Hinge Bolts Are Needed

Outward-swinging doors are vulnerable because:

• Hinge pins may be exposed on the exterior

• Intruders can remove or cut hinge pins

Hinge bolts solve this problem by locking the door to the frame independently of the hinges.

When Hinge Bolts Engage

No manual operation is required.

Common Applications

• Exterior residential doors that swing outward

• Apartment entry doors

• Commercial steel doors

• Security doors and fire-rated doors

Many building codes or security standards recommend or require hinge bolts on outward-opening exterior doors.

Hinge Bolts vs Security Hinges

Best practice is often using both together.

Installation Notes (High-Level)

• Alignment is critical—misalignment prevents proper seating

• Bolts must be hardened steel for exterior use

• Frame material must be strong enough to receive the bolt

• Fire-rated doors must use approved hardware only

Common Misconceptions

• ❌ Hinge bolts replace locks — they do not

• ❌ One hinge bolt is enough — multiple are recommended

• ❌ Only for steel doors — wood doors can also use them

Summary

Hinge bolts work by physically anchoring the hinge side of a door into the frame when the door is closed. Even if hinge pins are removed, the door cannot be pulled out, making hinge bolts a simple but highly effective security upgrade for outward-swinging doors.