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Choosing the Right Shower Hinges: What Every Installer Should Know

by Saman Mojab on Dec 08, 2025

Choosing the Right Shower Hinges: What Every Installer Should Know

Whether you’re fitting a luxury wet room or a minimalist shower screen, the right hinge ensures smooth operation and lasting stability. This post explains the hinge types, material choices and installation best practice so installers can make fast, reliable decisions on site. 

Hinge types & uses 

  • Wall-to-glass hinges: Ideal for heavy or framed doors and when secure wall mounting exists. They support more weight and are excellent for high-traffic bathrooms. 

  • Glass-to-glass hinges: Create a seamless frameless aesthetic; best for fixed panel + door combinations where fixing to existing glass is required. 

  • Floor-mounted pivot hinges: Great for thicker doors and heavier hardware loads — must be specified to load-bearing floor geometry. 

Material & spec 

  • 316 stainless steel is standard for longevity in wet environments. For coastal sites, always upgrade to 316-grade. 

  • Check for serviceable bushes/bearings and grease points to extend lifetime. Replaceable wear components are a significant long-term benefit and selling point for clients. 

Look for these features 

  • Adjustability: ±3–5mm adjusters let you square the door after installation — saves time and avoids callbacks. 

  • Soft close / hydraulic damping: Useful for high-end installs to protect glass and prevent slam damage. 

  • Certification & load rating: Always match hinge rating to the glass size and weight; oversized glass needs appropriately-rated fittings. 

Installation tips 

  • Use jigs for consistent hole placement and avoid over-tightening fixings; torque to manufacturer specs. 

  • Protect the glass during installation with temporary pads or tape. 

  • Verify door swing, clearance, and seals before final tightening — small misalignments are easier to correct early. 

Common troubleshooting 

  • Misaligned doors often come from uneven frames — verify floor and wall plumb before final fit. 

  • If hinges bind, check for improper gasket seating or incorrect spindle length. 

Final thought 
Choosing the right hinge is a mix of correct product selection, accurate measurement and careful installation. If you’d like, we can prepare a one-page printable hinge spec that installers can take to site. 

Need hinge spec sheets for your team? Tell us the hinge models you use and we’ll build a quick reference. Visit qualityglassfittings.co.uk

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