DIYing a glass shower install is a significant project, and the last thing you need are the delays and headaches involved in ordering the wrong part. Today, we’ll be taking a detailed look at glass shower door hinges and the specifications you’ll want to check when placing your order. If questions remain, know that you can contact experienced Glass Simple team members who will answer your questions and provide pro tips if desired. Calls are never routed to an off-site center, and you’ll speak with Robert or Jamie at our Manassas Park shop – (571)707-7760. For now, let’s dive into glass shower door hinge options and characteristics.

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1. General Hinge Types

While this may seem self-evident, we’ll start by briefly touching on the basic types of shower door hinge to ensure that you’re shopping in the right category for your design. Hinges are either mounted on the side of the door panel and attached to an adjacent surface or mounted on the top and bottom of the door panel and attached to the surfaces above and below it.

Hinges in the second category are called pivot hinges. They can be less noticeable than side-mounted hinges and have a modern style. With pivot hinges, the door does not seal when shut, so it’s especially important to avoid aiming a spray at this area. Note that for pivot hinges to be an option, there has to be a surface above the door panel – often a header or a glass transom. In terms of side mount hinges, they either attach to the bathroom wall (wall mount) or to a fixed panel (glass-to-glass).

2. Shower Door Hinge Angles

If you are using glass-to-glass hinges, you will also need to check their angles. For example, if you are hinging the door to a fixed panel at right angles to itself, you will want a 90 degree glass mount hinge such as CLN90 - FHC Carolina Beveled Glass To Glass 90 Degree Hinge. On the other hand, you’ll need a 135 degree hinge like VER135G – Glass Simple Verona Square Profile 135 Degree Glass to Glass Hinge if you are doing a neo-angle corner enclosure. Finally, in the case of an in-line door and panel with the door hinged to the fixed glass, a 180 degree hinge like GEN180G - Glass Simple Genesis Square Profile 180 Degree Glass to Glass Shower Door Hinge is required.

Also, some hinges – whether pivot, wall-to-glass or glass-to-glass – are labeled “5 degree hinges” or are said to have a “5 degree factory preset.” This means that instead of closing at a 90 degree angle, they close at an 85 degree angle for more pressure against the vinyl jamb and thus a tighter closure.

Standard – or “0 degree” hinges – simply close at a 90 degree angle. Many hinges in the Glass Simple brand will be labeled as having a reversible pin. This means that, regardless of the whether the hinge is a 5 degree or a 0 degree, you can switch it to the other option by adjusting the pin. There are a number of step-by-step video guides on our YouTube channel showing how to do this, like this one for the GEN5F.

3. Door Weight and Width Ratings

Once you’ve determined the right type and angle of hinges for your product, you’ll need to find options that are rated for the weight and width of your doors. For example, Glass Simple’s Genesis line has standard technical specifications, like GEN0F’s rating of:

• If using 2 hinges, maximum door weight is 80 lbs and maximum door width is 28” (711 mm).
• If using 3 hinges, maximum door weight is 120 lbs, and maximum door width is 32” (813 mm).

On the other hand, the Verona line is suitable for larger door panels, with VER0O having a rating of:

• If using 2 hinges and 3/8” glass, maximum door weight is 100 lbs and maximum door width is 34” (864 mm).
• If using 2 hinges and 1/2” glass, maximum door weight is 100 lbs and maximum door width is 32” (813 mm).
• If using 3 hinges and 3/8” glass, maximum door weight is 130 lbs, and maximum door width is 34” (864 mm).
• If using 3 hinges and 1/2” glass, maximum door weight is 130 lbs, and maximum door width is 32” (813 mm).

Using the proper number and type of hinges for your door’s width and weight is crucial for the safety and success of your installation.

4. Aesthetic Details

Finally, you want the different pieces of hardware on your enclosure to coordinate with one another visually. Hinges and clamps are often available with either square edges like this or beveled edges like this. You will want to choose one style and stick with it for all your clamps and hinges. Generally, all the door/enclosure hardware is also the same finish. Note that finishes may vary among different brands, and pay attention to the sheen as well. For example, brushed nickel is noticeable different from polished nickel, with polished being significantly shinier.

Homeowners Can Count on Glass Simple

If you have general questions or queries about a specific piece of hardware we offer, please give us a call at (571)707-7760. Glass Simple makes sourcing high quality hardware easy for DIYers by not requiring account creation or an annual minimum purchase amount, and we are here to help. As our valued customer Stuart Miller shared in his Google Review:

”Absolutely fantastic customer service and knowledge. Robert K spent significant time troubleshooting a shower door hinge issue I had on an old shower. He reviewed photos I provided and found perfect replacement parts needed so that we would not have to replace the entire doors.Buy with confidence. Although I was “small” purchase they treated me as if I was a repeat contractor. Thanks Glass Simple!!”

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Reach out today if we can be of assistance with the hardware, vinyl, or other accessories for your glass shower enclosure project – (571)707-7760.