The Hinge Guys

Every frightening second counts when a door is under attack

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) requires strength testing of entrance systems to protect our overseas American embassies. The longer you deter an angry mob or intruders from entering a building, the more time military or security forces have to respond to keep embassy occupants safe. DOS awarded SELECT geared continuous hinges with its longest protection level certification — 60 minutes — for forced entry and ballistic resistance. Nobody messes with SELECT hinges.

Brutal abuse proves SELECT’s high-security superiority

The DOS tests were conducted at H.P. White Laboratory, an independent small arms and ammunition research laboratory in Street, Maryland. A SELECT 85-inch SL27 LL geared continuous hinge was mounted on a door manufactured by the United States Bulletproofing, Inc. (USBP). After eight hours of aggressive abuse, the test results more than convinced DOS that these were exceptionally attack-resistant hinges. DOS approves SELECT hinges for use on all its doors and USBP uses the SL27 LL on all its doors. Both know SELECT hinges never quit.

Forced Entry Test (AAMA 1304) 

For a solid hour, six attackers tried again and again to break through the entrance system. They slammed 10 and 12-pound sledgehammers. Pried with 9 x 2-1/2-in. wood-splitting wedges, 1-in. and 3/4-in. Cold chisels, a 2-1/4-in. masonry chisel plus a crowbar and other tools to gain entry. They even did a concentrated assault on the hinge edges. Nothing could breach the entrance. 

Ballistic resistant test (ANSI/UL-752) (Level 3) (NIJ-STD-0108.01, Level 3A) 

Attackers stood 20 feet from the door and fired eight shots directly at the hinge using high-powered 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm military rifles (.223 and .308 caliber). No bullets penetrated the hinge. This front-line defender hinge also stood strong during the blast test (ASTM F1642) and the impact test TAS 201 (large and small missile impact). It’s your hinge solution for your high-security applications. 

Why SELECT out-protects other hinges

SELECT builds its geared continuous hinges to last. Made with high-quality, architectural-grade aluminum, they resist attacks better than butt hinges. The hinge mounts the entire length of the frame and door contact with 50-plus fasteners versus a butt hinge’s four contact points and 32 or fewer screws. SELECT backs the quality of its hinges with the industry’s only Continuous Warranty™ which never expires. These high-security hinges are tough to beat. 

Secure your doors from forced entries

Whether you are protecting the lives of people within your U.S. embassy, military facility, government building, financial institution, hospital, airport or school, maximize their security. Choose the DOS-certified SELECT hinges. Contact your SELECT Hinges customer service representative for advice in choosing the right hinge or for a custom design for your high-security application. It’s a solution that makes it easier to sleep at night.