Safety hinges

Do you want to make your front door truly burglar-proof, but feel like you're mainly thinking about the lock and cylinder? Then you might be forgetting the side where many burglars start: the hinge side. A standard door can be pried open on the hinge side with a crowbar, even if the lock is locked tight on the other side. With security hinges, you close off that weak spot and make your door just as strong from both sides.

On this page, we calmly explain exactly what security hinges do, why the hinge side is so vulnerable, and how to choose between an anti-burglary claw and a security pin. You will learn how many hinges you need per door, what the SKG stars mean, and how to keep your hinges running smoothly for years to come. This way, you can confidently assemble a front door that meets the Police Security Mark for Safe Living. Read on!

What exactly are safety hinges?

Security hinges are hinges with a built-in anti-burglary claw or safety pin that prevents a door from being pried open on the hinge side. When the door is closed, a metal claw or pin engages with a counterpart in the frame, making it impossible to lift the door leaf out of the frame. This makes them an integral part of a complete, burglar-proof front or back door. You can recognize them by their heavy construction and the SKG certification mark on the plate. At Deurbeslag Expert, you will find 32 security hinges from trusted brands such as AXA, Nemef, and Intersteel.

In practice, they work together with the rest of your security to form a single unit. While the lock and cylinder keep the lock side closed, the hinges ensure that the pivot side does not give way either. Most versions have a plate thickness of 2 to 3 mm and a pin of Ø11 mm, sturdy enough to meet the requirements of the quality mark. If you want to match the color of your entire door, they are available in brushed stainless steel, black, and brass, among others. Feel free to also view the wider collection of hinges to see all types side by side.

Why is the hinge side of your door a weak point?

The hinge side is a weak point because there is no lock there and a burglar can reach it with simple tools. With a crowbar under the bottom hinge, you can pry open a standard door in a few seconds, without even touching the lock on the other side. Many people invest heavily in a good cylinder but leave the hinge side untouched. It is precisely this uneven security that makes a door vulnerable. After all, a burglar always looks for the easiest way in.

Security hinges eliminate that possibility because the claw or pin anchors itself in the frame when closing. If someone tries to lift the door, the door leaf simply remains stuck. For a front door that meets the Police Security Mark for Safe Living, they are therefore just as important as an SKG lock and a good cylinder. When processing a claim, your insurer also often looks at the complete security, not just the lock. If you address both sides, your door stands strong as a whole.

Do you choose an anti-theft claw or a safety pin?

Whether you choose an anti-burglary claw or a security pin depends on how much burglary protection a door requires. An anti-burglary claw is an integrated metal hook that engages with a counterpart in the door frame, ensuring the door remains secure even if the hinge pin were to be removed. This offers the highest level of protection and is the logical choice for your front door. A security pin locks through both hinge halves and cannot be removed as long as the door is closed. This simpler variant is fine for a back door or utility room.

For heavy doors, also look for the ball-bearing version, which smoothly supports a weight of 80 to 120 kg. Solid oak front doors and doors with a glass panel look their best on such ball-bearing hinges. If you have a narrow aluminium or synthetic frame, there is a narrow model that fits the tight stile. If you are unsure which variant suits your door, take a look at our ball-bearing hinges for heavier applications. This way, you choose a hinge that matches both the weight and the risk associated with your door.

How many security hinges do you need per door?

The number of security hinges you need per door is determined by the height and weight of the door leaf. A standard wooden front door of about 40 mm thick and 2150 mm high requires four hinges, evenly distributed along the height. A heavy panel door or a door with a glass panel requires four to five ball-bearing hinges for smooth operation. If your front door is higher than 2200 mm, count on at least five hinges. For a double garden door, choose three to four hinges with anti-burglary claws per door leaf.

The situation is different for interior doors, as burglary resistance plays hardly any role there. A standard lockable office or bedroom door only requires three standard galvanized hinges. Security hinges are therefore not necessary there and are better saved for your exterior doors. Always distribute the hinges evenly along the height, with an extra one in the middle for heavy doors. This prevents the door leaf from sagging over time.

What do the SKG stars mean for hinges?

The SKG stars for hinges indicate how long the hardware withstands burglary tools. A two-star version offers resistance for approximately three minutes and is suitable for standard homes. Three stars represent about five minutes and an extra heavy-duty construction, intended for corner houses, detached homes, and locations with a higher risk of burglary. The quality mark is independently tested, so you know exactly what a hinge is worth. The more stars, the longer a burglar will be at it and the greater the chance that they will give up.

For the best protection, match the star rating of your hinges to the rest of your security. Combine three-star hinges with a lock, cylinder, and sturdy security hardware of the same level so that all components together meet the Police Quality Mark. After all, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and the same applies to your door. Also, check exactly what your insurer requires, as a certain level is sometimes mandatory. With a consistent level across the entire door, you are always on the safe side.

How do you maintain your safety hinges?

You maintain security hinges with very little effort, precisely because they are largely concealed within the frame's recess. Wipe the visible parts occasionally with a dry microfiber cloth, and use a small amount of mild soap for fingerprints on the pin heads. Lubricate the pin and any ball bearings once a year with a fine machine oil or a dry Teflon spray. Never use WD-40, as it attracts dust and can eventually cause the mechanism to seize up. This way, your hinges will continue to turn smoothly for years.

In addition, check once a year whether the anti-burglary claw still engages properly with the lock when the door closes. A sagging door or a slightly shifted frame can dislodge the claw. If you adjust the hinges in time, the burglary protection remains fully intact. When closing, also check that the door is not rubbing against anything, as this is often the first sign of sagging. A few minutes of inspection per year keeps your door safe and quiet.

Why order your security hinges from Deurbeslag Expert?

You order your security hinges from Deurbeslag Expert because here you combine SKG-approved quality with honest advice and a wide selection of brands and colors. From AXA and Nemef to Intersteel, in stainless steel, black, and brass: you will find exactly the version that suits your door and insurance requirements. If you are unsure about the correct number of hinges, the anti-burglary claw, or the star rating, our specialists are happy to help. Optionally, combine them immediately with a matching complete front door set for a cohesive look. Order before 4:00 PM? Then your security hinges will be delivered tomorrow.