Universal Hinge

1. Does installation require welding of the hinge to the cover or mating flange?
No. The hinge bolts on using the existing bolt holes in the cover and the mating flange. Please see our installation and operation video for a demonstration of the product.
2. How long does it take to install?
On average, one individual can install a hinge within 10 minutes.
3. Do I have to modify my cover or flange to use the hinge?
No. Using the Universal HingeTM brand supplied special pin, the hinge bolts on to the cover and the flange without modification to either cover or flange.
4. Is in necessary to re-certify pressure vessels if I use the hinge?
No. Since neither the cover nor the flange is modified using the Universal HingeTMbrand supplied special pin it is not necessary to re-certify pressure vessels.
5. Does the product save any time?
Using the product eliminates the need for chain falls, straps, clevises, and rigging. All the time that is normally spent locating these devices in the storeroom or maintenance bay is eliminated as well as the time required to assemble all the items and rig them to a suitable support.
6. You mention that the product is safe. Why is it safer than other methods of opening a cover?
Other methods of opening a cover require the cover to be completely removed from its mating flange, lowered to a location, and typically laid down flat. During this entire process the cover could swing during removal and strike an individual, fall if not secured well, or simply come into contact with someone while it is being lowered or laid flat. During all of these times the cover is free to move. It has been removed from its mating flange and is free to swing, fall, or contact a misplaced toe or foot while being lowered. The Universal HingeTM brand bolt on hinge does not require that the cover be completely removed from its mating flange and laid down in order to open and close the cover. The hinge never permits the cover to be free to swing uncontrollably or fall. At all times the cover is contained. It is always attached to its mating flange. It is either attached by the existing studs / bolts that normally fix it to its mating flange or it is attached by the hinge and special pins. Please see our installation and operation video for a demonstration of the product.
7. Can I use the hinge to open a cover either to the right or to the left?
Yes, the Universal HingeTMbrand Bolt-on hinge can be installed on either the right or left side of the cover. When taking the required application data measurements please take the measurements from the side on which you intend to install the hinge.
8. Is the hinge removed after every use?
The hinge bolts on and may be unbolted, removed and stored for future use. An optional kit is available that permits the hinge to be left in place on your equipment eliminating removal and storage of the hinge.
9. I have a cover that seems to be beyond the limits of your Standard Products Chart. Do you offer a product beyond the range of the chart?
Our Series – Special Product line covers hinges beyond the limits of the Standard Products Capability Chart. We will be happy to provide you a quotation for your specific application from our Series – Special Product line.
10. I have a rectangular cover on my vessel. Do you offer a hinge suitable for a rectangular cover?
The Series – Special product line includes hinges suitable for rectangular and square covers. We will be happy to provide you a quotation for your specific application from our Series – Special Product line.
11. I'm very interested in your product but I'm required to obtain multiple bids for approval. Where can I obtain other quotes for the product?
The Universal HingeTMbrand Bolt-on hinge is a unique, innovative, patent pending product. It can only be purchased directly from the Universal Hinge Corp. and our authorized agents.

Frequently Asked Questions