Standard offset hinges
For most interior doors, in common finishes.
Home accessibility · Doorways
Offset (swing-clear) door hinges for wheelchair and walker access
Quick answer
Offset hinges, also called swing-clear or expandable hinges, replace your door's normal hinges and swing the door fully out of the opening when it is open. That adds about 1½ to 2 inches of clear width without touching the wall, often enough for a walker or a narrow wheelchair. HandyMangum fits and adjusts offset hinges so the door still closes and latches properly.
How offset hinges work
A normal door, open 90 degrees, still sits partly inside the opening, so a 30-inch door gives about 28 inches of room. An offset hinge has a bent leaf that moves the pivot point past the frame, so the open door swings clear and the full width is free.
They mount in the existing hinge locations in most cases. You need a few inches of wall space beside the frame for the door to swing into, and the door needs to open past 90 degrees.
Who it helps
- Walker and rollator users
- Narrow manual wheelchairs where you are 1 to 2 inches short
- Bathroom and bedroom doors that are just too tight
- Renters who cannot widen a door
- People who want a quick, low-cost fix first
- Homes waiting on a bigger remodel
What the job involves
Measure
Clear width now, the device width, and wall space for the door to swing into.
Swap the hinges
Old hinges off, offset hinges on, usually in the same mortises.
Adjust
Door re-hung, latch and strike adjusted so it closes cleanly.
Options
Heavy-duty offset hinges
For solid-core or exterior doors.
Door stop changes
Moving or trimming the stop can add a little more width.
Full door widening
When you need more than about 2 inches.
Door wideningLever handle at the same time
Easier to open from a chair.
Lever handlesRemove the door
For a closet or pantry, removing the door can be the simplest answer.
Good to know
- Offset hinges add about 1½ to 2 inches. If the door is more than 2 inches too narrow, widening is the real fix.
- Exterior and fire-rated doors need hinges rated for them; we check before ordering.
- They change how the door looks when open, but most people never notice once it is installed.
Offset (Swing-Clear) Hinges FAQs
How much width do offset hinges add?
About 1½ to 2 inches of clear width, depending on the door and the hinge.
Are offset hinges the same as swing-clear hinges?
Yes. They are also called expandable or swing-away hinges.
Will offset hinges work on my door?
Usually, if the door can open past 90 degrees and there are a few inches of wall beside the frame. We check on site.
Offset hinges or door widening: which do I need?
Measure the clear width and the chair or walker. If you are within about 2 inches, offset hinges are the fast, affordable fix. If not, widen the doorway.
How long does it take?
Usually less than an hour per door, including adjustment.
How do I book?
Estimates are free. Call or text (407) 699-1123, or send the online request with a few photos. We send a written quote before any work starts.
Gain a couple of inches the easy way
Call or text (407) 699-1123, or send the online request with a few photos. Estimates are free on every job.