Many hinges marketed for use on vinyl gates have added a bearing or bushing to the adjuster rod. Without this feature, a hinge will quickly grind through whatever paint surface is there and start rusting and peeling, squeaking as it operates. Modern Fence Technologies was the first to use engineered bearings, specifically made for this purpose to be true self-lubricating bearings, designed to last the lifetime of our hinge, while preventing metal to metal contact, and preserving the paint for a lifetime of great looks, and smooth, quiet operation.
To do this we had to overcome several challenges. First, materials are needed that can stand up to ultraviolet light without degrading, and must also be impervious to cold and water, in order to survive outside in the elements for 15-25 years or more. They must also be strong enough to support the loads placed on them.
Many companies use nylon as a bearing material. It is not engineered for this purpose. Nylon breaks down under UV light and is affected by water and cold. It actually absorbs water and swells, and gets brittle when cold, leading to costly call backs and repairs. It also tends to deform under load over time.
Instead, Modern Fence Technologies uses ACS 09MK-MF Nylotron for bearings on black hinges and a proprietary material for our white hinges. Nylotron is an engineered plastic that is highly stable and is load supporting. It incorporates graphite to lubricate the joint. This specific grade of Nylotron remains flexible in cold conditions and continues to lubricate no matter the temperature and doesn't absorb water.
Our special blend for white bearings incorporates UV inhibitors, along with water repellent lubricants and engineered plastics to maintain resiliency in cold and wet conditions, survive direct sunlight, meet the rigorous load bearing demands of our Nylotron bearings, while offering a color matched bearing for our all stainless steel, white powder coated hinges.
We have also designed all our bearings to truly support the load of the hinge over the lifetime of your gate. Nylon breaks down quickly in the elements and many of the bearings on the market today are so small as to be more properly referred to as “spacers” than true bearings.
Don't be fooled by the lower cost imports with poor quality bearings, or none at all. They just don't make the grade.
