The Ultimate Guide to Buying Kason Hinges
Why Kason Hinges Are the Gold Standard for Walk-In Coolers
Kason hinges are premium-grade door hardware specifically engineered for walk-in coolers, freezers, reach-in units, and industrial enclosures. These hinges are manufactured by Kason Industries, a nearly 100-year-old American company that holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and produces the majority of its hardware at their Newnan, Georgia headquarters.
Quick Reference: Kason Hinge Applications
- Walk-in coolers & freezers - Cam-rise hinges with self-closing action
- Reach-in refrigeration - Standard and heavy-duty options
- Food service cabinets - NSF-compliant finishes
- Truck body doors - Corrosion-resistant coatings
- Industrial enclosures - Custom offset configurations
Kason hinges are designed for 30,000 cycles or more without failure and feature smooth 360° operation with no spring-back. They're available in multiple finishes including polished chrome, stainless steel, and powder-coat options to handle everything from standard commercial kitchens to corrosive wash-down environments.
The key differentiator is Kason's cam-rise technology - these hinges automatically lift the door slightly as it opens, reducing gasket drag and ensuring a tight seal when closed. This extends gasket life and improves energy efficiency in temperature-controlled environments.
Simple guide to kason hinges terms:
Kason Hinges 101: What They Are and Where They're Used
Kason hinges are specialized cold-storage hardware designed to handle the unique demands of refrigerated environments. Unlike standard door hinges, these are engineered to maintain consistent performance in temperatures ranging from ambient to -10°F and below, while resisting the corrosive effects of wash-down chemicals and high humidity.
Kason Industries has been developing motion solutions since 1926 - that's nearly four generations of expertise in hinge design and manufacturing. Their ISO 9001:2015 certification ensures consistent quality control throughout the production process.
The versatility of Kason hinges makes them suitable for numerous applications:
- Walk-in coolers and freezers - The primary application where cam-rise technology shines
- Reach-in refrigeration units - Both commercial and residential-style units
- Food service cabinets - Prep tables, warming cabinets, and storage units
- Truck body applications - Refrigerated delivery vehicles and mobile units
- Industrial enclosures - Equipment housings and access panels
- Mortuary coolers - Our specialty at American Mortuary Coolers
Types of Kason Hinges
Kason manufactures several distinct hinge series, each optimized for specific applications:
Walk-in Series (1245, 1346) The 1245 reversible cam-rise hinge is the workhorse of walk-in applications, available in offsets from flush (0") to 1-7/8" in precise 1/8" increments. The newer 1346 adjustable hinge offers field adjustment capabilities.
Reach-in Series Designed for smaller refrigeration units, these hinges provide reliable operation in tight spaces while maintaining quality standards.
Cabinet Series Specialized for food service equipment, these hinges often feature NSF-compliant finishes and are designed to handle frequent opening and closing in busy commercial kitchens.
Truck Body Series Built to withstand road vibration and weather exposure, these hinges feature improved corrosion resistance and robust construction.
Hexatorq Constant-Torque Hinges A premium option providing consistent torque throughout 360° of motion, designed for 30,000 cycles or more without failure. These hinges use engineered resin construction that requires no lubrication.
Key Features & Benefits of Kason Hinges
Self-Closing Cam-Rise Action The cam-rise mechanism automatically lifts the door slightly as it opens, reducing friction against the door gasket. When closing, the door settles into perfect alignment for an airtight seal.
30,000-Cycle Durability Kason designs their hinges for commercial-grade durability. The 30,000-cycle rating means these hinges can handle over 80 door openings per day for a full year without failure.
NSF Compliance Many Kason hinge finishes meet NSF standards for food service equipment, ensuring they're safe for direct and indirect food contact applications.
Field-Reversible Design Most Kason hinges can be configured for left-hand or right-hand operation, and many can be reversed in the field without requiring different parts.
Smooth 360° Motion Unlike spring-loaded hinges that can bind or lose tension, Kason hinges provide consistent operation throughout their full range of motion with no spring-back.
Corrosion-Resistant Finishes From basic chrome plating to full stainless steel construction, Kason offers finish options to handle any environment from standard commercial kitchens to aggressive wash-down areas.
Selecting the Right Kason Hinge for Your Application
Choosing the perfect Kason hinge for your walk-in cooler requires careful consideration of several factors. After helping hundreds of funeral homes get their mortuary coolers set up properly, we've learned that the wrong hinge choice can create significant problems.
The selection process starts with understanding door weight and size. Most doors require at least two hinges to handle the load properly, while environmental exposure matters significantly in mortuary applications where you're dealing with temperature swings, high humidity, and frequent cleaning with aggressive disinfectants.
Traffic patterns determine which hinge type you need. A busy mortuary with staff accessing the cooler dozens of times daily benefits enormously from cam-rise technology, while backup units with minimal use might work fine with standard hinges.
Here's how cam-rise and standard hinges compare:
| Feature | Cam-Rise Hinges | Standard Hinges |
|---|---|---|
| Gasket wear | Minimal - door lifts away | Higher - door drags across gasket |
| Energy efficiency | Superior - perfect seal every time | Good - depends on alignment |
| Self-closing | Yes - automatic sealing | Optional - requires separate closer |
| Cost | Higher initial investment | Lower upfront cost |
| Maintenance | Less frequent gasket replacement | More frequent adjustments needed |
| Best for | Walk-in coolers, freezers, high-traffic | Cabinets, low-traffic, budget applications |
Determining the Correct Offset
Getting the offset measurement right is absolutely critical. Offset is simply the distance from your door jamb to the face of your door when it's closed. To measure it correctly, close the door completely and measure straight across from the jamb face to the door face.
Kason hinges come in flush (0") mounting all the way up to 1-7/8" offsets in precise 1/8-inch increments. In most mortuary cooler installations, we typically see 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" offsets working best.
Choosing Material & Finish for Longevity
The finish you choose can make or break your hinge investment. In mortuary applications, where you're dealing with frequent disinfection and wash-down procedures, this decision really matters.
Stainless steel is the gold standard for corrosion resistance. It handles everything from quaternary ammonium disinfectants to chlorine-based cleaners without problems. Powder-coat finishes offer excellent chemical resistance at a more reasonable price point.
Polished chrome and brushed chrome both provide solid general-purpose protection, with the brushed version hiding wear and scratches better over time. For FDA wash-down areas and environments requiring frequent disinfection, we typically recommend sticking with stainless steel or powder-coat options.
More info about walk-in hardware
Cam-Rise vs. Standard Kason Hinges
The cam-rise mechanism is what separates Kason hinges from ordinary door hardware. Energy savings with cam-rise hinges are measurable. The auto-lift sealing action ensures your door seals perfectly every single time it closes. In our mortuary cooler installations, we've documented energy savings of 10-15% compared to standard hinges.
As the door opens, the cam mechanism lifts it slightly off the gasket, eliminating dragging friction that wears out gaskets. When closing, the door settles back into perfect sealing position automatically. Reduced gasket wear means door gaskets can last 2-3 times longer than with standard hinges.
Sizing and Load Capacity
Standard strap dimensions are 9" x 2-7/8" for the hinge strap and 4-1/2" x 2-1/8" for the base plate. These hinges accommodate door thickness from 2" to 4", which covers virtually all walk-in applications.
For weight calculations, figure on up to 150 lbs per hinge. Two hinges handle doors up to 300 lbs, while three hinges can manage up to 450 lbs. For doors over 42" wide or 84" tall, we recommend going with three hinges to distribute the load properly.
Installation, Adjustment & Maintenance Best Practices
Getting the most out of your Kason hinges starts with proper installation. The precision engineering of Kason hinges means they need to be installed with care - a hinge that's mounted incorrectly will never perform as intended.
Mounting hardware makes all the difference. In mortuary environments where disinfectants are used regularly, we always specify stainless steel screws. The standard #12 x 1-1/4" screws work for most installations, but heavier doors need #14 screws for extra holding power.
Torque specifications matter more than you'd think. Hand-tighten each screw until it's snug, then give it just a quarter turn more. Over-tightening distorts the hinge and causes binding. Under-tightening lets things move around and wear out faster.
Most Kason hinges benefit from a light coating of food-grade lubricant every six months. The exception is their Hexatorq hinges - these are designed to run dry and should never be lubricated.
Step-by-Step Installation Checklist
Before mounting the first hinge, check that your door and frame are square and plumb. Make sure your hinge offset matches the actual door-to-jamb measurement, and verify that all your hinges are the same hand - left or right.
Layout is everything. Position your top hinge 7 inches from the top of the door and your bottom hinge 11 inches from the bottom. If you're using three hinges, center that middle one between the top and bottom.
When drilling pilot holes, use a 3/32" bit for #12 screws and keep those holes perfectly perpendicular to the mounting surface. Take time to deburr the holes afterward - rough edges can cause binding and premature wear.
Shimming might be necessary if there are gaps between the hinge and mounting surface. Stainless steel shims work best and won't corrode in wash-down environments.
Final alignment is where everything comes together. Test the door through its full swing and verify that cam-rise hinges actually lift the door slightly when opening. Check gasket contact around the entire perimeter - any gaps mean air leaks and higher energy costs.
Routine Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Kason hinges are built to last, but they still need some attention to perform their best. Monthly operation checks in high-use applications help catch problems before they become expensive repairs.
Squeaky hinges usually mean the hinge pins need cleaning. Remove any built-up grease or debris with a degreaser, then apply a small amount of food-grade lubricant. If the squeak persists, the bushings might be worn and need replacement.
Gasket drag is often a sign that something's not right with the hinge setup. Verify that your offset is correct for the application and check that the cam-rise mechanism is working properly.
Temperature changes throughout the year can affect door alignment, especially in buildings without climate control. The adjustable 1346 hinges are perfect for this situation since you can make field adjustments without removing the hinge from the door.
Safety, Compliance & Quality Assurance
When it comes to walk-in coolers in funeral homes, safety isn't just important—it's literally a matter of life and death. Kason hinges are designed to work seamlessly with safety systems that prevent someone getting trapped inside a cooler.
Walk-in coolers can be dangerous spaces - they're soundproof, locked from the outside, and maintained at temperatures that can quickly become life-threatening. That's why every walk-in cooler must have inside release mechanisms that allow anyone trapped inside to get out, even if the door is locked from the outside.
Kason hinges integrate perfectly with Safeguard® latches, which are specifically engineered for this critical safety function. The smooth operation of Kason hinges ensures that even in an emergency situation, the door will swing freely without binding or sticking.
Beyond safety, Kason hinges meet comprehensive compliance standards. NSF certification ensures they're safe for food service environments. Proposition 65 compliance meets California's strict safety requirements, and ISO 9001:2015 certification guarantees consistent quality management throughout manufacturing.
Latches & Locks :: Kason Industries
How Kason Ensures Reliability
What sets Kason hinges apart isn't just their design—it's the rigorous process behind their manufacturing. Every hinge design goes through extensive in-house testing that simulates years of real-world use. They cycle-test each design to verify that 30,000-cycle rating and test their resistance to chemicals commonly used in funeral home environments.
The manufacturing process relies heavily on robotic and automated machinery. This eliminates the small variations that can lead to big problems down the road. When you're dealing with hardware that needs to work perfectly for decades, consistency in manufacturing is everything.
Kason's Newnan, Georgia facility undergoes regular audits to maintain their ISO 9001:2015 certification. This means their quality management system is constantly being evaluated and improved.
Perhaps most importantly, Kason brings nearly 100 years of experience to every hinge they make. Since 1926, four generations of family ownership have kept the focus on quality and innovation rather than just maximizing profits.
Custom Hinge Solutions & Prototyping
Sometimes standard Kason hinges don't quite fit your specific needs. Their in-house engineering team can modify existing designs or create entirely new solutions for unique applications. We've worked with them on several custom projects for funeral homes with unusual architectural requirements.
3D CAD files are available through their KATOpedia resource center, which makes it easy to integrate their hinges into your design process before you even place an order.
For applications requiring precise control, Hexatorq constant-torque hinges provide consistent torque throughout the full 360° range of motion. These engineered resin hinges require no lubrication and are designed for 30,000 cycles or more without failure.
When you need to test a custom solution before committing to a full order, Kason can produce rapid prototypes for validation.
Ordering, Technical Resources & Support
Getting the right Kason hinges for your project starts with having the correct specifications. When you're ready to order, you'll need to provide several key pieces of information: the model number, quantity needed, material and finish selection, precise size and offset measurements, and handedness.
Handedness trips up many people. Stand outside the cooler looking at the door - if the hinges are on the right side, you need right-hand hinges. If they're on the left, you need left-hand hinges. Most Kason hinges are field-reversible, but it's easier to get it right from the start.
For urgent repairs or new installations, Kason offers same-day shipment on orders placed before 2 PM EST. This has saved us more than once when a funeral home had a hinge failure right before a busy weekend.
Ordering Guide :: Kason Industries
Where to Buy and Get Help
Kason works through authorized distributors rather than selling directly to end users. This actually works in your favor because these distributors stock common configurations and understand local building codes and requirements.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we maintain relationships with authorized Kason distributors across all our service regions. Whether you're in Tennessee where we're based, or out in California, we can connect you with the right supplier and ensure you get genuine Kason hinges with full warranty support.
The Kason design tools portal is a goldmine if you're doing your own technical work. Registered users can access detailed drawings, load calculations, and specification sheets. It's particularly helpful when you're retrofitting existing doors or working on custom applications.
Replacement parts availability is another advantage of choosing Kason. Individual components like hinge pins, bushings, and mounting hardware are readily available. This means you can often repair a hinge rather than replacing the entire unit, which saves money and reduces downtime.
Everything You Need to Know About Walk-In Cooler Door Hardware
Frequently Asked Questions about Kason Hinges
How do I measure hinge offset correctly?
Getting the offset measurement right is absolutely critical for proper door sealing - and it's easier than you might think. Close the door completely and measure the distance from the jamb face to the door face. This measurement is your required offset.
Here's the key: use a ruler or tape measure to get the exact distance. Don't eyeball it or guess, because even being off by 1/8 inch can affect sealing performance. We've seen funeral homes struggle with energy costs simply because someone estimated the offset instead of measuring it properly.
The measurement you get will typically fall somewhere between 1-1/8" and 1-7/8" for most walk-in applications. Kason hinges are available in precise 1/8" increments, so you can get exactly the offset you need for a perfect seal.
Can I retrofit cam-rise hinges on an existing door?
Yes, in most cases you can upgrade to cam-rise technology without major modifications. The 1245 cam-rise hinges use the same mounting pattern as many standard hinges, which makes retrofitting straightforward.
However, there are a few things to verify first. Your door frame needs to accommodate the cam-rise action - the door will lift slightly as it opens, so make sure there's clearance above. You'll also want to confirm that the offset is appropriate for your specific application.
We've helped many funeral homes upgrade their existing mortuary coolers with Kason hinges, and the energy savings usually pay for the upgrade within the first year. The reduced gasket wear alone makes it worthwhile in most cases.
What finish is best for a salty or chlorinated environment?
For harsh environments like coastal areas or facilities that use aggressive cleaning chemicals, stainless steel construction is your best bet. It provides ultimate corrosion resistance rather than relying on plated finishes that can eventually wear through.
If budget is a concern, powder-coat finishes provide excellent chemical resistance at a lower cost than full stainless steel. We've installed powder-coated Kason hinges in funeral homes that use quaternary ammonium disinfectants daily, and they hold up beautifully.
What you want to avoid in corrosive environments are chrome or zinc-plated finishes. They'll look great initially but won't stand up to salt air or chlorinated cleaning solutions over time. Spending a bit more upfront on the right finish saves you from premature replacement costs down the road.
Conclusion
When you're running a funeral home, every detail matters - especially the hardware that keeps your mortuary coolers operating reliably day after day. Kason hinges aren't just another piece of equipment; they're the result of nearly 100 years of engineering expertise focused on solving real-world problems in cold storage applications.
We've seen how the right hinge selection transforms a mortuary cooler's performance. The cam-rise technology that gently lifts doors away from gaskets during opening, the 30,000-cycle durability that handles decades of daily use, and the corrosion-resistant finishes that stand up to frequent disinfection - these features are the difference between a cooler that serves your families reliably and one that becomes a constant maintenance headache.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we've built our reputation on understanding these details. From our home base in Tennessee, we've helped funeral homes across Georgia, Illinois, South Carolina, Texas, California, New York, Pennsylvania, and throughout every region of the country select hardware that truly fits their needs.
Our experience spans everything from small family funeral homes needing a single replacement hinge to large facilities requiring complete custom mortuary cooler installations. What we've learned is that quality hardware like Kason hinges pays for itself through reduced maintenance, lower energy costs, and the peace of mind that comes from equipment you can depend on.
The funeral industry deserves suppliers who understand that your equipment isn't just machinery - it's part of how you serve families during their most difficult times. That's why we focus on durable, custom solutions with direct delivery across all 48 contiguous states.
Looking for more guidance on complete door systems? Doorway to Preservation: Selecting Mortuary Dead Body Storage Freezer Doors walks you through the entire selection process from hinges to latches to insulation.
Ready to upgrade your mortuary cooler hardware or discuss a custom installation? Our team knows Kason hinges inside and out, and we're here to help you choose exactly what you need. Contact us today for a secure quote - because when it comes to serving families, reliable equipment isn't optional.