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How to Attach Faux Hinge Straps: Choose the Right Mounting Method
How to Attach Faux Hinge Straps: Choose the Right Mounting Method
by Maddison Mellem on Jul 27, 2025Faux hinge straps are one of the easiest ways to give your doors, gates, shutters, or garage fronts a timeless, forged look—without the weight or movement of a functioning hinge. But not all installations are the same.
At Old West Iron, we offer several attachment options for our decorative hinge straps to suit everything from light-duty DIYs to heavy timber builds. Whether you’re looking for period-authentic detailing or a quick weekend update, here’s how to choose the right mounting method for your project.
1. Nail-In Clavos
This is one of the most traditional and visually striking options. Each strap is mounted using decorative nail-head clavos that drive directly into wood.
Best for:
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Rustic doors
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Barn builds
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Non-structural applications
Pros:
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Quick install
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Historic look
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No visible screws
Keep in mind: Nail-in clavos are not designed for high-stress movement—best for purely decorative uses.
2. Hidden Screw with Clavos Cover
Want the strength of a screw but the look of old-world nails? Go with our hidden screw mounting option. The hinge strap is pre-drilled to accept a screw or lag bolt, which is then covered with a matching clavo head.
Best for:
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Exterior doors
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Garage doors
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Anywhere durability and detail matter
Pros:
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Secure mounting
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Authentic appearance
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Ideal for exposed installs
Installation Tip: Pre-drill pilot holes to avoid splitting, especially on aged or dry wood.
3. Weld-On Installation
For metal doors, gates, or steel-framed projects, welding the hinge strap directly to the surface is the most permanent and tamper-resistant method.
Best for:
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Custom metalwork
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Driveway gates
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Commercial applications
Pros:
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Seamless finish
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No hardware visible
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Tamper-proof and permanent
Note: Requires welding tools and experience—best left to pros or skilled fabricators.
4. Screw or Lag Bolt Mount
For straightforward installs, hinge straps can be mounted with standard screws or lag bolts through pre-drilled holes. This method is great for heavy-duty or structural applications where visual appearance is secondary—or where visible fasteners are part of the look.
Best for:
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Heavy timber doors
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Outdoor gates
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Structural-grade decorative builds
Pros:
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High strength
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No clavos needed
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Easy to install with basic tools
Choosing the Right Attachment Option
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Mount Type | Best For | Visibility | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nail-in Clavos | Decorative wood installs | Low | Light |
| Hidden Screw + Clavo | Authentic look + strength | None | Medium |
| Weld-On | Metal surfaces & security | None | High |
| Screw / Lag Mount | Timber or high-stress areas | Visible | High |
No matter how you attach them, our faux hinge straps deliver bold, historic style that transforms the look of any opening.
Old West Iron – Because every detail counts.
Let us know your project specs, and we’ll help you choose the right strap and mounting method for the job.