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, 2025

🔗 Shop Faux Hinge Straps

Faux 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" Hammered Round Head Nail / Clavo

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:

  • Rustic doors

  • Barn builds

  • Non-structural applications

Pros:

  • Quick install

  • Historic look

  • 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:

  • Exterior doors

  • Garage doors

  • Anywhere durability and detail matter

Pros:

  • Secure mounting

  • Authentic appearance

  • 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:

  • Custom metalwork

  • Driveway gates

  • Commercial applications

Pros:

  • Seamless finish

  • No hardware visible

  • Tamper-proof and permanent

Note: Requires welding tools and experience—best left to pros or skilled fabricators.


         1/4" Square Pyramid Head Decorative Screws 3/8" Dia. Hammered Hex Head Lag

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:

  • Heavy timber doors

  • Outdoor gates

  • Structural-grade decorative builds

Pros:

  • High strength

  • No clavos needed

  • Easy to install with basic tools


German Castle Iron Faux Hinge Strap

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.