need some hinge ideas

[mobrien]

Here is problem # 1
Picture the front of my tank (8") I do not want to put a canopy on so I was going to build a small wall section fron the ceiling to about 2 inches down on the front of the tank. This wall will be made of raised oak panel and will only be about 2" thick. I would like to have the whole wall hinged so that I can just raise it and it will expose the whole top of the tank. So the question is is thier a hinge that will raise this and lock it in the up posistion, maybe a hydrolic like in a hatch back car or some thing along that line.

2nd question:
I want to put a gangway along the back of the tank that I can stand on. But because of a lack of space it will have to fold down, when not in use. Is thier a hinge that will do this and still hold the weight of someone standing on it.


Thanks

Mike

[Ltspd]

www.mcmaster.com

Part number 1570A11

That would work for both situations you described above. I would NOT rely on that alone to stand on. I would create some fold out legs that drop down and support the front of the gangway. Its not the hinge that would be the problem, its the overhung load. You standing on the edge of the walkway.

I'll take this 1 step further ;) If it were me, knowing your tank (I assume its the 90 degree you sent me a picture of) I would looking into getting some grip strut or floor bar grating. This is a steel or galv steel walkway used in industry. The grip strut IMO is prefered. http://www.gripstrut.com/ The stuff is sold by any steel company, they may just refer to it under diffrent names. I would then purchase some continiuos hinges with holes from www.mcmaster.com
Have 1 side of the hinge welded to the grip strut and the have them make some 2x2 tubing legs that retract and mount to the other side. Screw the hinge to the tank sturcture. Then you raise it up, drop the legs and you have a secure safe walkway that water will NOT sit on.

[kevinpo]

Hi Mike,
To hold the front panel up over the tank I would look into door magnets sunk into the ceiling on on each corner. They are about 2.5" in diameter and are very strong. They are designed to hold doors open in schools, offices, etc. I haven't seen them at Home Depot but I think they can be purchased through a commercial construction supply outfit.

HTH,
Kevin
PS: This is what I plan to use for my 8' front panel.

[mobrien]

Hey Paul good idea on the grip tight, especially for me An idea some one gave me and they say they are sending them to me is to use a car hood hinge. they are tough and spring to 90 degrees, this may work along with a set of folding legs.

On the front panel for top of the tank the same person said that the hydrolics for a car hatch back would work for the application. The maybe Kevs idea of the magnet to reinforce the hold in both up and down positions.

guess the guy works for a wrecker, lol what do u gutys think about it.

Kev I know what you are talking about I believe they are called electric door mags. I know a buddy in the hardware biz maybe he ca enlighten me.


thanks for the replies


Mike