I have one other question to the owners.. Does this have a mechanical hinge, or is it just plastic?
212361
The hinge is the same sturdy plastic as the rest of the box. It is molded across the full width of the box, and seems quite adequate to me. I have my box full of ammo and with the full width hinge on one end, and the full width double latch on the other, it inspires confidence when carrying. As I mentioned in my review, the lid doesn't flex when carrying it full of ammo.
212362
The Ammo Can has separate molded hinges. Two on the cover and two on the can. They are hinged with plastic pins on which allow for the opening and closing of the cover.
1351909
It is plastic... Kind of hard plastic...For me, manual drive option did not work shortly after 30 days, I was told I have pay for the parts. They literally counted the days from the day I placed the order and told me that I was past 30 day mark... Never got to replace the parts... Beware of their customer service...
1009856
I believe plastic, but we have not had any trouble with it! Best thing I bought since our door handle was broke!
1391848
Mine has a built in metal handle, no plastic. Don't know if they've changed the design since I bought it....
1216272
The outer part of the hinge is a hard plastic but I am reasonably certain that the pins on which the gate swivels are metal, as is the rest of the gate. However, as I would have to remove the hinges from the gate to look inside, I can't give you a 100% guarantee of that. I wouldn't worry about it being made of plastic as there is no stress on it at all---as SuperShopper said, it is nothing like a door or cabinet hinge. I am really quite impressed by the quality of this gate overall, even though it is made in China.
1111680
I've not had that problem. It's just the hinge mechanism that is still working but cracked.
1341055
It is plastic and I do not see it as possible unless you put some latch from the inside to hold it closed. It is a nice for the price.
294689
yes, it is plastic. feels like it could break if too much pressure is put on it. It would be awkward using it left handed.
2087044
The hinge is flex plastic and it does have a locking clip, but that's plastic too.
387005
It is a hard plastic and there is no hinge on it to keep it from closing softly. My LO did slam her fingers once and was pretty upset but she learned and never did it again. It's a favorite toy of hers.
1306185
yes, there is a hinge. I bought this for my dad who is 96. He can use it very easily and that was why I purchased it.
172752
Unless they've updated the model (we bought this part number in 2011), the hinges are metal mounted in plastic. Our plastic is cracking, and I have to buy a new door for ~$100.
845713
Mine uses a metal rod up to the lid hinge, but the hinge itself is plastic (although the plastic looks pretty thick). I can't see the mechanism by the step, since it's enclosed on all sides.
1838595
It's hinged, with two regular metal hinges. The lid can be removed if you unscrew the hinges I guess. I just took a photo but the option to upload custom images doesn't seem to be available for this product.
1685847
it is plastic that has been chromed. So far it has held up for me. I have found when tightening the plastic nut on the inside you need to use a pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench.
1904909
it is plastic, but the base frame and the lift mechanism is metal. The inside trim is also plastic.
599105
The hinge does eventually wear out over time. At best you'll get maybe a couple months out of the case and have to replace it. I'm already looking to replace mine in less than a year, might look at a different brand and hope it lasts.