One of the most common questions we receive is "what is the difference between the Low Profile and Classic Strap hardware kits?" and with good reason! At a glance, both hanger designs look very similar and customers want to make sure they are ordering the correct hardware kit for their installation. The first thing to remember is that (with the exception of the Spoke Wheel hardware kits) all of our Dusty's barn door hardware kits are the same. They use the same components such as the tracks, door stoppers and wall spacers, and they all have the same weight capacity. The only difference between them is the hanger design. The difference between the Country Style hanger and the Classic Strap hanger is obvious, but that's not the case with the Low Profile and Classic Strap hanger. Let's take a closer look at the differences:
Difference Between Low Profile & Classic Strap Hangers
Hanger Comparison
Classic Strap Hanger
The strap of the hanger extends above the wheel and down to the other side
Low Profile Hanger
The hanger strap extends up to the top of the wheel and then stops
Why is this important?
The main reason for choosing a Low Profile hanger over a Classic Strap hanger would be if you are installing a single-track hardware kit and you have limited clearance above the door. As you can see from the diagram above, the Classic Strap hanger requires 5-1/8" of clearance from the top of the door to the ceiling, whereas the Low Profile hanger only requires 4-5/8". While it might not seem like a big difference, if you have very limited space above the opening of your doorway, that could make the difference between being able to mount your hardware kit or not.
Single-Track Overhead Clearance Requirements
Classic Strap
Requires 5-1/8" from the top of the door to the ceiling (or other obstruction) in order to mount the hardware
Low Profile
Requires 4-5/8" from the top of the door to the ceiling (or other obstruction) in order to mount the hardware
When is it NOT Important?
The difference between the Classic Strap and Low Profile hanger designs is not important when using a Double-track Bypass or Triple Bypass Kit. As we can see in the spec drawings below, the highest point in the installation is the bypass bracket, so whether we are using the Classic Strap or Low Profile hangers, the required overhead clearance is 7-1/8" from the top of the door to the ceiling (or other obstruction). The design of the hanger has no bearing on the installation requirements or the performace of the hardware kit.
Double-Track Bypass Overhead Clearance Requirements
Both hardware kits have an overhead clearance requirement of 7-1/8" from top of door to ceiling (or other obstruction).
It's All About the Aesthetics
So if you are installing a Double-track Bypass, Triple Bypass hardware kit or overhead clearance is not a concern for you, then just choose the hanger design that looks best to you. Both the Classic Strap and Low Profile hardware kit will perform equally well.