This positioning hinge design uses spring tension and a protruding element on the circumference of one half to engage with corresponding grooves (detents) on the other half, to hold the hinged object securely at one or more predetermined angle(s) – fully closed, partially open, or fully open. It is one of the easiest designs to use where one or several predetermined door positions are acceptable and where there is no need to compensate for external forces acting on the door or hinge

In hold-open applications, detent hinges can take the place of gas struts or other mechanical supports to keep doors fully open for maximum accessibility without additional hardware. Detent hinges can also eliminate the need for a latch mechanism by being used to hold a door in the closed position where positive locking engagement is not required. This is often used with swinging doors or access panels as a low-cost solution for providing quick, easy user access.