How to Adjust Door Hinges
If a door doesn't close properly, then more than likely it is because the hinges need to be adjusted. This could be due to the fact that they weren't hung properly or have shifted over time. Regardless of the cause, this may sound like a difficult project to undertake, but it's really not. It's important to follow the proper steps to ensure the hinge is fixed.
Stand on the side of the door where the hinge is located and slowly open and close the door in order to assess the situation. Make sure that the hinges are sitting even with the level of the wood on the doorjamb and that the screws are tight.
If The Hinge Is Sitting Below The Level Of The Wood On The Doorjamb
- Move the hinge plates by loosening the screws that are holding the doorplate to the doorjamb.
- Slide wood shims underneath this until the plate is the same level as the wood then screw the plate back down. Do this for both hinges.
If The Hinge Is Sitting Above The Level Of The Wood On The Doorjamb
- Completely unscrew the hinge plates and remove the door.
- Use a chisel and hammer to remove a layer of wood from where the hinge was sitting.
- Make sure that the plate sits squarely and level with the surrounding wood.
- Hang the door back up and test it.
If The Hinge Is Positioned So Far Forward The Pin Rubs Against The Doorjamb
- Unscrew the hinges and remove the door.
- Use a hammer to tap some wood plugs into the screw holes.
- Use a razor knife to cut them off at the level of the wood.
- Put the door back into place.
- Make sure that the hinge screw holes sit closer to the hinge side of the door.
- Drill some pilot holes for the new position and screw the hinge plates back on.
If The Hinge Screws On The Doorjamb Spin When You Try Tightening Them
- Remove a screw from the hinge.
- Replace this screw with a 3-inch wood screw.
- Use a drill and screwdriver bit to sink it all the way into the doorjamb.
- Repeat this process for each of the other loose, spinning screws.