Shimming A Door Hinge To Keep The Door Open

Open and close your door then let it hang freely to test whether the door is now level enough to work properly.

Shimming a door hinge to keep the door open.

So try this trick first. Reinsert the pin tapping it gently into place from the top with your hammer. As you can see in the initial picture and video the latch was lower than the striker plate. I ve seen shims used behind the hinge leaf to adjust the gap but bending the hinge takes less time.

When shimming the door the goal is to make sure that once the frame is nailed the gap between the door and the frame is equal all around the door. Self centering bits come in sizes to fit cabinet and full size door hinges. Common problems associated with door openings require shims to be installed in the correct place to solve the issue. Remove the shim and test the door.

Adjust the gap by bending the hinges. To readjust the door frame you have to remove the trim along the latch side to get at the shims. If the problem persists repeat the process to add a second shim to the hinge. Sometimes the gap is far too wide.

This video will cover the basics of shim. You can buy them at home centers or online for less than 15. This job can be a hassle especially if you have painted trim. Remove the screws from the hinge you need to shim using a screwdriver or a drill and screwdriver bit.

Most pre hung doors come with a 1 8 inch gap between the door and the frame on the hinge side and the top. If it is still swinging open on its own repeat this process with the bottom hinge. If the door has three hinges remove the screws from the middle hinge as well. Slip a 1 16 in thick cardboard shim strip behind each hinge photos with steps 1 and 2 below.

Open the hinge side gap by spreading the hinges.