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bebobob · Jan 17, 2013, 05:35 PM

We have a closet door that we must either close all the way or leave open all of the way. We simply want to leave the door ajar. If we do not completely close the door, it will swing completely open.

We have checked the top and all sides of the door with a level and they all show level.

I took the top and bottom hinge pins out, sightly bent them with and hammer, and reinstalled them. The door still swings open. (other interior doors are OK.)

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

ballengerb1 · Jan 17, 2013, 07:36 PM

Your door frame is not plumb, the top is further out into the room than the bottom. You can refarme it or bend the pin further so it binds a bit more. Bend it so it is noticeable

hkstroud · Jan 17, 2013, 07:57 PM

For a door to stay where you put and not swing open or closed the hinge jam must be plumb in both directions. It must be plumb as shown in A. If it is out of plumb as shown in B it will tend to swing closed. If out of plumb as shown in C it will tend to swing open.

It must also be plumb as shown an D. If out of plumb as shown in E it will tend to swing open to 90 degrees. If out of plumb as shown F it will tend to swing closed if less than 90 degrees open and will tend to swing completely open if more than 90 degrees open.

It gets unpredictable when out of plumb in both directions.

The best way to check for plumb is to place a straight edge (that will reach all three hinges) against the hing knuckles of the frame and check with a level in both directions.

ma0641 · Jan 17, 2013, 09:29 PM

I have had to bend the pins so much you had to hammer them a bit to get them back in. Door will stop wherever you place it. You could also use thin cardboard to shim the hinge. This will " rehang " the door.

creahands · Jan 18, 2013, 01:20 AM

The first thing to check is the level to be sure it is accurate. Set level plumb and mark surface at top and bottom. Using the same bubble flip level 180 degrees. And set to marks and see if you get the same reading. If you do then plumb is good.

If reading is different, holding one mark, set level plumb and mark surface. Half the distance between the new marks and old mark is an accurate plumb.

With door almost closed, check plumb with level on the lock edge. To adjust this plumb you shim out one of the hinges.

With door 90 degrees to wall, check plumb. To adjust this plumb you move one of the hinges in or out.

If door is plumb in both these positions, it will stay where set.

Chuck