Shimming A Door Hinge To Keep The Door Open

Adjust the gap by bending the hinges.

Shimming a door hinge to keep the door open.

You can buy them at home centers or online for less than 15. Slide the shim behind the hinge that needs the extra spacing then drive the screws back in tightly and check the operation of the door. Open the hinge side gap by spreading the hinges. As you can see in the initial picture and video the latch was lower than the striker plate.

Shimming correctly can raise or lower the latch bolt to align with the striker plate. Reinsert the pin tapping it gently into place from the top with your hammer. I ve seen shims used behind the hinge leaf to adjust the gap but bending the hinge takes less time. Slip a 1 16 in thick cardboard shim strip behind each hinge photos with steps 1 and 2 below.

If the problem persists repeat the process to add a second shim to the hinge. So try this trick first. The solution that worked for me was to shim between the door frame and door hinge. Self centering bits come in sizes to fit cabinet and full size door hinges.

Open and close your door then let it hang freely to test whether the door is now level enough to work properly. If it is still swinging open on its own repeat this process with the bottom hinge. This job can be a hassle especially if you have painted trim. This video will cover the basics of shim.

Remove the screws from the hinge you need to shim using a screwdriver or a drill and screwdriver bit. Common problems associated with door openings require shims to be installed in the correct place to solve the issue. Most pre hung doors come with a 1 8 inch gap between the door and the frame on the hinge side and the top. 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.

Sometimes the gap is far too wide.