Shimming A Door Hinge To Keep The Door Open

If the door has three hinges remove the screws from the middle hinge as well.

Shimming a door hinge to keep the door open.

So try this trick first. If it is still swinging open on its own repeat this process with the bottom hinge. 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. As you can see in the initial picture and video the latch was lower than the striker plate.

To readjust the door frame you have to remove the trim along the latch side to get at the shims. Most pre hung doors come with a 1 8 inch gap between the door and the frame on the hinge side and the top. Adjust the gap by bending the hinges. This video will cover the basics of shim.

Common problems associated with door openings require shims to be installed in the correct place to solve the issue. Reinsert the pin tapping it gently into place from the top with your hammer. 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. Remove the shim and test the door.

Slip a 1 16 in thick cardboard shim strip behind each hinge photos with steps 1 and 2 below. This job can be a hassle especially if you have painted trim. Sometimes the gap is far too wide. I ve seen shims used behind the hinge leaf to adjust the gap but bending the hinge takes less time.

Open and close your door then let it hang freely to test whether the door is now level enough to work properly. Shimming correctly can raise or lower the latch bolt to align with the striker plate. Remove the screws from the hinge you need to shim using a screwdriver or a drill and screwdriver bit. Open the hinge side gap by spreading the hinges.

You can buy them at home centers or online for less than 15.