Fixing doors, that either open on their own or close on their own
by
Jann Brooks
+19
I have a front door that refuses to stay open, unless I use a door stop. I also have a bedroom door that has to either be all the way open or all the way shut. You can't just have it slightly open or it opens all the way. I did the bending of hinges, didn't help--I put shims behind the hinges, didn't help. Any other suggestions???
13 answers
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Pop out the hinge pins, lay them down on a flat hard surface and gently hit them with a hammer. This will bend them just slightly. Reinstall the pins and the doors should stay open in any position. Over time the pins get worn from use.
William
on May 16, 2016
- See 2 previous
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I had to bend my pins more than just slightly - bend them until the door stays where you stop moving it
Vangardener45
on May 17, 2016
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Have you used a level to see what part of the door is "off?" Check the square on all angles. You may have to square the door (remove inside molding, use a sawzall to cut the supporting nails from the door's jamb and the surround studs--realign door (using a 2' and 4' level, reshim and re-nail). It is not as hard as it sounds ;). And it will truly be fixed.
CrowEyes
on May 17, 2016
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They also make spring loaded hinges. You could have it spring to the open position, while the latch will keep it closed.
Drhite
on May 17, 2016
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We used to just tighten or loosen the screws in the door frame a bit, whichever would work the best.
Cheryl Markus Reynolds
on May 17, 2016
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You have poltergeists. Call Ghost Busters! ;)
Johnchip
on May 17, 2016
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Sounds like you may be haunted. (joke). What fun! I adjusted the door frame screws and my ghosts went away.
Susan E
on May 17, 2016
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You might want to consult a contractor to find out if your foundation has shifted significantly.
Ellen
on May 17, 2016
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Sounds like you need to bend the hinge pins if your doors have the knock out pins. I had two that did the same thing, bent the center hinge pin just a little and it puts enough friction on the hinge that it stays open.
R Walter
on May 17, 2016
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Pull center hinge pin out and bend slightly in middle of pin,take a hammer and tap back in hinge
Daj4500882
on May 17, 2016
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Right on R Walter
Daj4500882
on May 17, 2016
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I agree! Bend the hinge pin!
Betsy Wilson
on May 18, 2016
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If you have a punch remove the center hinge pin by hitting it from the bottom. If not you will have to use a flat tip screwdriver under the head of the pin, hitting it with a hammer till it is free. I placed mine on a piece of wood, holding it in a pair of vice grips and hit the end opposite the head. It finally took a small sledge hammer to get a slight bend on it. This is all trial, each door is different, just bend a bit at a time and retry till you get it right.
R Walter
on May 18, 2016
- See 1 previous
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