Shimming A Door Hinge To Keep The Door Open

Common problems associated with door openings require shims to be installed in the correct place to solve the issue.

Shimming a door hinge to keep the door open.

Remove the shim and test the door. I ve seen shims used behind the hinge leaf to adjust the gap but bending the hinge takes less time. Reinsert the pin tapping it gently into place from the top with your hammer. Self centering bits come in sizes to fit cabinet and full size door hinges.

Shimming correctly can raise or lower the latch bolt to align with the striker plate. 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. Adjust the gap by bending the hinges.

This video will cover the basics of shim. This job can be a hassle especially if you have painted trim. If it is still swinging open on its own repeat this process with the bottom hinge. If the problem persists repeat the process to add a second shim to the hinge.

Sometimes the gap is far too wide. Open the hinge side gap by spreading the hinges. So try this trick first. To readjust the door frame you have to remove the trim along the latch side to get at the shims.

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. Slip a 1 16 in thick cardboard shim strip behind each hinge photos with steps 1 and 2 below. You can buy them at home centers or online for less than 15. If the door has three hinges remove the screws from the middle hinge as well.

Remove the screws from the hinge you need to shim using a screwdriver or a drill and screwdriver bit.