How To Shim A Door Hinge

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.

How to shim a door hinge.

If your door doesn t shut properly it might mean it s skewed inside the door jamb. Hinge shims are available in three sizes. Install shims behind other hinges if necessary. Close the door and check the spacing.

Hold door hinge against cardboard and use utility knife to cut around hinge. There are many different materials used for the purpose of shimming hinges but you should choose wisely rather than just grab whatever s handy. Remove the screws from the hinge you need to shim using a screwdriver or a drill and screwdriver bit. Slip a 1 16 in thick cardboard shim strip behind each hinge photos with steps 1 and 2 below.

Job sites generally have all types of scrap material lying around such as plastic paper wood and metal. Interior doors can have misalignment between the latch bolt and striker plate. So try this trick first. There are several ways to fix this issue but none seemed to work for me.

Fix doors that will not latch. Although you can purchase hinge shims there s no need. This job can be a hassle especially if you have painted trim. If the door has three hinges remove the screws from the middle hinge as well.

Set two or three cardboard shims in the hinge mortises on the door and jamb then replace the hinge. To readjust the door frame you have to remove the trim along the latch side to get at the shims. Most residential interior door applications call for 3 5 hinge shims while the larger hinge shims are designed for larger interior exterior steel doors and frames. In the past if a steel door needed a minor adjustment a specialized tool was used to bend the hinge.

How to shim a door hinge. Moving striker plate widening the opening in striker plate and door frame using 3 screws to draw. 3 5 4 and 4 5. Save the money and cut your own hinge shims out of poster board or thin cardboard.