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.

Remove the screws from the hinge you need to shim using a screwdriver or a drill and screwdriver bit. 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. You can buy them at home centers or online for less than 15.

The solution that worked for me was to shim between the door frame and door 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. 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. To readjust the door frame you have to remove the trim along the latch side to get at the shims.

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. 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.

Most pre hung doors come with a 1 8 inch gap between the door and the frame on the hinge side and the top. This job can be a hassle especially if you have painted trim. If the problem persists repeat the process to add a second shim to the hinge. If the door has three hinges remove the screws from the middle hinge as well.

So try this trick first. Common problems associated with door openings require shims to be installed in the correct place to solve the issue. Slip a 1 16 in thick cardboard shim strip behind each hinge photos with steps 1 and 2 below. This video will cover the basics of shim.

Open and close your door then let it hang freely to test whether the door is now level enough to work properly.