Door drifting closed

[lost123]

How do you keep a door from drifting towards the closed position? I don't want to use a stop.

[Jimmer]

Lost123,

The reason a door swings closed on its own is because the door casing on the hinge side is not plumb. If you place a long ( at least 4 foot) level against the casing you will see this.

You need to:

- remove the door trim from both sides of the doors
- remove any long screws from each of the hinges that go though the casing and into the wall framing.
- using your level and some shims ( narrow pieces of wood that are gradually tapered to form a wedge) adjust the hinge side of the casing until plumb. Confirm that the door does not close by itself.
- secure the hinges using long screws to the wall framing.
- using the door as a guide and shims as needed adjust the other side of the door up/down and in/out to provide a consistant gap between the door and the casing. Secure this side with finish nails long enough the reach the wall framing.
- re-apply the door trim on both sides.

Hope this helps, Jim



'Just a handyman trying to help'

[Hube]

Lost 123; Sometimes to correct this problem, you only have to loosen a bottom OR a top hinge a touch (1/16") and put a thin piece of cardboard behind the hinge (hinge on door, not jamb) Sometimes this works and sometimes it don't. Good luck, Hube

[dee]

quote:Originally posted by lost123

How do you keep a door from drifting towards the closed position? I don't want to use a stop.

You can also remove a door pin, bend it slightly and reinsert.

[handyandy]

That's a good idea!