By Tucker Windover Issue 192

Learn how to avoid a door that creaks or springs back from the closed position. Easy adjustments to screws, mortises, and hinges on interior doors contribute to a perfect fit. Read more to learn how to adjust door hinge.

Adjust the gap by bending the hinges
Open the hinge-side gap by spreading the hinges. I’ve seen shims used behind the hinge leaf to adjust the gap, but bending the hinge takes less time. I can widen the gap in small increments. Remember that when the gap is adjusted on one side, it affects the gap on the other side as well. Place the butt end of a nailset between the hinge leaves up against the pin eyelet, or hinge knuckle. When the door is pulled toward the closed position, the nailset spreads the leaves and widens the gap. This technique puts a lot of force on the hinge, so go slowly to avoid damaging the hinge or bending it too far.