How to Adjust a Swing Door
A swinging door may be the perfect solution to use between your kitchen and dining room. A spring-loaded hinge at the bottom of the door provides enough tension so that the door can be pushed open easily. When released, the door swings shut automatically.
This is especially handy when you have your hands full and want the kitchen door to close behind you. A swinging door that has too little tension may not close properly, while one that has too much tension may cause injury to children or pets as it swings closed.
Tip
The weight of your door affects how much spring tension is needed to close it. A hollow-core door will require less tension, while a solid wood door will require more tension. Some hinges are limited by a maximum door weight set by the manufacturer. A door that is heavier than the maximum weight rating of your hinge may never close properly, no matter how it is adjusted. Check with the hinge manufacturer if you are not sure of its capabilities.
Warning
Ensure the hinge on your swinging door does not have too much tension. A wildly swinging door could cause injury by closing too quickly. Adjust the spring-loaded hinge so that it has just enough tension to close the door properly, but no more.
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Locate the spring-loaded hinge access plates at the bottom of the door at its pivot point. Remove the retaining screws from the plates with a Phillip screwdriver. Remove the plates from the door and place them aside.
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Locate the adjustment screw at the end of the large spring mounted in the hinge assembly.
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Twist the adjustment screw in a counterclockwise direction one full turn to lessen the spring tension on the door. Turn the screw in a clockwise direction to increase the spring tension.
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Test the operation of the door by opening it fully and then releasing it. Note that the door should fully close on its own.
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Turn the adjustment screw as needed until the door has just enough tension to close on its own without swinging too quickly or with too much force.
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Replace the access plates at the bottom of the door and tighten the retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
The Drip Cap
- A swinging door may be the perfect solution to use between your kitchen and dining room.
- When released, the door swings shut automatically.
- Turn the adjustment screw as needed until the door has just enough tension to close on its own without swinging too quickly or with too much force.
- Replace the access plates at the bottom of the door and tighten the retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
References
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