Help me fix a metal door that doesn't close properly

[ScaldedDog]

Our new-to-us home's patio doors are metal. Only one is really used, but the other can be opened to create a double opening. The issue is that the primary door is hung such that there is a slightly larger gap at the top hinge than the bottom, which means the door binds at the top when closed. It works OK in the morning when the temps are in the 50's, but by the 70's it's binding, and when the sun hits it in the afternoon it's really hard to close. All hinges are tight in their recesses, and the hinges are tight, meaning that there's no slop in them.

The only way I can think to fix it is to start grinding the metal where it hits the opposing door, but I'm hoping there's a more elegant solution to get the door to just hang straight. I've attached a couple of photos, and can take more.




Mark

 

[rlitman]

That looks like someone jammed something in the hinge to hold the door open (I've seen way too many appliance delivery people do this), bending the hinge.

Your best bet may be to replace the hinge, ensuring that the screws are going into good wood and the jamb isn't damaged there. Alternatively, you might be able to pull the hinge and flatten it between the jaws of a vise.

 

[Toolfool]

Amazon.com

 

[Old tool guy]

Agree … looks like the hinge is bent. Should be an easy fix … defined as less than 3 trips to the store …

 

[rlitman]

Amazon.com

Wow, what a great idea! That led me to this video of it in action:

I've gotta make me one of these...
On a related note, I've always used an allen key (maybe 3mm or 4mm) for bending hinges the other way (to increase the gap). Open the door and lower the allen key in the hinge between the plates as close to the pin as you can, using the short end as a handle. Then slowly close the door and bend as far as you need.

 

[ScaldedDog]

You guys rock! How did I get to be this old and not know about fixing a door this way??

@Old tool guy, I view projects like golf: Three trips to the store is par. I may be putting for bird on this one!

Mark

 

[engineer2]

As a quick check, swap the bottom and the top hinge assemblies.

 

[The Cobbler]

I would like to see more of the reveal before I was confident on the bent hinge . to me, it looks like the jamb is not plumb.

 

[no704]

Yep you can bend the hinge. Alternative is to put shims under the hinge either near or away from the pivot depending on the way it needs to be moved.

 

[Uncle murph]

Our new-to-us home's patio doors are metal. Only one is really used, but the other can be opened to create a double opening. The issue is that the primary door is hung such that there is a slightly larger gap at the top hinge than the bottom, which means the door binds at the top when closed. It works OK in the morning when the temps are in the 50's, but by the 70's it's binding, and when the sun hits it in the afternoon it's really hard to close. All hinges are tight in their recesses, and the hinges are tight, meaning that there's no slop in them.

The only way I can think to fix it is to start grinding the metal where it hits the opposing door, but I'm hoping there's a more elegant solution to get the door to just hang straight. I've attached a couple of photos, and can take more.




Mark

Has anyone heard from Zeke lately?

 

[Just_Steve]

Amazon.com

I have one of those, works wonders. My kids will find that in my toolbox one day and go...WTF? is this thing.

 

[Old tool guy]

I would like to see more of the reveal before I was confident on the bent hinge . to me, it looks like the jamb is not plumb.

Zooming in, the gap between the door and jamb looks wider at the top. Not much. Could be loose screws in the top hinge.

 

[ScaldedDog]

Zooming in, the gap between the door and jamb looks wider at the top. Not much. Could be loose screws in the top hinge.

I checked those, and they are tight.

Mark

 

[ScaldedDog]

Did I mention that you guys rock? The door is fixed, and even closes without binding in the afternoon sun. Thanks!!!

Mark

 

[no704]

So what was the fix?

 

[ScaldedDog]

So what was the fix?

The tool linked above. I had to remove the hinge to have room to work on it, but I just put it in a vice and bent the jamb-side cylinders (is that the right term?) back toward the jamb a little. I could have gone a little more, but this resolved the issue so I left it.


Mark

 

[mv213]

This is awesome. I never thought of the hinges being bent, either. I have a couple of doors to fix at my mom’s house now.

 

[Toolfool]

You're welcome.