Whenever you notice that your door is rubbing at the top, you might want to learn how to fix it. You need to look at several things before you decide to repair the door to get the best results. First, check the hinges to see if they are loose. Then, take the hinge pins off and oil the hinges. Finally, make sure you shim the hinges if necessary.
Shimming the hinges
You may need to shim the hinges when your door starts rubbing on the top corner. This is a relatively easy fix, but is more scientific than you might think.
The trick to shimming the hinges is using a “shim” tool. This is a thin piece of cardboard the same size as the hinge leaf. When this piece is stuck to the outer edges of the hinges, the door will tilt slightly towards the jamb. The shim should be about 1/4″ thinner than the actual hinge.
Another option is to use a plastic hinge shimming material. These are generally readily available at a job site. However, these materials can be challenging to cut, stack, and swell in damp conditions.
The best way to shim the hinges is to start at the bottom and work your way up. Unfortunately, the bottom hinge usually gets the brunt of the sagging. This is because it doesn’t support the door’s weight and the top.
Removing hinge pins
If you have a door that rubs at the top, there are several things you can do to fix it. One of the most straightforward fixes is removing the hinge pins from the door.
Before you begin, make sure you have the proper tools. You’ll need a screwdriver and a hammer to help you remove the pin. Some people find it helpful to have someone else close the door to prevent the hinges from moving.
Another tip to keep in mind is to avoid over-tightening the screws. If you do, you may end up with a door that drops in the middle or on the handle side. This can lead to other alignment problems, especially if you’re trying to hang a heavy door.
A more sophisticated approach to fixing a door that rubs at the top is to shim the hinges. A small shim can be placed on the knob side of the hinges to create an even gap.
Oiling the hinges
If your door is rubbing at the top, you may be able to fix it by oiling the hinges. This can help quiet down any noise and reduce friction that may cause the squeaks. Having a squeaky door can be very irritating.
There are a variety of lubricants that can be used to lubricate the hinges. Penetrating oil is a good option. However, it is possible to stain your door using this lubricant.
Another option is to use a lubricating spray. You can find these at your local home improvement store. These types of lubricants are more accessible to apply than other lubricants. It is essential to clean the hinges thoroughly before applying the lubricant. This can help to prevent future squeaks.
You can also try using grease or olive oil to lubricate the hinges. You can use a pipette to apply the lubricant. Be careful not to add too much. This can make the hinges sticky.
