Hinge spacers, often called shims, are used to adjust the position of a door within its frame, primarily to correct alignment issues and gaps. The basic method involves inserting these shims behind the hinge plates mounted on the door frame.
Specifically, to reduce a gap on the hinge side of the door, you need to add the required shims to the edge of the hinge farthest from the barrel of the hinge. This technique effectively pushes that side of the hinge (and the door) outward from the frame, closing the gap on the hinge side.
Purpose of Hinge Spacers (Shims)
Hinge spacers are essential tools for fine-tuning door installation and fixing common problems such as:
- Doors that don't close properly.
- Uneven gaps around the door frame (e.g., a large gap on the hinge side or latch side).
- Doors that bind or stick against the frame.
By strategically placing shims behind different parts of the hinge, you can alter the door's swing and its relationship to the frame.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using Shims to Fix a Hinge-Side Gap
Here's how to use hinge shims, focusing on correcting a gap on the hinge side as described in the reference:
- Identify the Problem: Determine which hinge(s) need adjustment and where the gap is largest. If there's a gap on the hinge side, shimming the hinges is the solution.
- Prepare the Hinge: Support the door slightly if necessary, then carefully remove the screws securing the hinge plate to the door frame. You may only need to loosen them initially to see if shims can be slid in, but often removal is easier.
- Insert the Shim(s): Based on the reference, to reduce a gap on the hinge side, place your shim(s) behind the hinge plate on the edge that is farthest from the hinge barrel. The barrel is the part that pivots. Placing shims here pushes that side of the hinge outward.
- Reattach the Hinge: Carefully align the hinge plate and re-insert the screws, tightening them firmly but without stripping the wood.
- Test the Door: Open and close the door to check if the gap has been reduced and if the door now fits correctly.
- Adjust as Needed: If the gap persists or a new issue arises, repeat the process, adding or removing shims as required. You may need to adjust more than one hinge.
Types of Hinge Shims
While the reference simply mentions "shims," these can be made from various materials:
- Cardboard or Wood Shims: Often used in traditional methods.
- Plastic Hinge Shims: Pre-cut, specific shapes designed to fit neatly behind hinge plates, often marked for thickness.
Using pre-cut plastic shims can simplify the process and provide more consistent results.
Effect of Shimming
Understanding where you place the shim affects the door's movement:
| Shim Placement | Effect on Door Frame Side | Effect on Door Position (Hinge Side Gap) |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Farthest from Barrel | Pushed outward | Reduces hinge-side gap (pushes door away from frame) |
| Edge Closest to Barrel | Pushed outward | Increases hinge-side gap, or shifts door towards latch side |
| Behind the Entire Hinge Plate | Pushed outward evenly | Shifts the entire door panel towards the latch side |
Information based on typical hinge mechanics and the provided reference.
By strategically placing shims, you can significantly improve the function and appearance of a poorly hung door.
