Adjusting double swing doors typically involves fine-tuning the hinges and alignment to ensure smooth and even operation. Here's a breakdown of common issues and how to address them:
1. Identifying the Problem
Before you start adjusting, pinpoint the exact issue. Common problems include:
- Doors rubbing against each other: This indicates a misalignment between the two doors.
- Doors not latching properly: This could be due to misalignment with the strike plates.
- Doors swinging unevenly: This suggests an issue with the hinges on one or both doors.
- Doors dragging on the floor: This might be caused by loose hinges or settling of the building.
2. Gathering Your Tools
You'll generally need the following:
- Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
- Level
- Wood shims (if needed)
- Pencil
3. Adjusting the Hinges
This is the most common adjustment point.
- Tightening Loose Screws: Start by tightening all hinge screws on both doors. Loose screws are often the culprit.
- Shimmying the Hinges: If tightening the screws doesn't work, and a hinge seems loose, you can use thin cardboard or wood shims behind the hinge plate to make it more secure.
- Adjusting Hinge Placement: Loosen the screws slightly, reposition the hinge slightly (up, down, left, or right as needed), and then retighten the screws. This allows for small adjustments to the door's alignment. Important: Only loosen the screws on one hinge at a time to avoid completely destabilizing the door.
4. Adjusting the Strike Plates
If the doors aren't latching properly, the strike plates might be misaligned.
- Loosen the screws holding the strike plate.
- Adjust the position of the strike plate so that the latch engages smoothly. You might need to move it up, down, left, or right.
- Tighten the screws securely.
- Enlarge the Strike Plate Opening: Sometimes, you might need to slightly enlarge the opening in the strike plate with a file or chisel for the latch to catch properly.
5. Addressing Door Rubbing
If the doors are rubbing against each other:
- Check the Door Gap: Ensure there's a consistent gap between the doors along their entire height. If the gap is uneven, adjust the hinges accordingly.
- Adjust Door Stop: The door stop may need to be adjusted to prevent the doors from swinging too far and rubbing.
6. Testing and Fine-Tuning
After each adjustment, open and close the doors several times to test the swing and latching. Continue making small adjustments until the doors operate smoothly and correctly.
7. When to Call a Professional
If you've tried these adjustments and are still experiencing problems, it might be time to call a professional carpenter or door installer. They have specialized tools and expertise to handle more complex issues like warped doors or damaged frames.
