To loosen self-closing hinges, you typically adjust the spring tension mechanism built into the hinge using simple tools like a hex wrench or a tension rod, depending on the specific hinge design.
Self-closing hinges are designed to automatically pull a door or cabinet shut. While convenient, the tension can sometimes be too strong, making the door hard to open or causing it to slam. Adjusting this tension requires identifying the type of adjustment mechanism present on your hinge. You will need to loosen or tighten it by yourself using a couple simple tools.
Identifying Your Hinge Type
The method for loosening the hinge depends entirely on its design. There are generally two common types of adjustable self-closing hinges:
Type 1: Hinges with Adjustment Screws on Top
- Description: These hinges often have one or more visible screws on the top or face of the hinge mechanism, often near the barrel.
- Tool Needed: Hinges that come with screws on top can be adjusted using a hex wrench. A set of metric or standard hex wrenches (Allen keys) is usually required.
- How to Loosen:
- Locate the adjustment screw(s) on the hinge.
- Insert the correct size hex wrench into the screw head.
- Turn the wrench counter-clockwise to decrease the spring tension. A small turn often makes a significant difference.
- Test the door's closing action. Adjust further as needed until the desired closing speed and force are achieved.
Type 2: Hinges with a Side Slot and Tension Pin
- Description: These hinges may have a slot visible on the side of the barrel, typically with multiple small holes and a small pin inserted into one of the holes. This design is common on some cabinet hinges.
- Tool Needed: If there is a slot on the side of the hinge with holes and a small pin, you will have to use a tension rod to lighten or loosen the hinges. A tension rod (sometimes called a detensioning pin or release tool) is often provided with the hinges or can be purchased separately.
- How to Loosen:
- Locate the side slot with the pin.
- Carefully insert the tension rod into the slot, engaging the pin.
- Apply slight pressure with the rod to hold the pin against the spring tension.
- While holding the pin with the rod, carefully withdraw the pin from its current hole using pliers or your fingers.
- Gently release the tension rod. The hinge spring will unwind slightly, reducing tension.
- Re-insert the pin into a hole further towards the end of the slot that reduces the tension (usually indicated in the hinge's instructions or by trial and error, starting with a hole closer to the uncompressed end of the spring mechanism).
- Re-insert the tension rod, apply pressure, remove the pin, move it to a new hole to further decrease tension if needed, and then re-insert the pin. Repeat until the desired tension is reached. Caution: Be careful not to let the spring unwind completely uncontrolled.
Summary of Tools
| Hinge Type | Adjustment Mechanism | Tool Required |
|---|---|---|
| With screws on top | Hex head screws | Hex Wrench |
| With side slot, holes, and pin | Tension pin in a slot | Tension Rod |
Remember that adjustments should be made gradually. Loosening the tension too much might prevent the door from closing completely, while over-tightening can make it difficult to open.
