How to Adjust Door Hinges – A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Misaligned Doors

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Adjust Door Hinges

• Step 1 – Inspect the Door’s Current Alignment: Begin by closing the door and checking for gaps around the frame. Look for uneven spacing, areas where the door sticks, or misaligned latch components. Identifying the main problem will guide your hinge adjustments.
• Step 2 – Tighten Hinge Screws: Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Loose hinge screws are a common culprit for misalignment. Using your screwdriver, tighten each hinge screw on both the door and frame. Ensure the screws are snug but not overtightened, as this can strip the screw hole or damage the hinge.
• Step 3 – Adjust the Hinge Placement: If the screws are tight but the door remains misaligned, you may need to adjust the hinges themselves. Here’s how:
  • If the door is sagging: Start by loosening the screws on the top hinge slightly, then lift the door gently. Tighten the screws back into place while holding the door in its new position – this adjustment should bring the top of the door closer to the frame.
  • If the door is sticking at the bottom: Try loosening the screws on the bottom hinge and lifting the door a bit, then re-tighten – this will help relieve pressure at the bottom edge.
• Step 4 – Deepen the Hinge Mortise if Necessary: In some cases, hinges may need to sit further back in the frame. To achieve this, you’ll need to deepen the hinge mortise – the indentation in the frame where the hinge sits. Carefully remove the hinge from the frame, then use a chisel to make the mortise slightly deeper. Reattach the hinge and check the alignment. This adjustment is particularly useful for residential door hinges where the leaves of the hinges sit too far out from the mortise (indentation) of the
• Step 5 – Add Padding Behind Hinge Leaf if Necessary: In some cases, instead of deepening the hinge mortise, you may need to reduce the depth of the mortise by adding a bit of wood between the mortise and the leaf of your hinge. Local hardware stores sell wood shims that can be easily shimmied in behind the hinge leaf to lightly adjust the hinge’s position. A little adjustment may go a long way, depending on your situation.
• Step 6 – Address Loose Hinge Screws with Wood Filler: If hinge screws aren’t gripping the frame or door due to worn-out screw holes, use wood filler or glue to reinforce the holes. Allow the filler or glue to dry, then reinsert the screws, ensuring a solid grip. This will help keep the door securely in place, reducing the likelihood of future misalignment.
• Step 7 – Test the Door’s Alignment and Make Final Adjustments: After making these adjustments, close and open the door several times to test its alignment. Look for any remaining gaps or sticking points, and make minor adjustments as needed until the door operates smoothly.