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HINGE SELECTION
The height, width, thickness and weight of the door will determine the correct type, size and style of hinge, and the number of hinges required to properly support the door. The accompanying chart is just one example of some of the basic information needed to help you decide the proper hinge for the job. For complete information on choosing the proper hinge for the job go to your favorite hinge manufacturers catalog or website.
HINGE TOOLS
When hinges are installed in a wood door they can be aligned and mortised by hand. This can works fine if you're only doing one door. For the more experienced professional a hinge alignment guide is available to do the job. Manufactured in fixed or adjustable versions, the hinge routing template allows you to attach it to the door edge and quickly rout out the mortise cavities for the hinges.
Available for various types of residential and commercial grade hinges are service tools are used to straighten bent or misaligned hinges. By attaching the tool to the hinge knuckles. Realignment is most often required for the top hinge since that is the point of greatest stress. Occasionally a middle hinge will need adjustment, rarely a bottom hinge.
With the Hinge Doctor, as the door is slightly opened, the tool binds and forces the hinge back into its original position. With the Hinge Tweaker, force is applied through the built-in handle. With either tool, small incremental adjustments are advised. Adjust slightly then recheck operation of the door. The convenience is that you can adjust hinges while they are still on the door and frame.
IMPORTANT: Before making any adjustments, make certain the screws securing the hinge to the door and frame a tight. If any are loose, tighten them. If the hinges are mounted onto a wood door and frame and the holes are enlarged, use a bamboo chopstick or wood dowel to fill the hole and then install the screw.
