Replies

1. 
   RalphWicklund | Jan 16, 2007 01:10am | #1

   Are self-closing hinges actually installed on your door? Could be your unit was supplied with the regular, cheaper standard hinges and you would have to change them out yourself.

   You should be able to tell the difference because the self-closers have a really fat barrel. You can set the spring tension on those. Look for a set screw at the top of the barrel and a hole that you place a pin into to adjust the tension.

2. 
   user-261763 | Jan 16, 2007 01:48am | #2

   Iv'e noticed that the self closing hinges installed by most builders are crap. They usually let go after a year or so. I believe that HD sels an inexpensive SC hinge. Not saying that HD SC are any good, just inexpensive.

   Do everything you do to the very best of your ability, or don't bother doing it at all.
3. 
   dovetail97128 | Jan 16, 2007 02:01am | #3

   Do you need the self closing?
   Here where I live (Ore.) that used to be code but it no longer is. The door still needs to be rated but the hinges do not need to be self closing.
   Self closing hinges have a fatter barrel as was noted in an earlier post. You need a hex key and a small hardened pin to adjust them. Small needle nose pliers help immensly.
   Insert the hex key into the top of the hinge and rotate it so that the small pin moves away from it's stop. Pull the pin and rotate the key a few degrees. Reinsert the pin into the hole that is revealed and try your door again. If it doesn't have enough closing pressure repeat the process until you are satisfied.

1. 
   happyframer | Jan 16, 2007 05:49am | #4

   Thanks, you gave me exactly what I needed.Prost!

1. 
   dovetail97128 | Jan 16, 2007 07:52am | #6

   Happy to be of some help

4. 
   BruceT999 | Jan 16, 2007 07:00am | #5

   You can buy self-closing hinge pins. Just pull the old pin, tap in the self-closer with its two jaws on either side of the hinge leaves and adjust the tension.

   I have a steel door from house to garage. It had one self-closer but the tension had to be set so high that it did not last long. Replaced it with two self-closing hinge pins set at low tension and they've been good for 12 years so far.

   BruceT