I have two swinging doors through the butler’s pantry in my 1908 Neo-Classical house. Both doors had issues sticking, because of various issues (settling, wood swelling with moisture, etc.). One I was able to correct without removing the door since the issue was primarily on the top, but the other needs to be planed on the bottom edge to clear a hardwood floor which has warped and isn’t level anymore. The issue is that I cannot work out how to remove the door so I can get at the bottom. These photos show the spring hardware at the bottom of the door with the cover plates removed. I’ve also removed the screws holding the edge of the door to the back of the hinge hardware, and nothing is budging. There is also a photo of the top pivot – what can be seen of it, at least. Any ideas?
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Those hinges are still made and still being used. You need to remove the plate from the floor.
So, just undo those six screws on the lower plate, lift the whole plate up and then try and angle the door out of the top pivot hole without scratching the floor too much?
Haven’t had the pleasure of working with the Bommer hinge in a while.
So had to hunt for instructions to refresh my memory.
Here you go.
https://www.woodwardsace.com/spring_hinges/InstallationInstructions7813Series.pdf
This tip. If you have room.
Lift (pry) the door up and slide a pc of Formica under the hinge. Big enough pc so you can slide the bottom hinge plate out saving the floor.
Sadly, I think Bommer closed their doors last year or so.
Economically, some still have a stash of these well made hinges and seem to be treating them as gold.
Thanks for this! I'll try your tip with the formica, since I was worried about messing up the floor.
https://www.hardwaresource.com/medium-duty-adjustable-spring-pivot-set.html
I was amazed the differences in price for old stock of Bommer’s. Those that had or bought up inventory evidently made an investment and are trying to collect.
On deeper thought, do you imagine the potential “damage” those mutha’s did and could do? Heck, even Abbott & Costello or the Stooges probably did a few skits with’m.
I've never particularly liked bi-fold doors, so I have often used these hinges for uncased closet doors. They swing out nicely, stay open at 90 degrees and are self closing. A simple stop keeps them from swinging in.. There is one screw at the bottom that can't be installed without being on the other side of the door, but this has never been an issue.
It seems like the spring hardware at the bottom of the door might be preventing easy removal. You may need to disassemble or adjust the spring mechanism to release the door. Additionally, check if there are any screws or pins securing the top pivot that need to be removed before the door can be lifted out. If all else fails, consulting a professional carpenter or handyman might be necessary to safely remove the door for planing?
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