I have a 3-0 door with side light on hinge side, door needs to be anchored better at top. Need a way to secure top hinge but cannot put long screw into side light. Though about putting screw thru jam into head abouve side light, Any ideas?
I have a 3-0 door with side light on hinge side, door needs to be anchored better at top. Need a way to secure top hinge but cannot put long screw into side light. Though about putting screw thru jam into head abouve side light, Any ideas?
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Replies
I'm assuming that the original screw holes are stripped out. Bore a hole all the way throught the jamb and glued in a hardwood dowel. A 3/4" dowel should work.
Once the glue has set, drill pilot holes for the screws. Screws always get a better bite when there's a pilot hole.
You may also want to consider whether the original hinge or hinges were installed correctly in the first place - in other words, what caused the top hinge to pull out it's screws?
A quick list of "what if's" that come to mind include:
Hinges too small? Too few hinges for the weight and/or size of the door? Hinges not lined up so that the door fits the frame/jamb without stress? Jamb and frame doesn't make a solid 'bed' for the door without twisting or forcing the door when closed?
The loose screws may just be a symptom of a larger problem, and if you don't fix the root cause, the symptom will just reappear.
Mike D
You can buy a hinge with a different hole pattern,made for just your problem,or you can drill and countersink for a new hole.Some times changing the hinges to a larger size is the best way. I always wondered why the doors frames with sidelights were not designed better for the weight of the door.Simply installing heavy duty tee nuts that do not show,on the top leaf would do the trick.
mike
I've retrofitted threaded inserts, but matching finishes on the machine screws is a PITA. I don't know why they don't do as you suggest, and design for T-nuts from the get-go.Even then you've got a problem: I like to drive a 3" screw or two into the framing at the top hinge. If I can match up the finish, great, I'll go through the hinge holes. If not, I'll pull the jamb screws, flip the hinge out of the way, and buzz in any old screw underneath that leaf.But with a sidelight? I just love drilling and tapping safety glass for a screw.AitchKay
I've driven screws through finished jambs right next to stops to pull this way or that on an old door. If it has a newer style foam weatherseal and you're careful not to over drive it can be pretty unoticeable behind the seal. Might dab some paint on the head if jamb is painted.
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.