Replies

1. 
   observer | Jun 05, 2002 06:07pm | #1

   Check to make sure the hinge leg of the jamb is plumb. The extra weight of the solid door will show up this problem even if it didn't affect the hollow-core.

1. 
   KWOLSEN | Jun 06, 2002 05:03pm | #6

   thanks for the tips, I'll give them a try.

2. 
   Joe_Fusco | Jun 05, 2002 11:23pm | #2

   Kirk,

   Dick's right, the jamb isn't plumb. Is taking it down and starting over not an option? Well, if that's the case you can use any one of the 3 dollar fix's.

   The one I like the most (it's the simplest) is remove the hinge pins one at a time starting from the top and place the pin on a flat surface supported by two 6d finish nails. Give the pin a "whack" in the center with your hammer. Put it back in the hinge a check the swing again.

   If it still swings repeat the process with each of the other hinges. Hopefully the swing will stop before you run out of hinges ;-}

   View Image

1. 
   rebildit | Jun 06, 2002 12:01am | #3

   Both of the previous respondents are correct in their assumption that the door jamb (hinge side) is out of plumb...if the door was hung correctly on the jamb.  Keep in mind that it is equally possible that the door was not hung correctly (no offense here) and does not flush out with the jamb from top to bottom when closed.  The first thing you should always do prior to hanging a door in an existing jamb is to check the plumb on the jamb legs in both directions, check the level at the head and at the floor, and look the existing door over for any tell tale signs of a problem... incorrect reveals on the head or jambs, out of square cut at the floor etc.  Hanging a new door in an existing jamb is half science, half art and simply ripping it out and installing a prehung will not solve all of the potential problems.  Frequently in old homes we run into situations where the wall itself is significantly out of plumb and we must cheat the entire door assembly and then deal with it when trimming to camouflage a problem.

   So to return to your original problem, get out a level and check it out.

   Bill

1. 
   Joe_Fusco | Jun 06, 2002 03:51am | #5

   Bill,

   I'll restate. The door is not plumb. Now he can do the same thing.

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1. 
   rebildit | Jun 06, 2002 08:36pm | #7

   Joe,

   Did not want you to think I was being a nit picker here, it is just that you never know the capabilities of the individual who asked the question.  An experienced carpenter would realize what was happening before the door stopped moving the first time.  My point being, if the individual who hung this door was not expereinced enough to understand why this was happening in the first place, they "may have" been novice enough to make a different mistake as well, such as not hanging the door correctly in the existing jamb.  More than enough said...and it's nice to now that after all this time that Newton still had it right.

   Bill

1. 
   Joe_Fusco | Jun 06, 2002 09:46pm | #8

   Bill,

   No problem. I've gone the long route to often here, now I just take a more direct path. That's why I said that if fixing it wasn't an option. . .

   View Image

   Edited 6/6/2002 6:04:42 PM ET by J Fusco

3. 
   Piffin | Jun 06, 2002 03:09am | #4

   We all need stability in our lives.

   So it's reassuring to know that gravity still works.

   The jamb is not plumb.

   Excellence is its own reward!