Bedroom Door Won't stay open

Hi all,
I have a problem in my apartment where my bedroom door will not stay open. When I first moved into this building some 30 years ago the door was fine, it stayed put no matter how far it was opened. Then, maybe 10 years after moving in, the hinges developed a squeak so a friend tried to help by lubricating them. I don't recall what they used, most likely 3 in 1 oil or WD-40. Anyway, after the hinges were lubricated the door would never stay open. Even when the door was only opened halfway it would slowly close. It doesn't close all the way, it stops approximately 2 inches away from hitting the latch. I tried installing an under door draft stop, the temporary kind that one slides under the door hoping it would help keep the door open but had no luck. I tried shoving a small piece of foam rubber between the draft guard and bottom of the door, this worked but the foam rubber would eventually fall out. My building maintenance man was of no help, he had no idea how to fix the problem. He did say the problem was probably caused by the building "settling". It's a very old building, originally built as an elementary school then renovated to apartments in 1990. I suppose I could try a different type of draft guard, one of the rubber type that attach directly to the door but I'd much rather have the problem fixed. I'm disabled with use of only my left arm and use a motorized wheelchair for mobility so this problem with the door can be a major PITA. Thanks in advance for any help you all can provide!

Dan

You need to find someone who knows how to adjust hinges.

If after checking to make sure you don't have a loose hinge try this easy fix, remove one of the hinge pins lay it on a sidewalk or other durable surface and smack it with a hammer to put a slight bend in it. Replace it in the hinge and your door will stay in the position you leave it in. If the door isn't rubbing or binding and will close normally this is the easiest fix.

All of the above will work. You can still buy rubber door wedges for a buck or they make magnetic door stops also. Google door stop and you will see 100s of ideas.

Bending the hinge pin is my preferred method as well. Start with the top pin. Use a screw driver and a hammer to push it up and take it out and follow Sparky's direction for a SLIGHT bend. You don't want anything more than a few degrees. Put the top one back in and see how it worked. If the door still moves, do the same to the bottom hinge.

All you are doing is adding some friction so the weight of the door isn't great enough to start itself moving...

After you get the pins bent and reinstalled in about a month you will get a squeak again. Invite your friends back with their 3 in 1 or WD40, haha Reminds me of a 3 in 1 WD40 joke not suitable for the forum.


Actually just kidding (mostly) about the above. Give the pin a whack.

bud16415 said:

After you get the pins bent and reinstalled in about a month you will get a squeak again.

Click to expand...

I hear that!