Pro Handyman Blog

A self closing door should self close, not self slam. You usually find this type of door from the garage into the house. It has self-closing hinges on it and the intent is for the door to self-close and latch…not slam and knock all of the pictures down.

If the door slams, the self-closing hinges are wound up too tight. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to adjust the hinges. You will probably have 2 self-closing hinges, one at the top and one at the bottom.

Depending upon the style of hinge you have, you may be able to stick an Allen wrench into the top of the hinge and push down on it. This will release all tension in the spring and you door will operate as a normal door. However, for this door you do want enough tension so that it closes and latches by itself…just not so much that it slams and shakes the house.

By using the Allen wrench in the top of the hinge and turning it, you can place the spring under tension. There is a pin can insert into a hole in some hinges, others hold the tension as you tighten the spring. Adjust both hinges equally until the door operates as you like.