[MFled]

Ah the discovery of the complexity of doors! Its just a simple slab of wood in an opening, right? Doors, especially in the commercial environment, are probably one of the most complex devices in a building. You are pretty courageous as a newbie to take on doors. It sounds like you worked through the issues, so you deserve a big pat on the back.

What you were experiencing was hinge bind, which can happen for a number of reasons; many of which were posted above. Shims are a common tool to get a door plumb and functioning properly since most openings are anything but perfect.

If you want more durable hardware, look for a commercial door shop in your area. They will carry heavy duty hardware designed for a commercial environment so it will hold up a lot better than anything Home Deplorable will carry. For hinges I usually get ball bearing 4" hinges which don't squeak and will hold up to a lot of abuse (however keep in mind you are going to have to expand the hinge mortises to use the 4" commercial hinges). You should be able to get things like latch guards, push/pull plates, kick plates, door stops, and if needed door closers from a commercial door shop. I put a commercial door closer on the door between the garage and the house as it is a fire rated door and should always latch and because I hate spring hinges. If you shop for commercial hinges, don't spend astronomical money on them, your price should be between $5 and $10 not $30/hinge, I think we used to pay about $3/hinge wholesale.

 

[Rwhpi]

By the way, I switched from using cereal boxes for the shims to a slightly thicker cardboard. The cereal boxes are too thin so you can waste a lot of time. In other words, the difference in width is very small when you're trying different combinations.

I'm glad that you found a problem solution. FWIW: I once tried using thin cardboard shims. They work for awhile and then begin to flatten with age. Instead, I've used small strips of formica (or even metal washers) for shimming purposes.

If it's not broke, I wouldn't fix-it. But if that happens, this my 2-cents.

 

[MadMark]

Aluminum foil doesn't squish.

 

[boston_guy]

Hi MadMark,

Wow! That was an impressive response. I loved the carpentry lingo used ("proud hinge," "shy hinge"). I think what you explain, in such a wonderful way, is exactly what happened. When I look at my door jamb I notice that the mortise is indeed deep, at least to my eye. Very interesting!

 

[boston_guy]

I plan to replace the door lock, deadbolt, latch protector and door viewer for my front door.

Presently, all these parts are brass. I want to switch to satin or brushed nickel to match the hinges.

I don't want to get them from Home Depot.

I went to a store in my neighborhood that specializes in door hardware. If I get them there, the brand will be Schlage (at least for the locks). But I can get Schlage at Home Depot.

Is Schlage a good brand?

Is there another brand someone can recommend? Since door hardware is not something I change often, I don't mind spending a bit more.

 

[jwoodcraft]

Schlage has a cheaper and a more expensive line. What is at Home Depot may be cheaper still, as they sometimes spec their stuff so you think you're getting the same thing for less, but actually you're getting a lesser product. The better line (A?) has no visible screws. Emtek is another line to look for. Their products are heavy & look good, but the internals are only so-so. Baldwin used to be good, but the brand has now been hollowed out & is now in the DNB category IMO. For your standard lockset and deadbolt, pretty much anything will work.

 

[MadMark]

Hi MadMark,

Wow! That was an impressive response. I loved the carpentry lingo used ("proud hinge," "shy hinge"). I think what you explain, in such a wonderful way, is exactly what happened. When I look at my door jamb I notice that the mortise is indeed deep, at least to my eye. Very interesting!

Thanks! I started my apprenticeship as a carpenter at 10. My father was a carpenter/millwright, as was my grandfather. G'pa built his own house that's still standing over a century later.
Tip: don't judge shy/proud with your eyes, "look" with your fingertips. Your fingers can "see" a couple of thou difference in level.
Schlage is a major manufacturer and makes fine products. But here's a thought, try restoration hardware or a reclaimed hardware shop. Old hardware is typically thicker (as you have found), real brass instead of plated, and may well be more ornate than anything currently in production. Just my $0.02.

 

[boston_guy]

Ah the discovery of the complexity of doors! Its just a simple slab of wood in an opening, right? Doors, especially in the commercial environment, are probably one of the most complex devices in a building. You are pretty courageous as a newbie to take on doors. It sounds like you worked through the issues, so you deserve a big pat on the back.

What you were experiencing was hinge bind, which can happen for a number of reasons; many of which were posted above. Shims are a common tool to get a door plumb and functioning properly since most openings are anything but perfect.

If you want more durable hardware, look for a commercial door shop in your area. They will carry heavy duty hardware designed for a commercial environment so it will hold up a lot better than anything Home Deplorable will carry. For hinges I usually get ball bearing 4" hinges which don't squeak and will hold up to a lot of abuse (however keep in mind you are going to have to expand the hinge mortises to use the 4" commercial hinges). You should be able to get things like latch guards, push/pull plates, kick plates, door stops, and if needed door closers from a commercial door shop. I put a commercial door closer on the door between the garage and the house as it is a fire rated door and should always latch and because I hate spring hinges. If you shop for commercial hinges, don't spend astronomical money on them, your price should be between $5 and $10 not $30/hinge, I think we used to pay about $3/hinge wholesale.

MFled,

I'm not replacing hinges since I just did them for all my doors (replaced brass ones for satin nickel). I'm hopefully done with hinges for a very l time.

All I have left is to do replace the following for my front door: lock, deadbolt, chain lock, latch protector and door viewer.

Thank you for recommending a commercial door shop and the kind words.

The door shop in my neighborhood uses Schlage but I'm going to look for another store. Anyway, this is the quote list they gave me, in case I decided to order with them:

1) Door knob $69.00
2) Deadbolt $81.00
3) Latch protector $22.40
4) Door viewer $10.05

 

[boston_guy]

Schlage has a cheaper and a more expensive line. What is at Home Depot may be cheaper still, as they sometimes spec their stuff so you think you're getting the same thing for less, but actually you're getting a lesser product. The better line (A?) has no visible screws. Emtek is another line to look for. Their products are heavy & look good, but the internals are only so-so. Baldwin used to be good, but the brand has now been hollowed out & is now in the DNB category IMO. For your standard lockset and deadbolt, pretty much anything will work.

jwoodcraft,

I'm just going to look around. Thanks.