Skip to main content

Historic Preservation - Technical Procedures

Spectitle:
Resetting A Hinge Mortise

Procedure code:
0871201R

Source:
Hspg Prepared For Nps - Sero

Division:
Doors And Windows

Section:
Door Hardware

Last Modified:
02/24/2012

Details:
Resetting A Hinge Mortise



RESETTING A HINGE MORTISE


PART 1---GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

    A.   This procedure includes guidance on shimming a hinge
         mortise to bring it flush with the surface of the door or
         frame.

    B.   If the door has a springy resistance to closure, the
         cause may be paint buildup or a poorly executed repair.
         If too much material was removed when hinge mortise was
         being cut or repaired, the hinge may have worked itself
         loose.

    C.   For guidance on resecuring loose hinges that cause the
         door to bind, see 08210-01-R.

    D.   See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be
         reviewed along with this procedure.  These guidelines
         cover the following sections:

         1.   Safety Precautions

         2.   Historic Structures Precautions

         3.   Submittals

         4.   Quality Assurance

         5.   Delivery, Storage and Handling

         6.   Project/Site Conditions

         7.   Sequencing and Scheduling

         8.   General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

         These guidelines should be reviewed before performing
         this procedure and should be followed, when applicable,
         along with recommendations from the Regional Historic
         Preservation Officer (RHPO).


PART 2---PRODUCTS

2.01 MATERIALS

    A.   Scrap wood for shims; or prefabricated plastic or metal
         shims.

2.02 EQUIPMENT

    A.   Screwdriver

    B.   Utility knife or hack saw to cut shims

   
PART 3---EXECUTION

3.01 EXAMINATION

    A.   To discern the door problem, observe the door open and
         close a few times.  Note the location of any binding or
         rubbing.  Note also if doors bind inconsistently from top
         to bottom or hinge side to latch side.

3.02 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

    A.   If problem is paint buildup, strip paint from hinges and
         involved surfaces of door and frame.

         1.   To remove paint from wood, sand the area around
              hinges by hand using sanding blocks or sponges;
              repaint.

         2.   To remove paint from metal hinges, soak hinges in
              ammonia to loosen paint; remove paint with metal
              scraper and brush; repaint.

    B.   If problem is more serious, remove door and hinges from
         jamb using the procedures below.  Free all hinge pins
         before removing any of them.  Remove from bottom hinge to
         top (the top supports most of the weight).

         1.   Close door and place a wedge under the door to take
              weight off hinges.

         2.   Tap pins gently up and out with hammer and
              screwdriver.  Apply penetrating oil if pins resist.

         3.   If a pin still resists, grasp finial of hinge pin
              gently and carefully twist with pliers to break the
              bond. Try tapping pin out again.

         4.   If the pin still resists, remove bottom finial and
              force pin out from bottom with punch and hammer.

              -0R-

              Unscrew hinge from the jamb.  Note:  A second
              person must support door during hinge removal.

    C.   Cut scrap of thin wood to the exact dimensions of the
         mortise so that hinge will be flush with jamb or use
         prefabricated plastic or metal shims.

    D.   Put the shim in place and replace hinges and door.

                             END OF SECTION