Install a Spring Loaded Hinge on a Screen Door

  • 2-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • 75-125
What You'll Need
Screen door
Two spring loaded hinges
Tape measure
Pencil
Wood chisel
Hammer
Wood screws
Screwdriver
What You'll Need
Screen door
Two spring loaded hinges
Tape measure
Pencil
Wood chisel
Hammer
Wood screws
Screwdriver

A spring loaded hinge will allow a door to shut by itself without slamming. This can be very helpful in a household with children who keep forgetting to shut the door or when you have your arms full of groceries. These hinges are adjustable from the top of the hinge pin and also via the tension pin on the side of the hinge.

Step 1 - Measuring for the Hinge Locations

Set the screen door with the edge for the spring loaded hinges facing up. Measure 10-inches from the top edge of the door and make a mark. This is the location for the top edge of the top hinge. Now measure 10-inches from the bottom edge of the door and make another mark. This is the location for the bottom edge of the bottom hinge.

Step 2 - Using a Chisel to Create the Hinge Locations

Place one of the spring loaded hinges with the top edge of the hinge on the line at the top edge of the door. Be sure the actual barrel part of the hinge projects past the outer edge of the door. Trace the outline of the hinge onto the door edge with the pencil.

Hold the chisel at a 90-degree angle against the door edge with the straight edge of the chisel on the pencil line and the angled edge facing the area you are going to chisel out. Strike the chisel firmly with the hammer with just enough force to drive it the depth of the hinge thickness. Repeat this procedure along the entire outline of the spring loaded hinge.

Now hold the chisel parallel to the door edge and carefully chisel out the area where the hinge will sit. Remove any wood shavings from the chiseled area. Set the hinge in place to check for fit, making any necessary adjustments.

Repeat these procedures for the bottom hinge.

Step 3 - Installing the Hinges

Set the top spring loaded hinge into the door edge with the barrel facing the outside of the door. The adjustment screw for the hinge should be at the top of the hinge. Attach the hinge to the door using the wood screws supplied with the hinge.

Repeat this procedure for the bottom hinge.

Step 4 - Attaching the Door

With the help of a friend, hold the door in place against the door jamb. Trace the outline of the top and bottom hinges onto the door jamb. Using the chisel, carefully chisel out the area for the hinges on the door jamb.

Set the door in place and attach the spring loaded hinges to the jamb using the wood screws supplied with the hinges.

Step 5 - Adjusting the Hinges

Open the door and watch the action. The door should open with no binding and close smoothly without slamming shut. Make any necessary adjustments to the spring loaded hinges using the adjustment screws until the door opens and closes properly.