How do I repair an interior door that will not stay open?

Question

The problem is, I try to open the door(s) all the way, but they try to swing back slowly to close. I need a simple solution to fix the problem.

Thanks for you help.

Answer 1

The doors swing closed because they aren't plumb. The quick and dirty solution would be to loosen the screws through the hinges and push the bottom hinge toward the jamb and the top hinge away from the jamb. Hold the door in place and tighten up the screws. You can also adjust by putting a matchbook cover or two behind one of the hinges. If those don't fix it, the wall may be out of plumb, or the door may be warped. Rehanging with new hinges and holes would be the next easiest fix.

Answer 2

The quickest, cheapest way would be to remove one hinge pin, and bend it slightly with a hammer (lay it flat on a hard surface and give it a good whack), then reinstall the hinge pin. You may have to do the other pins to maximize the effect. You can always bend it back if you are not satisfied.

Answer 3

You could have the door rebalanced etc, but I would buy a 99cent doorstop from the hardware store ( assuming you mean full size doors, not short Cafe doors). Or, they make all kinds of amusing door stops in everything from concrete to bronze- cats, dogs, gargoyles,gnomes, flamingos, whatever you're into.

Good luck.