The adjustment slots allow you to slightly alter the door’s horizontal location, vertical location, and depth within the door frame. Some door models have 1 slot per hinge to make all 3 adjustments at once, while other models have 2 or 3 slots per hinge so you can make the adjustments separately. With some door models, you may need to first open the door and slightly loosen the screws that hold the each hinge to the door frame in order to remove the adjustment slot caps. [2] X Research source If your door doesn’t have adjustment slots in the hinges, contact the manufacturer for guidance on adjusting the door.
Allen wrenches commonly come with furniture that requires assembly, so you may already have a collection of them in your junk drawer!
Unless your door has only 1 adjustment slot per hinge (to control all adjustments), refer to your user’s manual or contact the manufacturer to determine which slot controls which adjustment (horizontal, vertical, depth). To adjust the door horizontally, turn clockwise to move the door closer to the latch side, and counterclockwise to move it closer to the hinge side. [5] X Research source To adjust the door vertically, turn clockwise to raise the door and counterclockwise to lower the door. [6] X Research source To adjust the door’s depth, turn clockwise to move it deeper into the door frame, and turn it counterclockwise to move it slightly out from the door frame. [7] X Research source
Making the same adjustments on all hinges maintains equal pressure on all of them. This will improve the longevity and performance of your door. Most uPVC doors have either 3 or 4 hinges. Start with only 1 or 2 full turns, then make additional adjustments as needed.
If the door still needs raised vertically, for example, turn the vertical adjustment slots on all hinges another 1 full clockwise rotation. Check again, and make ½ turn adjustments as needed after that. If your door is out of square—that is, it rests crooked within the frame—you may need to further adjust the hinges by differing amounts. Use a trial-and-error process until the gap between the door and frame is even all around.
With some door models, the adjustment slot or slots may be covered by a cap or cover that lifts off. Check your owner’s manual for directions on removing this cap or cover. Your door may have 1, 2, or 3 slots per hinge in order to make vertical, horizontal, and depth adjustments. The number of slots and their location on the hinges vary by manufacturer, so refer to your owner’s manual to figure out which slot or slots to adjust. This method of adjustment works best if the bottom of the door on the latch side drags on the floor when you open it, while the hinge side stays clear of the floor.
If you’ve ever put together furniture from Ikea or a similar retailer, you probably have a collection of Allen wrenches lying around somewhere. Otherwise, you can buy an Allen wrench set at any home improvement store. Most uPVC door models have hexagonal shaped adjustment slots, but some may require the use of a Phillips/cross head screwdriver instead.
Clockwise turns pull the door in toward the hinge side, up from the floor, or both. Start by making only 1 or 2 full rotations of the Allen wrench. You can make further adjustments later if necessary. Make your adjustments while the door is closed and latched.
For instance, say your door has 4 hinges, you adjusted the top hinge’s slot(s) 1 full clockwise turn, and the door no longer drags but sticks in the frame a little. Try turning the second hinge’s slot(s) ¾ of a turn, the third hinge’s slot(s) ½ of a turn, and the bottom hinge’s slots ¼ of a turn. Keep making minor adjustments until the door opens and closes smoothly, without dragging on the floor. [14] X Research source
Open the door so you can find and access the strike plate on the jamb. For some doors, there may be 2 strike plates—one for the door latch, and one for the deadbolt. In this case, adjust both plates in the same manner.
If your door came with an Allen wrench, use it. Otherwise, rummage through your toolbox for Allen wrenches from prior furniture assembly tasks, or buy an Allen wrench set at a home improvement store. Make sure your screwdriver or Allen wrench fits snugly into the indentations on the heads of the screws.
Always remember—a clockwise turn tightens a screw, while a counterclockwise turn loosens it.
The slots in the strike plate that accept the screws should be oblong shaped, which allows for some minor fine-tuning of the position without completely removing the screws and drilling new holes.
When you’re finished, tighten the screws fully. If the door still doesn’t latch properly and you’ve adjusted the strike plate as far as it will go, you can remove the strike plate, drill new screw holes that are just forward or back of (but not overlapping) the old ones, and reinstall the plate in its new location.
