I think my entry garage door hinges with self closing springs are broken. The door has 3 hinges with 2 spring hinges and 1 normal hinge.

1. Any recommendations on hinge brand? Any specific features or specs to seek out? I see Waterson recommended but it seems like $400 for 3 which is very high for me. Hoping for something good and reliable and durable for less than $50 each?

2. Can I replace these myself? Just open the door and remove and replace the hinge, one at a time? Or it more complicated than that - need some special alignment or adjustments or anything? Is the weight of the (fire?) door too heavy for two hinges to bear while I replace one of the hinges?

Thx.

I don't think the weight of the door will be an issue, but I'd be wary of the "spring" hinges.

If they're meant to pull the door closed and latched, they're likely pretty stout and it could be a problem holding them in position while inserting/tightening the screws.

Any chance of a picture of the existing hinge(s)?

Thx. Good point.

Let me try to get a pic later today.

I was going in the direction of removing the self close ability on the door from the garage to our mud room. YouTube showed me how to take pressure off the spring which I did and then just removed the pin (thus all closing ability).

Only the top and bottom of the three had springs. Noticeably larger diameter we a hole out the side for the spring adjustment..

I would think it's an easy swap with new hinges from a big box store.

No idea on the hinges, but opposing wedges between the floor and the bottom of the door will take the weight off the hinges.

Good tips guys. Any recommendations on brands and/or features? I read about soft closing which sounds nice but looks like the cost of entry is $400. I'll probably settle for cheaper ones and adjust the spring tension (need to learn how) to just barely slam shut.

I'll take pics for existing model # and hole pattern (not sure why the hole pattern changes from model to model?).

I just replaced those hinges with whatever Amazon had, fitting the existing hole pattern. It was $17 for a 2 pack of hinges and super easy to install and adjust. I used an allen wrench and a finishing nail.

Do you really need the self closing hinges?

If not just replace them with standard hinges, much lower cost and the only thing you have to do it remember to close the door.

The only thing scarier that garage door springs is front suspension springs. I prayed a rosary and put on my motorcycle helmet before messing with them. Never again.

Call the man.

Is there some code that requires self closing hinges when selling the house? Not sure. Not sure why the builder installed them. Actually thinking it may be convenient since I need to stretch back into the house to close the door when leaving. And also may be convenient when I've got both arms carrying something.

I can't post pics right now but got the model: Hagar 426-R (made in USA). I think they are 4x4" with 5/8" radius curves.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
The only thing scarier that garage door springs is front suspension springs. I prayed a rosary and put on my motorcycle helmet before messing with them. Never again.

Call the man.

I think he’s talking about the pedestrian door, not an overhead door.

Yes, here it is code that the garage fire door self close and latch after opening.

I did this a long time ago, and my memory is that it took longer to read the instructions and understand the adjustment process than to do the work. It was just like any other hinge, with some extra fiddling about. No injuries and no pinched fingers. It's definitely a DIY.

At least some jurisdictions have a code requirement that self closing hinges be used between the house and garage. The big box stores sell or at least used to sell them inexpensively and they're as easy to change as a standard door hinge.

quote:

Originally posted by mark60:

At least some jurisdictions have a code requirement that self closing hinges be used between the house and garage.

Your location says "Sunshine State" -- Florida? A self-closing door can not be required here.

Florida Statutes Section 553.73, local municipalities and the state building code are explicitly prohibited from requiring a self-closing device on a door between a single-family residence and an attached garage.

Yes the code would depend on the state AND the year the house was built.

On mine the tension is held by a small pin. I used an awl to get the tension on or off the hinge.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by mark60:

At least some jurisdictions have a code requirement that self closing hinges be used between the house and garage.

Your location says "Sunshine State" -- Florida? A self-closing door can not be required here.

Florida Statutes Section 553.73, local municipalities and the state building code are explicitly prohibited from requiring a self-closing device on a door between a single-family residence and an attached garage.

In Florida, no but my house in NY required it. I did the same as BoatsNbullets and removed the tension the first time my wife locked herself out. I forgot to fix it before we sold the house in NY and was surprised I didn't get called on during the home inspection.

Wouldn't a self closing door be in violation of ADA regs ?