Adjusting Door Hinge Spring Tension 

Yes, it sounds like the pin is missing if there's no tension on the door- thanks for your comments! Good luck with your project!- Mike

@natusfreedom472 Hello, you could check into using weatherstripping, like they use for interior to exterior doors, or something similar inside the doorframe to soften the blow when the door closes. If you have more than one door hinge with spring tension, eliminate one, or make the tension so light that the door closes softly. Good luck with your project!- Mike

Definitely, you'll need to release the spring tension from the hinge and then take the screws out of the side you want to paint.- Mike

There are fixed spring tension hinges, but usually, that's something you'd find on outdoor gate hinges. If there's no pin sticking out and it's a smaller hinge, then it may be non adjustable or no spring in it at all. Another person commented that they had to take the hinge off to do the adjustment - that might be an option in your case. There are newer hinges that have a vertical and horizontal adjustment to them, and those adjustments are found in the open face of the hinge. Those type of hinges are more for cabinetry or cabinet doors than anything else. You may have to find a new hinge to purchase, like the one in the video, that is easily adjustable. Good luck with your project!- Mike

@snowydonahue2923 Hello, you can remove the pins from the hinges or adjust the tension all the way down and leave the pins in. Just remember, you're losing one of your safety features of your fire rated door by making it not self closing. This is common, though. I did this same thing at the house to garage door for my in-laws because they are elderly, and they don't want the door slamming on them as their trying to get into the house. Good luck with your project!- Mike

@@mikesdoityourself So when I put the Allen wrench in, Im able to turn only counterclockwise and only about a half inch turn and it stops. I see the pin wiggling but it’s pretty flush. How do I get it out? There’s nowhere to grab the pin

@@snowydonahue2923 strong tape or needle nose pliers might work if the tension is off the pin. - Mike

@@mikesdoityourself YOU’RE A GENIUS! It worked!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tighten spring = move it clockwise with allen wrench

The spring inside could be broken- it could be time to replace or turn the spring more turns. Good luck with your project!- Mike

You would have to find something similar in size and cut it to size - or get a new hinge. Good luck with your project! - Mike

Sure, it will be just like your other hinges that don't have pins and you'll have no closing at all- Normally, the self closing is required because the door is fire rated and is required to close from a fully open or even 30 degree position. So, if you need this door to maintain it's fire rated purpose, you could add a door stop to it so the door can stay open when needed. Good luck with your project!- Mike

You really have to take almost all the tension off the spring to keep it from slamming or closing hard. I like the slow close hinges that some kitchen cabinets have- maybe there is something like this for doors? Good luck on your project!- Mike

Sounds like you set the tension on the spring in the opposite direction; try letting all the tension off and go in the other direction- Good luck!- Mike

@@mikesdoityourself thanks for getting back to me. Took your advice and concentrated on the tension and got it right. Appreciated the assistance, thanks.

I would relieve the tension, then use a magnet, needle nose pliers, chewing gum, or something similar to pull the pin out. Good luck with your project! - Mike

@@mikesdoityourself The pin won't budge with any of those methods. If I remove the hinge, with it release all the tention?

@@lithium98 not really, by using the Allen key in the top or bottom of the hinge - that's how to relieve the spring tension- the pin should move a little if you move the Allen key back and forth.- Mike

@@mikesdoityourself I think I'm out of luck here. Might just have to remove the hinges and put something else in.

@@lithium98 you can always change it out for a new one, for sure.- Mike

Loosening should be apparent when you get an Allen key in the slot on top of the hinge and you take the pin out- good luck on your project! - Mike

@@mikesdoityourself Allen wrench can only tighten. Not lossen

@@mitolu3326 it will loosen when you turn it the opposite way- Mike

@@mikesdoityourself I already try. Click click click... Only made spring tighter. The opposite way does not turn at all

@@mitolu3326 sounds like you might need a new spring hinge that isn't broken or non adjustable- Mike