Two Door Problems

Question

Our 320RLDS TT's main or large entry door has sagged enough that the slide lock bumps into the hardware below the cutout it should fit into. While I could enlarge the length of that receiving hole, I would rather straighten up the door. I imagine it will get worse over time as there is a certain amount of unavoidable down pressure on the hinge when entering or exiting through the door. And I and a friend can't figure out how to adjust the hinge. I pulled back the weather strip to expose the screws, but they are snug and have no ability to be moved horizontally. Any ideas that can let me fix it without going to a repair shop?

Also, has anyone changed out the lock on one of these doors for a more secure one as well as replaced the screen door latch with one that will lock from the inside? One of our dogs can open the screen door latch and visit the neighbors.

Thanks.

argosy24 · Answer

Is it the hinge or the door itself? If the hinge isn't pulling out at the top and there is no adjustment I'd look at the door. If you measure the 2 diagonals of the door they should be the same, if not it's out of square and that's the problem.

Measure the door opening the same way to make sure it isn't racking.

doxiemom11 · Answer

Our door was doing that - hinges were getting worn.  DH used heavy gauge copper wire and cut a small piece to form a "c".  With door open when he pushed up and in it exposed space between the hinges.  He inserted the copper wire  and then wrapped it/clamped it around the post.  Doing this in between all hinges raised and realigned the door.  Don't know how long it will last but it's been about a year now.  Kind of like shimming between the hinges.

bfl13 · Answer

Dog-proofing the screen door. Cover the inside bottom half with a piece of clear acrylic window pane so the dogs can't bust through the screen, but you can still see out.

Drill holes at each corner and screw it onto the inside screen door frame. Now screw on a latch bolt near the top of the acrylic pane.

With the main door open, you can come and go un-locking the screen door coming in by using the slider opening above where the bolt you put on is to reach through to pull over the bolt.

Problem! If you forget and leave the screen door bolted and close the outer main door (or the wind does), now you can't get in unless you yank hard to break the connection between the main door and the screen door handle.

A dog could figure out how to lift the little knob and slide open the latch bolt in no time, but so far ours have taken pity on us by pretending they don't know how.

sljkansas · Answer

Doxiemom has the common fix. Some will use E clips instead of wire. The biggest cause for this is using the door to pull yourself up the steps. I suggest you get the folding door handle and use it.

doxiemom11 · Answer

Don't know how door used prior to our ownership, but thinking ours is from open and closing over 13 years times.  Hinges are just not as thick as they started out.  Wearing out.

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Two Door Problems

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