Hinge Doctor

[Ezer]

Has anyone used one of these Hinge Doctor tools before? Does it actually work like it says? http://www.hawleylock.com/hingedoctor/

[Shrub]

I can see how it works but not how it fixes the problem.

You probably wont come accross a hinge that it bent that bad if at all, most problems are wear which this tool looks like it plays on, on a bent or stiff hinge i think it will just bend the metal either side of the actal hinge and also stress the screws,

I could be wrong of course but thats my opinion, the price looks way to expensive as well, you may as well make your own from some scrap bar and an hacksaw.

I wouldnt bother even doing that, you may as well buy new hinges.

[Buggs41]

Side note to hinge problems.

If you have a door that has good hinges, and is out of plumb. ( IE. the door always swings open, or closed, all on it's own. ) Pull out one of the hinge pins, and slightly bend it by laying it on it's side on a hard surface, and striking it slightly with a hammer. The slightly bent pin placed back in the hinge, will allow enough friction to prevent the door from moving on it's own.

Buggs

[keysman]

Yes you are correct you could change the hinge (probably should) or bend the hinge pin,
But the Hinge Doctor works in 30 seconds and the job is done.

It is particularly handy when you just need to adjust the door a little bit to make the latch or deadbolt hit the strike a little higher. Much quicker than removing and filing the strike

Yes, you can rip the hinge screws out of the wall/ door so you do have to be careful.

It is a great tool and every locksmith should have one in his/ her tool box.

[Ezer]

Ordered the HA1 from HL Flake yesterday, and got it in today (plug 'cause their awesome ). I like it. I used it on a door that was bad enough off that the door closer was just causing the door to hit against the frame. It didn't completely get the door leveled, and I'm stiil going to replace the hinge, but it got it level enough for the door to close smoothly in only a few seconds. For the price, that's good enough for me.