GKL Hinge Doctor HA2 "The Hulk" Template

[VashTSPD]

Hey,

Any locksmith with an [url]GKL HA2[/url] willing to scan it next to a ruler or provide measurements? I'd like to make my own.

Thanks for reading!

[VashTSPD]

...and that link I meant to post: https://www.clksupplies.com/products/hi ... ial-hinges

[Jacob Morgan]

According to GKL's website the device is covered by a patent (pat pending at least).

http://gklproducts.com/images/Hinge_Doctor_HA2_Instructions.pdf

[Squelchtone]

So since we are not just a forum for locksmiths, I'm gonna move this from lp101 General Chatter to Locksmith Supplies.

Squelchtone

[VashTSPD]

Hey Jacob,

Actually I checked into that...that is the patent for he older cylinder style. I don’t think it actually covers the HA2. They don’t print the patent on the actual HA2 tool if you look. I’ll email the company about it.

[billdeserthills]

I have several of the older style Hinge Doctors and I never use them.
First off if you try to use this tool on a wood door, it will rip the screws out-- if the builder used the little screws
that are installed in the wood frame that originally came with the door, cause those are very short screws

Even on the metal doors I have tried this tool on, if the screws aren't in good shape, they will be ripped from the
frame & then you'll get to see what a real saggy door looks like.

Instead of this 'tool' I use my 18vt de walt cordless die grinder to cut the strike hole lower
or I get 2" long wood screws (on a wood stile) and replace the shorty screws that won't tighten
If you do tighten door hinges you need to take the weight off the hinge screws first or the screws
may strip out as you tighten them, one by one

Lifting a door is just one good thing an air-bag can do for you I get mine from china

[VashTSPD]

Hey Bill,

I think the newer HA2 may address the issue you had with the legacy cylinder type Hinge Doctors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Rp3i7VxNk

With the door closed the HA2 shouldn't put that type of stress on the hinge screws.

[billdeserthills]

Hey Bill,

I think the newer HA2 may address the issue you had with the legacy cylinder type Hinge Doctors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Rp3i7VxNk

With the door closed the HA2 shouldn't put that type of stress on the hinge screws.

None of the hinge-bending tools I have seen place force upon the door hinge until the door is opened--
That force placed upon the hinge is translated to the screws that hold the hinges to the door & frame
This is where the hinge screw ripping force comes from.

I won two of my hinge tools from The National Locksmith
for the Tips & Tricks I sent in--I made the biggest hinge tool I own with a piece of stainless steel round bar
in my milling machine, by drilling a large offset hole through it's length, that's how the original hinge Dr tools
were made.

I know the last steel door I tried the Hinge Dr on is the last time I will ever use this 'tool'
and that's just the way I felt about it after the last time I used it on a wood door also--

[VashTSPD]

None of the hinge-bending tools I have seen place force upon the door hinge until the door is opened--

Doesn't the video show the tool needs a closed door? I'm probably just misunderstanding what you're trying to say here.

You mentioned using the old style but are those criticisms of the newer style tool too?

[billdeserthills]

Hey Bill,

I think the newer HA2 may address the issue you had with the legacy cylinder type Hinge Doctors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Rp3i7VxNk

With the door closed the HA2 shouldn't put that type of stress on the hinge screws.

After watching your video I can see that I'm gonna hafta make one of these

I would stay away from those other hinge dr tools though

[VashTSPD]

More info, the HA2 is patented under a different patent then the one in the image, https://www.google.com/patents/US7188509

But it works on the same principle as https://www.google.com/patents/US6257101 which is lapsed and easier to make.

[billdeserthills]

Just finished my new hingy dr tool and it really does work great!
I used a 1" x 7/8" bar of aluminum and I just drilled a 29/64" hole thru
one side of the bar. I know there are two different sides to the Hinge Dr, but I don't have the other
measurement yet. This tool works great on my cheap hinges, you can see the torque actually raising
the door

Thanks for the idea, this is easier than using the die grinder!

[VashTSPD]

Haha great! I think I might try to mock one up free hand too. There's also the adjustable wrench style (https://www.google.com/patents/US6257101) which people probably have a spare one of hanging around.

[cledry]

I've used the hinge doctor on hundreds of doors after first checking the frames and doors and have never had an issue with it causing damage. I would suggest that over-zealous use will cause issues but the tool is in my opinion worth its weight in gold. I don't use it on wood frames I don't use it on storefront frames, just steel frames.

[VashTSPD]

Good to know! Jim I'm interested...do you open the door to straighten the hinge or take a wrench to the wrench flats on the (I assume older gen) Hinge Doctor?