Hey everyone! I'm working on a project in my condo where I need to replace an interior door hinge with a self-closing one to meet state inspection standards. The tricky part is that the hinge is mounted on a hollow metal frame, and there are no visible screws on the jamb side. It really looks like the hinge leaf is concealed behind the frame's metal lip. I've attached some photos for reference.
Here's what I need help with:
1. If the hinge is welded in place, what's the best way to replace it with a self-closing hinge without damaging the frame?
2. If it's just that the screws are hidden, would it be worth it to cut away part of the metal to access them?
3. Are there any tricks to figuring out if screws are hiding under that lip before I start cutting?
I'd prefer not to go with a surface-mounted door closer for aesthetic reasons, especially since the self-closing hinges I've found don't use a traditional hinge pin. Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
External closers are a good choice and actually tend to work better than hinge-mounted ones anyway. Just make sure the mechanism you choose matches the style of your door for a more cohesive look. You can also check with your local hardware store for some options that blend well.
Yeah, welded hinges can be a pain! In some cases, they are common in older buildings, but they do make things trickier. If you have to stick with a self-closing hinge, I'd agree that an external closer might be the way to go. They usually work just as well and don’t require modification of the frame. But if aesthetics are important to you, it might be worth checking with a contractor to see what your options are without cutting into the metal frame too much.
Sounds like you've got a bit of a puzzle on your hands! From what you've described, it’s possible that the hinge leaf is welded to the frame, especially if it’s a hollow metal door. If that's the case, replacing it with a traditional self-closing hinge might not be possible without some modifications to the frame itself. You might consider using an adjustable self-closing device instead; they attach to the door and frame and can look pretty good if installed neatly.
As for the hidden screws, if they're not visible, cutting into the frame might be risky. Maybe try tapping around the hinge area to see if there's any give or any signs of screws underneath. Just be careful not to damage anything!
Definitely avoid any cutting until you're sure! Tapping is a good call, and you might also use a flashlight to see if you can spot any screws at odd angles. Just don't start cutting without a plan!