Why won’t my interior door stay completely open? When I open it, it always moves to a half open position and will not stay fully open.

– Larry

Hi Larry,

The reason your door won’t stay open is probably that the door frame, or the wall it’s attached to, was installed slightly out of plumb. While there’s no easy fix for the framing, there are a couple of ways to keep the door where you want it.

First, remove one of the hinge pins, bend it slightly with a hammer, then tap it all the way back into the hinge. This will increase the friction in the hinge joint and prevent the door from moving as easily.

If bending one pin doesn’t do the trick, try bend the other ones as well. Watch our video on Hinge Pin Door Repair to see how to go about it.

Another option is to install a special door stop with a magnetic or friction catch that attaches to the door. When you open the door all the way, the stop engages the catch to hold the door fully open.

Good luck with your project,


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Danny Lipford

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Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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