How to Adjust the Hinges on a Pella Patio Door

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Things You'll Need

  • Phillips screwdriver

  • Shims

  • Paperclip

With both hinged and sliding patio doors included in its products, the Pella Corp. offers various styles of windows and doors that are energy efficient. According to the company's website, Pella.com, it is the second largest manufacturer of windows, patio doors, and entry and storm doors in the United States. Depending on a Pella patio door's height, it has either three or four hinges. The hinges have either polypropylene or fiber shims behind them that affect the door clearance, which you can change by adjusting the hinges.

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Step 1

Open the patio door. Loosen each screw that holds a hinge in position against the panel if polypropylene shims are behind the hinge. Remove the screws if fiber shims are behind the hinge. Use a Phillips screwdriver.

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Step 2

Slide one additional shim between the hinge and wood panel if you want to reduce clearance at the door's lock jamb, which is the opposite side from the door's hinged side. Skip this step and proceed to Step 3 if you want to add clearance to the lock jamb instead.

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Step 3

Bend a paperclip, and slide it between the hinge and wood panel if the door has polypropylene shims. Hook a shim with a paperclip, and slide the shim out. Hook and remove a second shim if necessary. Remove one or two shims with your hand if the shims are fiber shims.

Step 4

Tighten or install all the screws back into the hinge using the Phillips screwdriver.

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Step 5

Open and shut the patio door to ensure it moves smoothly and that its position on the frame is as you wish. Repeat the steps to add or remove shims as necessary.

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