Question: We’re new residents in Del Webb that are replacing our hardware. However, I’ve been unable to find a supplier of the garage door “spring” hinges (locally or online)!
Answer: Self-closing door hinges are required on a door leading to an attached garage to keep a garage fire from spreading to the house. You will see a cylinder on the hinge surrounding the hinge pin usually on two of the hinges. The spring is located inside this cylinder. When this spring breaks the door will no longer close by itself.
If you search “self closing door hinge” on the Internet you will see many different configurations, but most are either three inches or four inches. The ones on my door are four inches. Most hardware and big box stores carry these hinges. The safest way to get the correct hinge is to remove the broken one and bring it to the store and match it up with the ones they stock. Even if only one is broken you should replace both of them. The hinges on my door are Bommer LB4382-400-633.
After you install the hinges you may need to adjust the tension to get the proper closing speed. Look at this Youtube video to see how this is done.
Can neglected maintenance cause your heat to go off?
Several people in our neighborhood have reported that their heat went off recently. The cause was that the batteries died in the thermostat. Some of them had to pay for a service call to put new batteries in their thermostat. Neglecting normal maintenance can be expensive.
Warning about grill placement
Now that grilling season is here I want to remind you not to put your grill too close to the house. Each year in Sun City we hear about grills on decks and patios that are placed too close to the house so that while hamburgers are being grilled, the vinyl siding on the house is melted.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
