Yes—you can shim Door Hinges, and it’s a common, effective way to correct door alignment issues without rehanging the door. Shimming adjusts how far the hinge leaf sits from the door or frame, which changes the door’s position.

When Shimming Door Hinges Works Best

Shimming is effective if you’re dealing with:

• Doors that rub the frame or floor

• Uneven reveal gaps around the door

• Doors that won’t latch smoothly

• Slight door sag or twist

It’s best for minor corrections, not major structural problems.

Where to Place Shims

You can shim either side of the hinge:

1. Between Hinge and Frame

• Most common method

• Moves the door away from the hinge side

• Useful when the latch side rubs or the top corner binds

2. Between Hinge and Door

• Less common

• Used when the door needs to move toward the hinge side

What to Use as Shims

• Cardboard (from packaging)

• Thin plastic shims

• Commercial hinge shims

• Paper or playing cards (temporary fixes)

Avoid thick wood shims—they can distort hinge alignment.

Step-by-Step: How to Shim Door Hinges

1. Identify the problem area

• Note where the door rubs or gaps are uneven

• Support the door

• Loosen screws on the frame side (one hinge at a time)

• Cut the shim to the hinge leaf shape

• Place it behind the hinge leaf

• Tighten screws snugly

• Add or remove shim thickness as needed

Work gradually—small changes make a big difference.

Which Hinge to Shim (Quick Guide)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using shims that are too thick

• Shimming multiple hinges at once without testing

• Forgetting to support the door

• Overtightening screws and crushing the shim

When Shimming Is NOT Enough

Shimming won’t solve:

• Severely warped doors

• Loose or split hinge screws

• Misinstalled frames

• Fire-rated door alignment issues requiring certification

In these cases, hinge repositioning or door removal is required.

Summary

✔ Yes, door hinges can be shimmed
✔ Shimming is a fast, low-impact alignment fix
✔ Best for minor rubbing and gap issues
✔ Use thin shims and adjust one hinge at a time