On Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:57:22 -0500, Chris wrote:

I can't tell from the photo, but is it possible that the bracket is in
the wrong place? What you say at number 3 above about the door never
closing all the way seems to support the wrong position theory.

The door closes correctly 90% of the time. Sometimes there just
wasn't enough "oomph" to close it though.


Why did those holes get too large to start with?

No ideas. None. Possibly, the previous door hardware had larger
screws. I just drilled new holes, visibly smaller, and the screws
went in nice and tight. Hmm, it's a vinyl door - could the vinyl's
softness be a reason?


a) go with 3. - plus fill the old holes with proper material and
repaint the door.

b) or if the brackets are at the right distance you may have just to
work on the adjustment, fill the holes and re-use the same screws.

c) if the door is not plumb, call a handy man and let him earn his wage.
Could be a mortifying experience, but make sure to look at what he's
doing and how. If the guy is any good, you will be glad you spent the
money.

Good luck

What kind of "proper material" is there? I can't imagine anything
that would fill the holes strongly enough to hold screws tightly
enough against the force of the piston.

The door does close tightly now, although I wish I'd get a little more
resistance from the piston (that is, have the door "bounce" on the
piston once instead of just slamming shut).

My ineptitude at fixing things immunizes me against any mortifying
experience asking for help. Believe me.