Door check strap

[Bruce Bonds]

I would like comments from the forum about an idea that I have. My d/s fnt. door has the common problem of hellacious poping and clacking noise. As most of you know, this noise is caused the piece that holds the check strap retaining pin. It has separated from the body and makes loud clacking noises each time you open and close the door.

Currently, I am running in the silent door mode. I just removed the check strap all together. Boy it's quiet.

The check strap has two functions. It gives you a mid swing stop point and it prevents the door from swinging open two far and thus putting stress on the hinges.

I can do without the mid-swing stop point but I don't want to screw up my hinges in a high wind.

Here is my idea. Rather than welding the piece back to the inside of the body (the correct fix but a major PITA), I want to alter an old check strap so that it will just keep the door from swinging open too far.

Picture this. Take an old check strap assembly. Put it on a piece of wood. Take a hammer and hit the strap at an angle hard enough to dislodge the ball bearings and springs. Throw away the springs and ball bearings but try to keep the rubber bumpers on the sliding barrel. Now you have a door check strap that it not spring loaded and shouldn't cause the the retaining pin holder to clack and pop against the body. I am about to install my "new" and hopefully quiet door check strap and see how it works.

Remember, my only goal is to have a quiet, easy, and cheap method of keeping my door from swinging open too far and fast, thus putting stress on my hinges. I'll keep you posted.