How To Hinge A Door Jamb

Transfering door hinges to a new jamb.

How to hinge a door jamb.

Using both hands lift the door off the hinge knuckles. Test the door to make sure it works and you re finished. Lay your new door across two sawhorses with both ends and sides hanging off somewhat. You ll want these in the same position so that your door will align properly.

Remove the screws that hold the loose hinge leaf to the door jamb. Line up the two hinge plates so that the ones on the door match the ones in the jamb. Screw the door frame together with 2 1 2 inch screws. Screw the hinges onto the correct side of the jamb.

Attach the hinges to the jamb and the door. Place the door in the jamb and fasten it to the hinges. Hold the door in place using blocks under the bottom to support it if necessary. Slide the hinge pins into place and remove the blocks from the door.

Cut the head jamb to a length equal to the door width plus the combined rabbet or dado depth plus slightly more than 1 8 inch. Using a mortising template route matching mortises for the hinges on the door and jamb. Unless you are installing a prehung door you ll need to trace the outline of the hinges on the jamb and cut an indentation using a router or utility knife. Open the door wide and insert a wedge under the bottom outside corner to level it.

Hinge mortises on a door are often cut by machine with a router and straight bit but you can cut mortises by hand using a hammer and chisel as well. It s much easier to do now before the hinges are screwed in and the whole thing is attached to the door. Place your old door on top of the new one. Begin with the mortises on the door then the mortises on the jamb.

Hang the door in the jamb. How to tighten stripped hinge screws. If the hinge and jamb are painted cut the paint around the leaf with a utility knife swing the leaf away from the jamb. Trim door to correct size.

One of the great ways to pre hang a door and jamb that you can use on every site. The hinge mortise allows the hinge to be mounted flush with the jamb and door so the door will close properly. One of the great ways to pre hang a door and jamb that you can use on every site. Door jamb frames consist of two vertical legs or side jambs and a horizontal board at the top called the head jamb.

This all in one unit is often used in new construction to avoid separate installation of the jamb and the. Make sure it s tight and opening in the right direction. To do a good job cutting mortises the chisel needs to be razor sharp.