How to Install or Replace Door Hinges

Door hinges play an important role in daily life; Every door needs hinges. The hinge on the outer door is the first security barrier to protect people and property in the house. For doors in the house, hinges help ensure privacy for family members. Hinge fitting, whether new or replacement, is an easy skill to learn and is essential for many people, especially those who enjoy doing odd projects themselves.

Table of Contents

Install door hinge

Place the hinge in the correct position. Assuming you are installing a new door, you need to find the right spot on the door frame to attach the hinges. Most doors need at least two hinges: one located 20cm from the top edge of the door frame and the other 30cm from the bottom edge of the door frame. Measure this distance and mark on the door frame, and do the same on the door you plan to install.

If you use a third hinge (usually for heavy doors), it will be centered between the other two hinges (slightly off the midpoint).

Mark around the hinge. Place the hinge in place on the door and door frame, then mark around the hinge with a pencil. The depth of the mortise on the door frame is always equal to the thickness of the hinge. Double-check to make sure the hinge line is in the same place on the door and frame, before proceeding to the next step. Next, use the utility knife to carve along that contour; This step makes it easier for you to punch the mortise.

Dream slot. The term ‘mortar chisel’ refers to the act of chiseling out the wood on the door frame in the shape of a hinge, so that the hinge fits into the door frame for sturdiness and a better look. To chisel a mortise, you will need a sharp chisel and a hammer. One handle chisels at the right angle, the other hand holds a hammer and taps lightly to remove layers of wood. Do not drill the mortise too deeply as this will cause the hinge to loosen over time. Only chisel in contour with marked depth. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Using a dull chisel will make it more difficult to chisel the mortise, and you will also have to hammer harder (easily miss).
If the mortise slot is too deep, you can insert a thin piece of wood into it before installing the hinge.

Replace door hinges

Use a spacer to stabilize the door. Turn the door so that the hinges are exposed, and insert a support underneath to keep the door stable. When replacing the hinge, you do not need to move the door. Place supports underneath to support the door so it doesn’t topple over.

Compare the hinges and measure the door. Make sure the new hinges are the same as the old hinges in both size and shape. In addition, you should use a tape measure to check that the current hinges are in place. One hinge should be located 20cm from the top edge of the door frame, and the other 30cm from the bottom edge of the door frame. If their position is not correct then you need to perform the above steps to punch the mortise slot and install a new hinge.

Remove the old hinges. Starting with the top hinge, remove the screws holding the hinge wings. Carefully pull the hinges away from the door and door frame, checking that the wood underneath the hinges is in good condition. You may need to insert small pieces of wood into the old screw holes, especially if the holes are already chipped.

Prepare the door frame and door for new hinges. If the door has been in use for a relatively long time, you may need some minor repairs to the door frame and door. Sandpaper if necessary, and apply a fresh coat of paint to match the previous wood color.

If the new hinge is a different size from the old hinge, apply wood putty to the tenon slots on the door and door frame. Use a scraper to insert small pieces of wood into the screw hole.
Wait for the wood putty to dry and use sandpaper to smooth it with the surrounding surface.
Paint the repair site to match the rest of the door.

Advice

The hinged wings on the door frame have more joints than the hinged wings attached to the door.
Fix screw holes that are too wide by inserting wood chips and glue into them. If you use self-drilling screws, you will avoid cracking the door frame because the wood is too hard and lacks elasticity. New wood spiked screws are still “green” and wet.
If the hinge position is too crushed and the door frame is cracked, replace the 2-hole hinge with a 4-hole hinge. So you only need to drill a 3mm deep mortise slot on the door and door frame. Because 4-hole hinges have a different screw position than 3-hole hinges, you don’t need to move the hinge and replace the old broken door frame. Do not use self-drilling screws on old door frames because the wood is brittle and easily broken.
Hinges are classified by door weight, and other factors such as surroundings, intended use, etc. You must choose the right type of hinge for your door and its intended use. Measure the length of the hinge, check the edge and thickness to help determine the hinge type.

Warning

For the exterior door, be sure to install the hinges so that its joints are inside the house.

Things you need

Set of hinges and screws
Anti-fall lining fabric
Saw price
Wood putty
Flour knife
Grated knife
Paint (if needed)
Sandpaper
Utility knife
Sharp chisel
Hammer
Screwdrivers
Drill and drill bit (optional)

Steps

Install door hinge

Replace door hinges

Advice

Warning

Things you need

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