Today, we're going to look at how to install or replace door hinges without any fuss. Whether you're looking to spruce up the interior of your home with a new door or just want to get rid of squeaky old hinges, these expert tips will help you get the job done quickly and hassle-free. Watch this space for all the tips and tricks you need to get the job done perfectly!
Firstly, work out where the new hinges should go on the door leaf and frame (use the outline of the old hinges when replacing them). Use a chisel and hammer to prepare the hinge recesses. Put each hinge in the recess and mark the screw locations. Now, take the hinge off and drill through the marked places. Then, fasten the hinges with screws and connect the door to the frame, making sure that the hinge parts fit together correctly.
Stage one: Mounting the hinges
Installing door hinges is a task that every home maker who decides to renovate or install new doors with their own hands has to face. If you get the hinge installation right, the door will open and close easily and quietly for many years. Here are some systematic instructions to help you with this important process.
Step 1: Install the hinges in the right place
Before you get started, it's important to figure out where the hinges are on the door. Normally, hinges are placed about 15 to 20 cm from the top and bottom edges of the door leaf. If the door is on the heavy side, you might need a third hinge, which goes in the middle
Step 2: Circle the hinge
Once you've decided where to put the hinges, just lay them against the door leaf and trace them with a pencil or marker. This will be your template for cutting out the mortise.
Step 3: Cut out the mortise and tenon part
Use a chisel and a hammer or a special wood router to carefully cut the material within the outline to the desired depth. This should be the same thickness as the metal part of the hinge. The most important thing is to take your time and make sure the surface is even.
Step 4: Mark the location of the screws
Once you've got the hinge sockets ready, just lay them in place and mark the points for future screws. This is important to make sure everything is secure.
Step 5. Drill pilot holes
Just a heads-up: you'll need to drill pilot holes before installing the screws. They should be deep enough for the screws to go in easily, but narrow enough for them to be securely fixed in the material
Step 6. Install the individual hinges
Now, screw the screws into the prepared holes to secure each hinge part in place on the door leaf.
Step 7. Connect the door to the jamb
Once you've installed all the hinge parts on the door leaf, it's time to connect the door to the jamb. To do this, just lift the door and position it so that the hinge wings on the leaf connect to the wings on the jamb. Then just screw in the remaining screws.
Stage two: Replacement of door hinges
Replacing door hinges might seem a bit complicated at first, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it's actually quite straightforward. Here's how you can get the process organised:
Step 1: Using wooden blocks to reinforce the door
The first thing to do is get the door ready for the hinge replacement. To make sure it doesn't get damaged or move around during the work, use some wooden blocks. Just put them in place so that they support the door on both sides in a horizontal position. This is to make sure that the door doesn't warp or move around too much, which could make it tricky to replace the hinges.
Step 2: Comparing hinges and measuring the door
Before you take the old hinges off, check out the new ones and make sure, they're the right size and shape for your door. This should help you make sure that the new hinges will fit without having to make any changes to the door or jamb. Measure the distance between the screw holes on the old and new hinges, and check the depth of the hinge recess.
Step 3: Removing one of the old hinges
Gently remove one of the old hinges. You might need to use a screwdriver or power drill to remove any tight or rusty screws. Try to do this as carefully as you can to avoid damaging the material.
Step 4: Prepare the jamb and door for installation of the new hinge
Once you've removed the old hinge, have a look at the hinge recess to make sure there's nothing wrong with it. If you need to adjust the size of the new hinge recess, use a chisel and hammer to carefully widen or deepen the compartment. Just to check: make sure the new hinge goes in evenly and without gaps.
Step 5: Install the new hinge
Now, fit the new hinge in place of the old one, following all the fixing points just as you did with the old one. Tighten the screws firmly, but don't overdo it – you don't want to damage the material or the self-tapping screws.
Step 6: Repeat the process with the second hinge
Once you've got the first new hinge installed, move on to the second one. The process is similar: first, carefully remove the old hinge, prepare a place for the new one, and then install it.
Step 7: Checking the new hinges
Once you've finished installing the hinges, check that everything is working properly. The door should open and close easily and quietly, and close smoothly without snags or squeaks.
These simple instructions will help you to replace your door hinges easily and reliably.
Questions-Answers
1. Is it possible to install door hinges without mortise and tenon?
Yes, mortise hinges can do this. They attach directly to the door and frame. A great choice for DIY makers or when you need to save time.
However, not all doors can have overlay hinges.
2. Is it easier to install door hinges with a router?
Installing door hinges is tricky. It can be hard to do by hand, especially if you're new to it. A router makes it easier. It lets you cut out hinge slots quickly and accurately.
The router makes sure the edges are clean and even, which is important for the door to open and close smoothly. Plus, it saves time.
Use a router to install door hinges if you have one. It makes the job easier and the result more reliable!
3. How many hinges should I use on the door: 2 or 3 hinges?
The number of hinges for a door depends on the weight and size of the door leaf. Two hinges are enough for most lightweight interior doors. For heavy and tall doors, use three hinges.
Three hinges make it safer to fix, distribute the load evenly and reduce the risk of sagging. This is especially important for solid or metal entrance and interior doors.