A Comprehensive Guide: How to Put Hinges on a New Door
Installing hinges on a new door might seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge, tools, and a bit of patience, it can be a relatively straightforward DIY project. Whether you're replacing old, worn - out hinges or installing a brand - new door, understanding the proper process is crucial. Hinges are the unsung heroes of a door, allowing it to open and close smoothly. In this blog, we'll cover everything from choosing the right hinges to the actual installation process, and even how to troubleshoot common issues.
Types of Hinges
Butt Hinges
Butt hinges are the most prevalent type for doors. Comprising two leaves connected by a pin, one leaf attaches to the door frame and the other to the door. They come in various sizes and materials. For interior doors, 3.5 - 4 - inch butt hinges are common, often made of brass, stainless steel, iron, or zinc - plated steel. Brass ones offer an elegant look and corrosion - resistance for non - harsh environments. Stainless - steel is durable, perfect for exterior doors or humid areas. Zinc - plated steel is budget - friendly for interior use. Iron hinges can withstand significant weight and provide long - lasting performance, ensuring your door operates smoothly for years.
Ball Bearing Hinges
Ball bearing hinges are a type of butt hinge but with an added feature. They contain ball bearings within the hinge mechanism, which allows for smoother operation. This is especially beneficial for heavier doors, such as solid - wood or exterior doors. The ball bearings reduce friction, making it easier to open and close the door. They are available in various sizes and finishes, similar to regular butt hinges.
Spring Hinges
Spring hinges are designed to close the door automatically. They have a built - in spring mechanism that provides the closing force. These are commonly used in commercial settings, such as office buildings or public restrooms, but can also be used in some residential applications, like a laundry room or pantry door. Spring hinges come in different tension settings, allowing you to adjust how quickly or slowly the door closes.
Tools Required
Measuring Tape
A measuring tape is essential for accurate measurements. You'll need it to measure the door and the door frame to ensure the hinges are placed correctly. Look for a measuring tape that is at least 12 feet long, as this will give you enough length to measure most standard - sized doors and frames.
Screwdriver
You'll need a screwdriver to install the screws that hold the hinges in place. Depending on the type of screws used, you may need a Phillips - head or a flat - head screwdriver. In some cases, you might also want to use a power screwdriver for faster installation, but a manual screwdriver works just fine.
Drill
A drill can be helpful, especially if you're installing screws into hardwood or if the door or frame is very thick. You can use a drill to pre - drill holes for the screws, which makes it easier to insert the screws and reduces the risk of splitting the wood. Make sure to use the appropriate drill bit size for the screws you're using.
Chisel
A chisel is used to create mortises for the hinges. Mortises are recessed areas in the door and frame where the hinge leaves sit. This ensures that the hinge is flush with the surface of the door and frame. You'll need a sharp chisel, preferably one with a width that matches the width of the hinge leaf.
Level
A level is used to ensure that the hinges are installed straight. A small, torpedo - level is ideal for this task as it can easily fit in the small spaces around the hinge area. A level will help you avoid having a door that hangs crooked, which can cause problems with opening and closing.
Pencil
A pencil is used to mark the locations for the hinges on the door and frame. Make sure to use a sharp pencil for accurate markings.
Measuring for Hinge Placement
Measuring the Door
Start by measuring the height of the door. Most standard interior doors are 80 inches tall, but it's always a good idea to double - check.
Decide how many hinges you'll need. For a standard - sized interior door, two or three hinges are usually sufficient. If the door is particularly heavy or tall, you may need to use three hinges.
If using two hinges, measure from the top of the door and mark a point 7 inches down. Then measure from the bottom of the door and mark a point 7 inches up. These will be the centers of the hinge locations on the door.
If using three hinges, measure from the top of the door and mark a point 7 inches down, then measure from the bottom of the door and mark a point 7 inches up. For the middle hinge, divide the remaining distance between the top and bottom hinge marks in half and mark the center.
Measuring the Door Frame
Measure the width of the door frame. The hinge leaves on the frame side should be centered on the width of the frame.
Align the marks on the door with the corresponding locations on the frame. Make sure the door is held in the correct position, with the top and bottom of the door flush with the top and bottom of the frame.
Preparing the Door and Frame for Hinge Installation
Creating Mortises on the Door
Place the hinge leaf on the door at the marked location. Use a pencil to trace around the hinge leaf.
Using a chisel, carefully remove the wood within the traced area to create a mortise. The depth of the mortise should be equal to the thickness of the hinge leaf. Start by making a series of small cuts along the edges of the traced area and then gradually remove the wood in between. Be careful not to cut too deep or go outside the traced lines.
Test - fit the hinge leaf into the mortise. It should fit snugly, with the surface of the hinge leaf flush with the surface of the door. If it's too loose, you can add some wood filler or shims to make it fit better. If it's too tight, you may need to remove a bit more wood with the chisel.
Creating Mortises on the Frame
Repeat the process for the door frame. Place the hinge leaf on the frame at the corresponding marked location, trace around it with a pencil, and then use a chisel to create a mortise.
Make sure the mortises on the door and frame are aligned correctly. When the door is closed, the hinge leaves should line up perfectly.
Installing the Hinges
Attaching the Hinge to the Door
Place the hinge leaf in the mortise on the door. Make sure it's seated properly and is flush with the surface of the door.
Insert the screws into the holes of the hinge leaf. Start with the top - most screw and tighten it slightly. Then move to the bottom - most screw and tighten it slightly. This helps to keep the hinge in place and aligned.
Tighten the remaining screws in a criss - cross pattern. This ensures that the hinge is evenly attached to the door and reduces the risk of warping.
Attaching the Hinge to the Frame
Hold the door in place against the frame, aligning the hinge leaves on the door with the mortises on the frame.
Insert the screws into the hinge leaf on the frame side. Start with the top - most screw and tighten it slightly, then move to the bottom - most screw and tighten it slightly.
Tighten the remaining screws in a criss - cross pattern, just like you did for the door - side hinge.
Inserting the Hinge Pin
Once both hinge leaves are attached to the door and frame, it's time to insert the hinge pin. Make sure the hinge leaves are aligned properly.
Insert the hinge pin through the holes in the hinge leaves. You may need to tap it gently with a hammer to get it fully inserted. Some hinges have a removable hinge pin, which can be useful if you need to remove the door later.
Adjusting the Door
Checking for Alignment
After installing the hinges, check if the door is aligned properly. Open and close the door to see if it swings smoothly. If the door rubs against the frame or doesn't close properly, it may be misaligned.
Use a level to check if the door is plumb (vertical) and the frame is level (horizontal). If the door is not plumb, you may need to adjust the hinges.
Adjusting the Hinges
If the door is rubbing on the top or bottom of the frame, you can adjust the hinge screws. Loosen the screws on the hinge leaves slightly. If the door is rubbing at the top, you can try tightening the screws on the top - most hinge on the frame side and loosening the bottom - most hinge on the frame side slightly. This will tilt the door and may correct the rubbing issue.
If the door is not closing properly, you may need to adjust the tension of the hinge. Some hinges, especially spring - loaded hinges, have an adjustment mechanism. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to adjust the tension.
Troubleshooting Common Hinge Installation Issues
Door Sagging
If the door is sagging, it may be due to the hinges not being able to support the weight of the door. This can happen if the hinges are too small or if they are not installed properly. You can try adding an additional hinge in the middle of the door if you only had two hinges originally. Another option is to replace the existing hinges with larger, more heavy - duty hinges.
Hinge Squeaking
Hinge squeaking is a common problem. It can be caused by friction between the hinge parts. You can lubricate the hinge with a silicone - based lubricant or a hinge - specific lubricant. Apply the lubricant to the hinge pin and the moving parts of the hinge. Wipe off any excess lubricant to prevent it from getting on the door or frame.
Door Not Closing Completely
This can be due to several reasons. As mentioned earlier, misalignment of the hinges can cause this problem. Another reason could be that there is something blocking the door from closing, such as a rug or a piece of furniture. Check for any obstructions and also re - check the hinge alignment and adjustment.
Conclusion
Installing hinges on a new door is a task that can be accomplished by DIY enthusiasts with the right tools and knowledge. By choosing the right type of hinges, accurately measuring and preparing the door and frame, and following the proper installation steps, you can ensure a smooth - functioning door. Remember to troubleshoot any issues that arise during or after the installation process. With a little effort, you'll have a door that opens and closes smoothly for years to come.
