Replacing Exterior Door Hinges

Using both hands lift the door off the hinge knuckles.

Replacing exterior door hinges.

The hinges are installed at the factory when the door is assembled. Entry sets with handles or knobs can typically be adapted to a right or left hand door swing but ones with levers are not so forgiving. With a sharp chisel and hammer cut the wood in the shape of the hinge. If your replacing your entry handleset or other door hardware it s a great time to replace your door hinges as well.

Follow these instructions to hang a solid core door with minimal effort and a higher degree of accuracy. Replacing exising hinges is one possibility and installing hinges on a replacement door slab is a different job. Common jamb widths for stock doors are 4 9 16 in. To install door hinges on a new door measure and mark where your hinges need to go on the door frame and on the door you re hanging.

Measure the hinges you are replacing. Remove the old door from the jamb. These doors work great for newly constructed walls and for replacing doors in. One of the most important doors for your home it boosts curb appeal and creates a first impression for visitors or anyone driving by.

Leave the hinges on the door. Natedra banks senior merchant of exterior doors at home depot says it is possible to replace just the door slab but hinge positions and lock bore positions vary from one manufacturer to another. Most new doors are sold in a pre hung format. Entry doors come in a variety of styles colors and finishes making it easy to find one that matches your home s design and your personal preference.

When you replace a door slab in an existing frame you may have to mortise the hinges into the door. Next place your hinge on the door and trace around the hinge with a pencil. Use a cordless gun to unscrew the hinges from the jamb. Most door hinges are the same measurement in height as they are from side to side when open.

Place the door with the exterior side down across two sawhorses. To determine if your door has a right or left hand swing stand outside and note which side the hinges are attached to. A door that is hinged on the left side for instance swings to the left. While replacing an interior door in an existing opening doesn t require many tools it does require patience and care.

Buying a new prehung exterior door. Most home centers stock prehung exterior doors in a limited number of styles. By learning how to install an exterior door you effectively update one of the key features of your home s appearance this guide reviews how to install an entry door including how to remove the old door position the new one and update such hardware as the hinges and door knob. Measure your door hinges from side to side top to bottom with the leaves open.

Leave the wall side knuckles attached to the door jamb.