Door hinges play an important role in our daily life; it supports the outside doors of your home, being one of the front lines of protection for your family inside the house from the fierceness of nature and other things. In the house, he also plays a role in maintaining the privacy of each family member. Installing door hinges, whether it's new hinges or replacing a broken hinge, is an easy skill to learn and very beneficial for homeowners, especially those who like to do their own home repairs.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Installing the Door Hinges
Step 1. Determine the correct hinge location
If you are going to install a new door in your house, you must first determine where the hinge will be attached to the wall. Most doors require at least two hinges: one located 17.5 cm from the top of the door frame, and one located 27.5 cm from the base of the door frame. Measure following this distance and mark the position on the frame and door leaf that you will install.
If you need to install a third hinge (usually for heavy doors), place it right between the other two hinges (the result will indeed appear to be not centered on the height of the door leaf)
Step 2. Make a pattern according to the hinge shape
Glue the hinge wing (the horizontal plate on the hinge) in the position marked on the door leaf and frame, then use a pencil to draw along the edges of the hinge wing according to the original shape. Write down a number or draw a line to indicate how thick the hinge wing will be. Check again and make sure that the position and shape of the hinges drawn are appropriate and fit between the door leaf and the frame, before proceeding to the next step. Using a cutter knife, scratch following the line pattern you have made. This will help you when making hinge designs.
Step 3. Make hinges
Make a pattern according to the hinge shape pattern. Coakan is a shallow hole to attach the hinge wing. Molds need to be made so that once installed, the position of the hinge wings will be flush with the sides of the door leaf and frame, in order to provide more strength and an aesthetic appearance. To make a mortar, you will need a very sharp inlay and a hammer. Carve the wood of the door and frame carefully from the outside gradually, layer by layer thinly. Don't go too deep into the mold, because this will make the hinges get looser over time. Sculpt according to the pattern and depth that has been determined.
- Using a blunt inlay will make the job more difficult and you'll tend to use more force to swing the hammer (and so there's a greater chance of missing).
- If you've already made the stitches too deep, back them up with cardboard as needed before you attach the hinge wings.
Step 4. Mark the location of the hinge screws
Insert the hinge wing into the template you made, then use a pencil to mark the points where the screw holes are. Do this on the door leaf and frame. Remove the hinge wings again when you are finished marking.
Step 5. Make screw holes
Use a screwdriver to make shallow holes at the points where the hinge screws will be installed. These holes are useful to help ensure that the screws do not slip out of place when installed later.
Step 6. Install the hinges
Separate the two hinge wings, insert each into the holes on the frame and on the door leaf, then use a screwdriver to screw in all the screws. Tighten them until you are sure that they are installed correctly.
Step 7. Connecting the door leaf with the frame
Hold the door leaf until the hinge meets the hinge on the frame. Use a wedge under the door if necessary. Adjust so that the two hinge wings fit together, marked with the hinge book in line, then insert the hinge pin into the hinge book and make sure it is securely in place. Do this on all door hinges, then remove the door hinges. Try to open and close the door. If the hinges are working properly, then your job is done!
Method 2 of 2: Replacing the Door Hinges
Step 1. Use the wedge to secure the door
Open the door leaf so that the hinges are fully visible, then wedge the underside of the door leaf to secure it. When you replace the hinges, you don't have to move the door leaf. Placing a wedge under the door leaf will help keep the door from falling.
Step 2. Check the hinge size
Make sure the new hinge is the same size as the old hinge. You can also use a tape measure to measure whether the old hinge is in the correct position. The top hinge must be 17.5cm from the top of the frame and the bottom hinge must be 27.5cm from the base of the frame foot. If it's not in the right place, you'll need to refer to the previous section on how to make hinge templates and prepare the frame for the new hinges to install.
Step 3. Remove the old hinge
Starting from the top hinge, slowly remove the screws that attach the hinge to the door leaf or frame. Check that the wood on which the hinge was originally attached is still in good condition.
Step 4. Prepare the door leaf and frame for the new hinges
If the previous hinges have been in place for a long time, you may need to make minor repairs to the door leaf and frame. If necessary, sand the surface of the wood again, then apply a coat of paint or polish that matches the color of the wood.
- If the size of the replacement hinge is different from the old one, cover the screw holes in the hinge fittings with wood putty. Use a metal scraper to apply the putty to seal the hole completely.
- Let the putty dry first, then sand it down until smooth and even.
- Give paint or polish so that the color is the same as the surrounding surface.
Step 5. Installing the new hinges
Install the new hinge in place of the old hinge. Use a screwdriver to screw in the provided screws until the two hinge wings are attached to the door leaf and frame. Finally, insert the hinge pins to hold the two hinge wings together.
Step 6. Repeat the above steps for the second hinge
Moving on to the next hinge, use a screwdriver to remove all the screws. Replace with a new hinge and install the new screws too, so that the hinge is installed properly and does not slip out of place. Insert the hinge pins when the two hinge plates are properly seated.
If your door has a third hinge (middle hinge), replace it as well as the other hinges
Step 7. Try a new hinge
Remove the block from under the door and try to open and close the door several times. If the door can open without a problem, then your job is done!
Tips
- Hinge wings that have more hinge books must be attached to the door frame.
- Hinges have various sizes that are adjusted to the weight of the door leaf, the frequency of opening and closing, as well as resistance to natural conditions. Make sure you install the right hinges, which are suitable for the type and use of your door.
