How To Take Door Off Hinges

Learning how to take a door off old hinges and put the door back on its hinges is a basic DIY task that can be done on your own without much help.

Whether you’re putting in a new door or replacing your old one, it’s crucial to know how to put it back on hinges correctly before closing the door again. You don’t want to have to force the door closed after you’ve already taken so much time removing it! Remember these simple steps and you’ll be putting your door back on hinges in no time at all.

Remove Old Door From Frame

To remove an old door from its frame, start by unscrewing the doorknob. Then, take off the two screws that hold the strike plate in place. With those screws removed, you should be able to pull the door out of the frame. 

If it’s stuck, you may need to tap it with a mallet or use a pry bar to loosen it. Once the door is out, remove the hinge pins by tapping them out with a hammer or screwdriver. 

Fix Damaged Trim

It is not uncommon for the trim around a door to become damaged. Whether it is from normal wear and tear or from an accident, the trim can become cracked, chipped, or even broken. If the damage is severe, you may need to replace the entire piece of trim. 

However, if the damage is minor, you can usually repair it with some wood filler and a little bit of elbow grease. Apply wood filler over the affected area and use your fingers to smooth out any rough edges. You can also use a rag dipped in water as well as sandpaper to help get into those tight corners. 

Allow the fillers to dry overnight before sanding it down with coarse-grit sandpaper, such as 120-grit sandpaper. Once the rough edges are gone, use fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) to remove any excess dust particles that may have been created by coarse-grit sandpaper.

Remount New Door

Once the door is removed, take a close look at the hinges. If they’re damaged, you’ll need to replace them before proceeding. Next, it’s time to install the new door. Begin by holding it in place and then screwing or bolting it into the frame. Once the new door is secure, open and close it a few times to make sure it’s properly aligned. 

Attach New Door Hinges

After your door is mounted, gather your new door hinges and proceed to tap them into place with a hammer, making sure they’re level and flush with the surface of the door and frame. Once all of the hinges are in place, screw them into the frame with screws that are long enough to go through both layers of wood (the door and the frame). 

Hang the door on the hinges and make sure it swings freely.  Make any adjustments as needed. Make sure to use your fingers only! Then, take a moment and take stock of what you’ve accomplished. What once was just pieces of wood has now become something useful again: a door for your home!

Add New Strike Plate And Latch Set

1. Begin by measuring the distance between the center of the knob and the edge of the door. This is called the backset. 
2. Most knobs have a 2-3/8 backseat, but it’s important to measure just in case yours is different. 
3. Once you know the backset, you can purchase a new strike plate and latch set that matches. 
4. To install the new strike plate, simply hold it in place and mark where the holes need to be drilled. 
5. Drill pilot holes for each screw, then secure the strike plate with screws. 
6. To install the new latch, insert it into the hole in the strike plate and secure it with screws.

Benefits Of New Door Hinges

1. New door hinges can make your home more energy-efficient. 
2. They can also improve the security of your home. 
3. Additionally, new door hinges can help reduce the amount of noise that comes from your doors. 
4. They can also add an extra layer of protection against pests and burglars. 
5. Plus, new door hinges can help improve the resale value of your home. 
6. And finally, they just look nicer than old, worn-out hinges! 
7. There are many different styles of closet doors available for purchase, so you should be able to find something that matches your current décor.
8. A few popular styles include sliding closet doors, French barn doors, hinged barn-style closet doors, and swinging closet doors with a push bar or pull handle (these usually have a latch at the top).
9. There are many other options as well (shower enclosures with a sliding glass door?
10. No matter what type you choose, make sure it’s made out of quality materials so it will last for years.

Final Thoughts

If you’re trying to figure out how to take a door off the hinges and are tempted to call the local handyman, remember this guide and give it a try on your own.