How To Hang A Door

Learning how to hang a door can be a relatively easy task to master. With just a little preparation, the right tools and technique, you can hang a door successfully in very little time.

To hang a door you will need:

• Door
• Pen Knife or Scratch Awl
• Pencil or Pen and Paper
• Butt Gauge or T-Square Tool
• Drill or Power Screw Driver
• Hinges and Screws

1. Gather all of the needed tools. Assemble the items that you will need to hang a door. Include the door that you intend to hang, a pen knife or scratch awl, pencil or pen and paper to note measurements, and a butt gauge or T-square, if possible, which can make the process much easier. Part hanging a door involves learning how to use all of the tools that you will need to do it. For example, a drill or power screw driver will make the process much easier than using a traditional screwdriver.
    
2. Decide whether you will hang the door to be left or right handed. If this doesn’t matter or you’ve already purchased the door, figure out which side will open. For example, a door hung to the right simply means that the hinge is on the right side. Conversely, a left-handed door hinge will be on its left side. Know that the hand of any door will always be determined by where it sits on the outside. When considering an entrance, this will include the street side. Understand that the "outside" of any interior door will be from the side where the hinges are not available. For example, when you hang a door, it will open away from you.
    
3. Prepare to mark the hinge position. Mark where the hinge will be attached when you hang a door. Use a pen knife or scratch awl so that there are square lines visible to see where the hinge will be attached. Consider using a butt gauge or T-square tool to measure against the side or jamb of the door.
    
4. Use a tool to measure the hinge region. Place the tool you will use to hang the door against the hinge to determine the width of the hinge. Figure in the setback hinge, which is generally 1/4". The setback will hide the hinge while it is recessed in the door. When you hang a door, these are crucial measurements to have in place. Measure the jamb of the door by placing the tool you are using against it. Make note of the measurement in case you need to refer to it later. The space between the hinge leaves will allow for clearance at the edge of the door. If a hinge will not be swaged, set the gauge at slightly less than half the thickness of hinge's barrel. Be aware that heavier doors will require more substantial hinges than lighter doors. To hang a door that is longer than five feet, you will need to have at least three hinges.
    
5. Mount the hinges and door. Drill or screw the hinges onto the door and mark the hinge positions on the frame. To most effectively hang a door, have a person secure the door inside the frame exactly where you want it positioned. Ensure that the hinges run parallel along the frame. Place the screws through the holes so that the hinges are affixed on the frame of the door.