Installing a door hinge can be as easy or as difficult depending on several things including  pre-routed spots on the door and door jamb. Depending on the amount of time and look desired will depend on the amount of work and experience needed to install a door hinge. Start your project with these basic steps before and during your project. This will help you save time, effort and possibly avoiding a costly error.

Installing a Door Hinge with Pre-Routed Spots

Step 1: Choose the type of hinge needed for the door. There are several types of hinges to choose from, but not limited to the following: Radius/Residential, Ball Tipped, Pivot, Residential Square, Decorative, Heavy Duty Radius/ Square, Standard Square/Radius, Radius Spring, Radius / Square Ball Bearing, etc. All hinges are available in different colors, texture variations and sizes. A pre-hung door will come with hinges.

NOTE: One aspect to consider is the amount of screws used in each hinge. Most of the time this will depend on the desired look of the hinge, however some door weights may require certain standards and support.

Step 2: Decide if you are going to replace, install new, or modify your current hinges. Sometimes the easiest path to a new look is to replace the old hinge with new hinges of the same type. Rerouting and modifying new hinge types on your door and door jamb will take extra skill and tools.

Step 3: Replace the old hinges with new hinges by removing the center hinge and match it with the new hinge making sure the size, shape and screw placement are exactly the same.

Step 4: Make sure the pin head of the hinge is facing upward as you attach it back to the door.

Step 5: Install the screws. If using a drill to install the screws in the door make sure you have the drill set on a low torque. If the drill doesn’t have this capability don’t install the screws all the way flush. Use a screw driver to make sure the screws are flush to the hinge.

NOTE: Over tightening the screws to the door could cause them to strip inside the door causing the hinge to not support the door properly.

Step 6: Install the center screw first followed by the top screw and then the bottom. Repeat these steps for the top hinge and then the bottom.

NOTE: The third hinge may not align perfectly to the space for the door hinge on the door jamb. Use a rubber mallet to lightly tap the door back in place to get the hinge to align correctly…never force it.

If you are a novice when it comes to home repair keep it simple at first and slowly increase your skills by replacing other types of home hardware as well as practicing on spare pieces of wood and equipment. Learning to rout door hinges and door installation takes time to learn as well as money to buy the equipment to help you along the way.

What are some tips and tricks you’ve done when installing or replacing door hinges?