Now there are many reasons why you might want to remove a door off its hinges. It could be because you’re laying down a new carpet or probably want to strip down the entire door to repair it properly. You might also want to remove the door to replace it with a new one. If anything, there are countless reasons why a homeowner will want to remove the door off its hinges. However, while the process may appear to be simple, it can soon turn into a hassle if you’ve not done this before, especially if dealing with solid wooden doors known for being particularly heavy.
In this article, we’ll try to describe the easiest way for anyone to remove a door off its hinges. In our experience, this technique works every time, but you’re free to improvise as you see fit.
Initial Steps Before You Take A Door Off Its Hinges
One of the first steps you need to take to ensure that the job goes smoothly is to close the latch and the door. You then start by removing the hinge pins by tapping the bottom with a nail. However, be careful because you don’t want to drive the pins all the way out using the nail since the hammer can damage the trim. After the pins have popped up slightly, maybe an inch or so, you can then try pulling them out with your fingers. If they feel stubborn, you can also try driving them up from underneath using your hands or a flat face screwdriver.
The Second Step
You will want to slide something under the door to protect the floor as you ease the door off its hinges. If you don’t have a soft mat like a yoga mat, you can use cardboard placed underneath the door. To ease the door off, lift the knob slightly with one hand and put one hand under the other hinges. If you feel the door’s weight making it difficult to separate both hinges, you can put a pry bar under the door to gently pry it off the hinges.
We want to add that it is essential that you don’t put too much force since it can cause the door to fall off the hinges. Not only can that damage the door but also anything else nearby and, if nothing else, then your floor.
Once the door is off the hinges and placed flat on the floor, you can do the work needed. However, if you are dealing with a heavy door, you might need another pair of hands to help you.
Putting The Door Back
Many people say that taking the door off the hinge is easy; putting the door back can be challenging. However, with the right technique, you’ll find that putting it back is as easy as taking it off.
To put the door back, you need to grab the center of the door and tilt it slightly to the top, then engage your knuckles to the top hinge. Then using the weight of the door hanging from the top hinge, you work in the remaining hinges.
You will want to push the hinge pin into the first hinge that lines up. It would help if you have another set of hands insert the pins as soon as they are lined up. If even one of your hinges is low, then they will not fit together. The alternative is to use a pry bar under the door, lever up the door until the other hinges click together so that you can insert the hinge pin. You then close the door and hold it firmly.
The important thing is to be careful and move slowly. Avoid any sudden movements when putting the door back on its hinges since it can damage the door or the frame.
Power Tip
It might be an excellent time to replace the hinge pins when you have the door off its hinges. Hinge pins are usually under a tremendous load if you have a heavy wooden door, and replacing them will ensure years of trouble-free service life. Most hardware stores that sell hinges also have hinge pins.
If your hinges are over ten years old, you might want to consider replacing the hinges altogether. Install new hinges, and that will ensure that a lot of your issues regarding creaks and pops each time the door is in use will be over. Even high-quality door hinges aren’t expensive, but they can last you a very long time. Furthermore, replacing the hinges now will save you from having to take the door off again should you want to replace the hinges later when they become a problem.
Conclusion for Taking a Door Off Its Hinges
As you have probably realized, it does not require much effort to take a door off its hinges. However, you might see this as being a little challenging if you have not done something like this before. It is, for this reason, it helps if you have another set of eyes and hands to help you.
You will also want to invest in some quality lubricant so that you can lubricate the hinges prior to putting the door back on its hinges. Furthermore, if the hinges are old, appear rusty or damaged, you are better off replacing the hinges while you are at it. Hinges are cheap, and they tend to last a pretty long time.
Furthermore, if you don’t want to risk damaging the door or don’t have the time, hire a professional to do it for you. It is a job that will not cost a lot but you can be sure that it is done right.