How to Install a Door Hinge

You need to install a door hinge if you replace a door or if you want to upgrade your current hardware. Accurate measurements are vital to the success of this project, so take your time and don't be afraid to measure more than once.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine which direction your hinge needs to swing. You can get hinges that swing freely in both directions, but some are made to work only one way. Remove the hinge pin before you install the hinge.

2. Measure to find the proper placement of your hinge. Attach the top of the top hinge about 5 to 7 inches from the top of the door, and attach the bottom of the bottom hinge about 10 to 11 inches from the bottom of the door.

3. Put your hinge plates on the door and on the door frame at the proper measurements and trace the hole placements for the hinge plates. Drill a hole for each screw and attach the screws through the hinge plates.

4. Line up the door hinge plate with the hinge plate on the door frame and place the pin through the middle of the two hinge plates. Put the pin in from the top end of each hinge.

Tips & Warnings

• Attach two hinges to light interior doors and three hinges to heavier doors. Secure the middle hinge halfway between the top and bottom hinges.