How to Install Commercial Interior Metal Doors in a Building

Commercial metal doors are installed quite differently than residential doors, and are installed during the framing process. You must have some knowledge about metal studs to successfully install the doors and frames. The frames are shimmed level, but they are not set plumb until the drywall is installed. An experienced worker can install the door frame in about 15 minutes. Hanging the door and hardware varies depending on what is installed.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• Phillips bit
• Hammer drill
• 1/4 inch masonry bit
• 1/4 x 1 inch concrete drive anchors
• 2 locking C-clamps
• 2-foot level
• 6-foot level or magnetic plumb bob
• Metal or plastic shims
• 1/2 inch self-tapping pan head screws
• Door hinges

Instructions

Installing the Frame

1. Install three door clips on each side of the jamb. These clips are sent out with the door frame and will only go in one way. Place the clips 12 inches from the top and bottom, and one in the middle.

2. Set the door frame in the opening and check the top of the frame with a 2-foot level.

3. Attach the high side by drilling two holes with a hammer drill and 1/4 inch masonry bit.

4. Hammer in two 1/4 inch drive pin concrete anchors in the bottom bracket.

5. Shim the other side level with plastic or metal shims, which are available from the door supplier.

6. Attach the remaining side by drilling two holes with a hammer drill and a 1/4 inch masonry bit, and hammering in two 1/4 inch drive pin concrete anchors.

7. Center the door frame on the studs and clamp the two top door clips to the metal studs with locking C-clamps.

8. Attach the metal studs to each door clip with two 1/2 inch self-tapping pan head screws.

Installing the Door

1. Attach the hinges to the door frame with a drill and phillips bit.

2. Remove the half of the hinge belonging to the door by tapping a small nail through the bottom of the hinge.

3. Attach the hinge leafs to the door with the supplied screws.

4. Align the leafs of the hinges and drop in the pins. Tap them in place with a hammer.

5. Adjust the hinges, if necessary, by placing cardboard shims behind the hinges. The shims can either cover the entire cut-out for the hinges, or a 1/4 inch wide shim can be placed to the front or back of the mortise to keep the door from binding, or to bring the door closer to the jamb.

6. Install the lock set.

Tips & Warnings

• These doors are heavy. Use a 1/2 dowel or a short piece of electrical conduit to roll the door on while you are aligning the hinges.

References

• Bay Industries:Installation Instructions