How to Fit a Salvaged Door in an Existing Opening | Ask This Old House

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  • čas přidán 30. 04. 2016
  • Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva takes a homeowner’s salvaged door and uses several tricks to make it fit. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps.)
    SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse
    Shopping List for How to Fit a Salvaged Door in an Existing Opening:
    2x4 piece of poplar [amzn.to/32yBGdb]
    Tools for How to Fit a Salvaged Door in an Existing Opening:
    Drill-Driver [amzn.to/2LrY6Y6] or screwdriver [amzn.to/2NVeMca]
    Hand plane [amzn.to/2A8ctdr]
    Track saw [amzn.to/2Lr2UNl]
    Scribes [amzn.to/2LqGFHm]
    Utility knife [amzn.to/31dHcSq]
    Speed square [amzn.to/2A5dpPF]
    Screws [amzn.to/2A5UdBt]
    Wood glue [amzn.to/2N8XOHI]
    Steps for How to Fit a Salvaged Door in an Existing Opening:
    1. Remove the hinges from the doorframe using a driver in reverse or a screwdriver.
    2. Remove the hinges from the door using a driver in reverse or a screwdriver.
    3. Place door in opening and push it up tight to the header.
    4. Use a pair of scribes to follow the angle of the gap between the header and the door starting at the widest gap and tracing until the lowest gap.
    5. Cut the marked portion of the door using a track saw.
    6. Take a small piece of wood and line it up with the top hinge. Mark it 1/8-inch longer than the door to account for the space between the header and the door.
    7. Also mark the distance on the wood from the edge of the hinge to the face of the door. Now, that can serve as a gauge for making the hinge points in the doorframe.
    8. Now, place the gauge tight against the underside of the doorframe. Using it as a guide, match up the hinge with the edge on the gauge. That’s where you want the hinge to be placed.
    9. Drill holes through the holes in the hinge and drive in screws.
    10. Mount the bottom hinge by using the same reference lines on the gauge.
    11. Close the door and see how it fits into the opening.
    12. If there is a gap between the door and the frame on the hinge side, you may have to mortise out the hinges.
    13. Next, check the distance between the door and the floor. If there’s a gap, you may have to account for it by adding a piece.
    14. Measure the distance between the door and the floor at its highest point. Take that measurement and subtract 1/8-inch and that’s what you’ll want for the added length.
    15. To add the extra piece of door, take the measured piece of poplar and glue it to the bottom using wood glue.
    16. Then drive in two screws at the bottom to keep it together.
    17. Using a hand plane, plane door the piece of poplar until it’s level with the rest of the door.
    18. To create a fake seam to match the rail of the door, use a speed square as a straight edge and a utility knife to mark the poplar. Go over the cut several times.
    About Ask This Old House TV:
    Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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    For more on This Old House and Ask This Old House, visit us at: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseWebsite
    How to Fit a Salvaged Door in an Existing Opening | Ask This Old House
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Komentáře • 423

  • @bobbyburnette8764
    @bobbyburnette8764 Před 2 lety +31

    I never tire of watching and learning from this man, please never retire.

  • @kevinsweeney5836
    @kevinsweeney5836 Před 5 lety +23

    Tommy is by far a national treasure. A Hall of Fame professional for certain.

  • @boonang4097
    @boonang4097 Před 3 lety +10

    "'This Door is hung upside down". Thanks for doing that mistake. Tom Silva revealed all the mistakes and showed us how to correct them!
    The more mistakes the more opportunities to learn.
    Thank you Tom You are a Champ.

    • @Cris-ss8tb
      @Cris-ss8tb Před 2 lety

      Thanks im going to use that Outlook at work

  • @DougCeleste
    @DougCeleste Před 8 lety +195

    Is there ANY job that Tom cannot do well???? The man is AMAAAAAAAAAZING!!!

    • @buckbuck9225
      @buckbuck9225 Před 7 lety +3

      Doug Celeste yes there is.safety...

    • @oltedders
      @oltedders Před 5 lety

      He's fudged some shit on a TOH remodel when they were trying to get out at the tail end of the job. The think the homeowners were being buttheads about money.

    • @J19_vlogger74
      @J19_vlogger74 Před 4 lety

      @@buckbuck9225 don't be rude, he was being safe... atleast safer tha me Tommy Silva, some people are out thare to be rude and the 'tough guy' but they are just trying to get on your bas side, you were being safe, i know that and you know that, if knolage took up mass, your trailer would not ever hold 1% of it

  • @bobbinsnest
    @bobbinsnest Před 8 lety +223

    Tommy is a true professional and knows his trade very well.

    • @subarutime5089
      @subarutime5089 Před 6 lety

      bobbinsnest feastool

    • @johnclancy2491
      @johnclancy2491 Před 3 lety +2

      That is an understatement for sure!!! He and Norm are what we used to have in this country. No need for college for everyone!!! I am a tradesman and a nurse (retired). We used to take great pride in this country working with our hands! Norm does have a college degree also.

    • @lonewolf3564
      @lonewolf3564 Před 3 lety +1

      @@johnclancy2491 I have several college degrees and even though I made a high salary working in tech I understand the importance of basic craftsman skills and knowing how to work with your hands. Sadly Craftsman who take pride in their work and the quality they put out is no longer valued in our country because we've sold out to China. I would gladly pay more to have things made in America and to make sure that fellow American craftsman can practice their trade and provide us with quality products

  • @morgezorge6387
    @morgezorge6387 Před 5 lety +11

    This guy has so much experience, no unnecessary actions, amazing

  • @davescott8859
    @davescott8859 Před 6 lety +92

    God Bless these guys. This show and the crew has given us all many years of the best information from the greatest team of professionals. When we weren’t taking care of the farm or cutting firewood, I remember watching this show when I was a young child with my father along with the Yankee Workshop and the knowledge has been priceless in my life, a truly a blessing and many happy girlfriends along the way, thank you all.

    • @Littlelewie151
      @Littlelewie151 Před 3 lety +6

      Amen!!!! I used to watch this with my great aunt on HGTV as a child. Now I'm grown up I go back and watch these videos and take notes lmao!

    • @Namratiug
      @Namratiug Před 2 lety

      Odin agrees with you.

    • @jonstensaas9077
      @jonstensaas9077 Před rokem +1

      I've never seen the hinges installed one at a time. I guess if you are lacking a straight piece of wood the length from top of jamb to just past the bottom hinge the small piece will work. I've always found one continuous piece. And mark all 2 or 3 hinges at once. But you learn something new every day.

  • @TheInroad
    @TheInroad Před 6 lety +99

    "Upside down and inside out im bout to show all you homeowners what it's all about" -Tommy Silva

    • @oltedders
      @oltedders Před 5 lety

      That works just right for cutting crown molding on a miter saw.

  • @karla4257
    @karla4257 Před 3 lety +5

    I honestly just like watching this guy! I literally learn something each time I watch his shows. Truly thankful!

  • @scottyellis3442
    @scottyellis3442 Před rokem +3

    Tommy is definitely the man.
    I've been in the construction business all my adult life (around 35 years) & now I'm a maintenance tech at a facility & still learning from Tommy.

    • @fishing5127
      @fishing5127 Před 3 měsíci

      Yes he is the man! He's gotten me out of a jamb (pun intended) or two! Lol.

  • @billsmith9249
    @billsmith9249 Před 5 lety +32

    I've said it before, when these older pros start retiring and the newer generation takes up, we're in big trouble!!!
    A+ work!

    • @darrylfitzys8632
      @darrylfitzys8632 Před 4 lety +4

      That’s why apprenticeships are needed; I went through a 5-yr one.

    • @leotn64
      @leotn64 Před 4 lety +10

      they said the same exact thing 60 years ago, yet here we have tommy.

  • @speedshiftr88
    @speedshiftr88 Před 5 lety +8

    I wish this guy was my uncle..he has an insane amount of knowledge. I need a lot for my house built in 1938..Learn a lot. Thanks

  • @markhoffman
    @markhoffman Před 3 lety +6

    In the first take, Tommy realises the door is upside down and uncontrollably laughs for 15 minutes. After Tom can finally gather himself, they restart the show.

  • @PatrolOfficer161
    @PatrolOfficer161 Před 8 lety +23

    After all this time STILL more tricks on how to do it better and more correctly. I honestly had no idea an older door latch box could be redirected.

    • @boonang4097
      @boonang4097 Před 2 lety

      Yes it goes to show that sometimes mistakes are blessings in disguise. It gives opportunities to learn from mistakes and improve the work and outlook.

  • @cybermad64
    @cybermad64 Před 4 lety +2

    Amazing job here. restoring an old door and modify it to make it fit the door frame instead of replacing it with a new, door, hinges and handle where most people would just put it in the trash. Very impressive and clean.

  • @jays1752
    @jays1752 Před 3 lety +1

    I watch a LOT of DIY carpenters. Most of them seem competent enough, some even occasionally show me something that I'm truly impressed by. Then I watch Tom Silva. Just a whole different level of talent, experience and knowledge. A million solutions to those unforeseen problems that come up on the job site. Maybe that's from working in New England his whole life where he's been dealing with 100, 200, even 300 year old houses his whole career.

  • @stoneguy1737
    @stoneguy1737 Před 8 lety +67

    Nice job Tommy. I'll be using that gauge block trick for sure.

  • @Chrisxantixemox
    @Chrisxantixemox Před 2 lety +5

    This is incredible and helped me think of how I need to do my project! Using that scrap wood to figure out where the hinge needs to go on the jamb is a great idea and makes it a lot easier than doing a bunch of math!

  • @SubversionGarage
    @SubversionGarage Před 8 lety +16

    Tom Silva is my spirit animal

  • @sfb4577
    @sfb4577 Před 7 lety +39

    ive been watching this show for over 20 yrs.......Tom is the man!!!
    cant believe how todays home improvement shows are nothing but nobodies Hollywood glamour bullshit

  • @blackrain6ft5
    @blackrain6ft5 Před 8 lety +29

    every time I hear that theme music of toh I fall into my happy place. I absolutely love this show.

  • @jshdjsjsjs1438
    @jshdjsjsjs1438 Před 8 lety +170

    I bet tommy was laughing when he first saw the door

    • @kellerrobert80
      @kellerrobert80 Před 5 lety +5

      I doubt it. It was a quick fix available to the homeowner to protect his kids. He knew all along it was a stopgap till Superman Tommy arrived.

    • @jasonalexander6417
      @jasonalexander6417 Před 5 lety +8

      he did laugh 0:35

    • @andrewholdaway813
      @andrewholdaway813 Před 5 lety +2

      He probably brought it with him

    • @oltedders
      @oltedders Před 5 lety +4

      Tommy's laughing at the door being upside down, but he knows that was the only way it could have been mounted with the hardware left in place. Not a quick fix and only an old timer would know how to do this. 18 step process.

    • @andrewholdaway813
      @andrewholdaway813 Před 5 lety +2

      @@oltedders
      I'd also like to know in what way the homeowner thinks the door matches others in the house - because it clearly doesn't.

  • @angeloblack9824
    @angeloblack9824 Před 7 lety +3

    Awesome video! The trick using a wood reference strip to
    place hinges in door-jam, without measuring, saved me huge amounts of time!
    Since my door was longer, I just made sure to shim the bottom when checking the
    fit.
    Thanks, this was exactly what I needed.

  • @jilllewis8394
    @jilllewis8394 Před 4 lety +4

    Thank you TOH for this how-to. I found some salvaged doors I want to use in my c. 1920 house. Most were too short but now I know I can adapt them. I love the scoring of the new bottom panel to simulate the stiles.

  • @krn14242
    @krn14242 Před 8 lety +13

    I guess he didn't notice how high the door knob was.. :) Great job (as always) by Tom.

  • @camlobesvtec
    @camlobesvtec Před 3 lety +1

    Expert, classy, professional, genius. Really blessed by watching Tom.

  • @kevinclaytoncarpentry1686

    great work Tom. installing a salvaged door in a exsisting opening is actually
    quite tough and you made it look so easy.

  • @chriskozlarek8013
    @chriskozlarek8013 Před 5 lety +10

    That pencil trick to measure the angle blew my mind...

    • @bigpicturethinking5620
      @bigpicturethinking5620 Před 3 lety

      It’s called scribing. You can use the same technique to fit things very close to irregular surfaces such as stone and other odd shapes.

  • @r.mercado9737
    @r.mercado9737 Před 5 lety +1

    This is one video I can watch all the time. It is bright, refreshing and stimulating. Truly a Noble Profession! Semper Fi

  • @nonameHEF
    @nonameHEF Před 8 lety +8

    Tom Silva is such an amazing allrounder.

  • @brianabouttown256
    @brianabouttown256 Před 6 lety +1

    Tom is the BEST!!!
    Thanks for all your help over the years, I feel like you’re my Fairy Godfather of home repairs!

  • @bumbog4071
    @bumbog4071 Před 4 lety

    I paid someone to hang a door today ...absolute mess. I had to get my daughter help me take it off tonight , all the screws were so tightly drilled into place it was a struggle to remove them. The frame was battered to bits and a chunk missing off the bottom of the door which I later found in the bin! Just like the door in the video there was a big gap on one side but the fitter decided to remedy this by screwing a piece of wood on the front to cover it....it looked so bad. I could do it better myself especially after watching this video. This man is obviously a real carpenter, skilled, knowledgeable and a joy to watch, he makes it look so easy - it’s not of course that’s why people spend years learning the trade but I’m going to try because I can’ t be much worse than the person who botched it today. Thanks for this great video.

    • @penelopekimball1335
      @penelopekimball1335 Před 4 lety

      Probably thought since you are a woman you wouldn't notice. What a jerk.

  • @stevejensen3471
    @stevejensen3471 Před 3 lety

    Who wouldn't love having the legend Tommy Silva in their home working on a project!

  • @finalchapter24k
    @finalchapter24k Před 2 lety

    That man is clearly learning from his more experienced elder. Love to see it!

  • @taohuang359
    @taohuang359 Před 4 lety

    Like I said, Tommy is totally awesome! Used these tricks to fix several old doors that we replaced in our house. Thanks!

  • @SmallWonda
    @SmallWonda Před 4 lety

    Tommy you're AMAZING - we have an external door here mounted upside down - just a screen door, but even so...! Loved how you fixed the latch... 👍🦘🐾😎

  • @zachikhothingo1
    @zachikhothingo1 Před 6 lety +1

    Tommy is awesome. I'm inspired evertime I see him work. a true master.

  • @SpencerDavis2000
    @SpencerDavis2000 Před 4 lety +1

    this was so impressive how he did everything. Tommy is so awesome

  • @dennisd4452
    @dennisd4452 Před 3 měsíci

    Tommy is a professional artist! Whatever his price is, just pay him. Worth every penny on the dollar.

  • @ScottishMatters
    @ScottishMatters Před 5 lety +3

    That is a brilliant, methodical, informative and easy to follow tutorial. Honestly, good carpentry is an art. Thank you

  • @nedsdeclassified
    @nedsdeclassified Před 7 lety +1

    I feel when tom does pass, they should us the footage of him with his chisel @6:01..
    That clip sums him up, calm,concentrate and humble..

  • @businessman904
    @businessman904 Před 5 lety +1

    I like this guy. He make projects look so easy. I'll look at my projects, and go straight to craigslist for unreliable help.🤷🏾‍♂️

  • @countyjohn741
    @countyjohn741 Před 3 lety +1

    Tommy you are the man it's a pleasure watching you work.

  • @Phantomas2011
    @Phantomas2011 Před rokem

    Tommy u r such a smart pro I LOVE watching you work your magic! Learned a lot from you!!! As u say “BEAUTIFUL “

  • @user-lf7en6rf8m
    @user-lf7en6rf8m Před rokem

    Tom silva you are incredible, im so glad you became the worlds best tradesman,

  • @joefran619
    @joefran619 Před 6 lety

    experts like tommy always makes it look so easy, yet it comes from years of experience

  • @penelopekimball1335
    @penelopekimball1335 Před 4 lety +1

    Loved this video. I was like "no way! that's how you do that?" Thanks Tommy.

  • @seaknightvirchow8131
    @seaknightvirchow8131 Před 2 lety

    “Tommy, you’re amazing.” True.

  • @colinsmith7576
    @colinsmith7576 Před 5 lety +1

    Tommy, thank you for sharing, excellent tricks of trade.

  • @zenjon7892
    @zenjon7892 Před 2 lety

    Tom is one of my heroes!

  • @flowergrowersmith449
    @flowergrowersmith449 Před 8 lety

    I'm in awe of Tom.. !

  • @chrisdyer5449
    @chrisdyer5449 Před 4 lety

    Tom Silva. Man of talent!

  • @renostubbs6348
    @renostubbs6348 Před 4 lety

    That was an unbelievable job,I appreciated the video from start to finish. Thank you sir.

  • @travisvossler
    @travisvossler Před 4 lety

    People actually had the tendency to put a thumbs down on this video 😂how to truly not appreciate anything in life this video is master class quality.. you rock brother I look forward to every video you post your professionalism is unmatched on CZcams👌🏼

  • @rayleder3705
    @rayleder3705 Před 7 lety

    Tommy never ceases to amaze me.

  • @swannyburger5866
    @swannyburger5866 Před rokem

    After Tommy saw the door upside down he new he’d be doing all the work himself. 😂

  • @JoseJimenez-vw2cw
    @JoseJimenez-vw2cw Před 5 lety

    you are a patient knowledgeable gentle teacher

  • @miriangpinheiro
    @miriangpinheiro Před 8 lety +8

    this is art! amazing! thanks a lot.

  • @michaelhume8689
    @michaelhume8689 Před 6 lety

    Tommy your legend...learnt 3 knew things....class...the UK loves you TOH

  • @aaronbays4
    @aaronbays4 Před 5 lety

    Man its almost therapeutic seeing a master carpenter like Tommy work his magic. I can hammer a nail into a board, cut wood, frame a basic wall, but skills like getting that door to fit perfectly, that's a sort of dark art/wizardry that comes only with years of experience.

    • @johnp556
      @johnp556 Před 5 lety

      If you've ever messed with old doors on old house, you know that's some serious wizardry he's got there.

  • @theo234theo
    @theo234theo Před 4 lety

    Tommy has so much knowledge. Its like Tommy sees the problem and has the solution. There is no job Tommy cant handle. You can almost see the gears turning.

  • @JasonBrody368
    @JasonBrody368 Před 6 lety

    Love you guys! This is great!

  • @bsowieja
    @bsowieja Před 3 lety

    Tom gets it right the first time, every time.

  • @Pro1er
    @Pro1er Před 4 lety

    Excellent episode.

  • @mangham2011
    @mangham2011 Před 6 lety +1

    I enjoyed watching this I watched it all over again.

  • @chaz4471
    @chaz4471 Před 7 měsíci

    ❤❤❤❤❤I have always loved all the guys on this show!!!

  • @a.n.d362
    @a.n.d362 Před 8 lety

    Great job Tommy!

  • @mjahandyman6390
    @mjahandyman6390 Před 3 lety

    Tom is a Master at his trade, .. Your a great teacher, Thank you

  • @TheMannyalvarez
    @TheMannyalvarez Před 5 lety

    I love this channel good job and thank for the tips

  • @davidmore7867
    @davidmore7867 Před 5 lety

    True Craftsmen at work....A joy to watch

  • @Honeybearsphone
    @Honeybearsphone Před 5 lety +1

    Watching this fixed three doors in my house that were all cut too short!

  • @mannyperez609
    @mannyperez609 Před 5 lety

    All the knowledge this guy has, pretty impressive

  • @gordonquickstad
    @gordonquickstad Před 3 lety

    Tom Silva is the boss of doors!

  • @lilywondertwin
    @lilywondertwin Před 4 lety

    Tommy you are the man !

  • @Bremend
    @Bremend Před 2 lety

    Can confirm about being careful of the mortise spring, those things can go flying

  • @MrThomascd
    @MrThomascd Před 3 lety

    Tom ... that was truly amazing... thanks

  • @rightousray2
    @rightousray2 Před 7 lety +4

    Tommy's amazing!

  • @zip19145
    @zip19145 Před 5 lety

    Awesome What a Great Job Thx for all the great Information!!!

  • @mijailmariano7846
    @mijailmariano7846 Před 2 lety

    so much knowledge and wisdom in one video. love it!

  • @campmein
    @campmein Před 4 lety

    WOW, Tommy you are a genius! I am going to watch this video over and over and over when I go to fit my door in a weird opening. This video was sent to me by God, he knew you were a genius that could help me solve my problem. You sir, are incredibly talented and make it look easier than it really is. Thanks for the great video. 💫💫💫

  • @rickjohnson1632
    @rickjohnson1632 Před 4 lety

    You rock Tommy 👍

  • @hudsonriverlee
    @hudsonriverlee Před 3 lety

    Wow . I will need this video, I have doors from 1880, the previous house owners tried hanging the doors and have the hinges on opposite sides of the door top and bottom, I am thinking of putting this old door on the wood shed , lol
    I liked the idea of how to take and transfer the gap using a scribe. In any case the video is very informative...

  • @meerscan9101
    @meerscan9101 Před 8 lety +126

    another homeowner paint job, 1 year clock starts now

    • @MarzNet256
      @MarzNet256 Před 7 lety +3

      refrigeration tech LOL!

    • @mioangel1227
      @mioangel1227 Před 7 lety

      refrigeration tech, hahahaha! I tought it's just me!

    • @DH4Hobbies
      @DH4Hobbies Před 5 lety +5

      no need to remind me every 6 months either.

    • @jake_of_the_jungle9840
      @jake_of_the_jungle9840 Před 4 lety

      Still cheaper than paying someone else to do it lol

  • @davidrobins4025
    @davidrobins4025 Před 3 lety

    Another good job with some great ideas on what to do to fix this old door.

  • @IntegraDIY
    @IntegraDIY Před 8 lety +17

    I laughed at the upside down door lol

    • @mediaguardian
      @mediaguardian Před 4 lety

      @DR PHIL But the latch was right side up I don't think the homeowner did that.

  • @marieapple6866
    @marieapple6866 Před 5 lety

    The gentleman is correct, Tommy is amazing!

  • @ryansweeney2067
    @ryansweeney2067 Před 3 lety

    Can't say I've ever opened a mortice lock and had it be that clean inside!

  • @robertosalazarjr1205
    @robertosalazarjr1205 Před 4 lety

    Wow amazing work

  • @roccocroce
    @roccocroce Před 8 lety

    Beautiful job

  • @SPMech1
    @SPMech1 Před 3 lety

    He is such an amazing craftsmen.......

  • @Stuntman2304
    @Stuntman2304 Před 4 lety

    The door videos with Tommy are so satisfying!!!!

  • @Goldifarms
    @Goldifarms Před 7 měsíci

    He makes it all look so easy 🙌

  • @romuloromero2268
    @romuloromero2268 Před 2 lety

    I could watch Tom work on wood all day. I do wish we had seen the finished painted door.

  • @mikkelchandler96
    @mikkelchandler96 Před 5 lety +1

    Love this guy.

  • @cloudstrifeification
    @cloudstrifeification Před 5 lety

    Now all he has to do is find a key that will fit that old lock so he can lock the door and hang the key up high so his kids can't fall down the steps. Tom Silva always does good work!!

  • @curiosity2314
    @curiosity2314 Před 8 lety +1

    Aces up... Nice work...

  • @fernandourbina4851
    @fernandourbina4851 Před 4 lety

    This old men is the man !!!

  • @kellerrobert80
    @kellerrobert80 Před 5 lety

    Nice work, Tommy.

  • @MRrwmac
    @MRrwmac Před 8 lety +2

    Nice fix and modification Tommy!

  • @jeffpecker2345
    @jeffpecker2345 Před 5 lety

    Really good work