5. Rehang the door

Once the paint has dried, Tom re­attaches the hinge leaves. Then he hoists the door back into its opening, lining up the knuckles and dropping in the pins—first top, then bottom. Using the handle of his screwdriver, Tom taps each pin home, and then gives the door a test swing. It obligingly snaps shut, and the latch clicks cleanly into its strike plate. When Tom turns the doorknob and gives a gentle tug, it opens without resistance.

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Helpful Info

Gallery: Stylish Hinges

Article: Choosing and Using Hand Planes

Skill Builder: Cutting Mortises With a Drill

 Cutting Hinge Mortises

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