Hanging doors can often be a tricky task, whether you’re working on doors around the house or even car doors. Achieving perfect alignment and smooth operation requires precision and the right tools. While air wedges might seem like a go-to for creating space, many professionals find them, along with door lifters, somewhat cumbersome. For a more efficient approach, especially when dealing with car doors or heavier doors, consider leveraging a quality magnetic drill bit.
A magnetic drill bit that securely holds screws simplifies the initial steps of door installation. By positioning the door’s bottom edge (hinge side) through the opening and aligning the top hinge, you can drive a screw into the bottom hole of the top hinge for initial support. This technique is applicable whether you are fitting house doors or working on car door alignment. Once secured, you can adjust the door and insert the remaining screws in the lower hinge, ensuring a proper fit.
For most door installations, a basic toolkit will suffice. Essential tools include a hammer, chisel, electric or hand planer for adjustments, auger bits for clean holes, a 3mm drill bit for pilot holes, a marking gauge for precise measurements, a drill, and a pencil for marking. Many professionals also find a homemade door holder, like one constructed from a 4×2, to be invaluable for supporting the door during fitting.
While routers can be used for hinge mortises, they require careful setup with jigs or freehand routing followed by chisel cleanup. For those considering a router, a 1/4″ palm router, such as the Katsu mains powered router (often compared to Makita), is a solid choice for both professional and DIY tasks. While other brands like Festool, majors, or DeWalt are also excellent options, the Katsu offers a balance of performance and affordability.
When it comes to drilling for lock mortises, auger bits are often preferred over spade bits. Auger bits provide greater control and reduce slippage when drilling stepped cuts, a common issue some users experience with spade bits. This enhanced control is particularly beneficial when working on intricate door hardware installations, whether in automotive or household contexts.
