How To Shim A Door Lock With A Frame

Learn the easy way to hang and install an interior prehung door.

How to shim a door lock with a frame.

How to shim a door. First make marks to indicate the centers of the hinges. To install the shim unscrew the three screws that are fastening the hinge to the door frame. I used super glue to secure the shim to the door frame and to keep it from falling before you can get the screws started.

Check the head top jamb for square and level with the previously installed hinge side of the door jamb. I show how to make a simple lock shim. Slide shims under the bottoms of the jambs one from each side and push them together until the frame is secure enough to stand. Align the shim with the screw holes in the frame and close this hinge.

Screw the hinge side jamb to the stud. If the door has three hinges remove the screws from the middle hinge as well. Tack a pair of tapered shims at the top hinge. When shimming the door the goal is to make sure that once the frame is nailed the gap between the door and the frame is equal all around the door.

Loosen the hinge screws in the jamb and insert a 1 16 in thick x 3 8 in wide piece of cardboard behind the hinge leaf. Lock shims are thin pieces of metal inserted into the base of the shackle u or n shaped thing that presses down the. Slide the shim behind the hinge that needs the extra spacing then drive the screws back in tightly and check the operation of the door. Shimming tips and help.

Shim the middle and attach to the wall with 2 1 2 inch finish nails. Place shims between the wall and the door frame on the latch side of the door. Start at the top keeping the reveal or clearances as equal as possible. Then use a long level or a long straight board along with a short level to plumb the shims.

See an interior door installation. Gaps along the latch side of a door may be reduced by shimming out the hinges in some cases. Only unscrew one hinge at a time so the door does not fall off. Remove the screws from the hinge you need to shim using a screwdriver or a drill and screwdriver bit.

Push it against the screws and retighten them. Repeat for each shim. Shim the side jambs first to hold the frame upright. Start by shimming the hinge side of the rough opening.

Put a nail on either side of the center door stop. Hopefully this shim will be enough to make the latch solid.