How to Tightly Fit an Antique Door | Ask This Old House

[@daleon96]

I'm a general contractor, and think I'm pretty good at what I do... But every time I watch this dude, I'm quite humbled

[@JimDean002]

I'm 61 and I grew up working on things including houses and I still regularly learn things here. They're just good

[@urigonzalez6300]

The craftsmanship Tom has is just amazing . He always makes it look easy

[@timepoet77]

That’s why he’s Tom.

[@cup_and_cone]

It's refreshing to see a homeowner on TOH who is passionate about their home and actively wants to learn.

[@andrewholdaway813]

And also seems perfectly capable of doing the job himself

[@JimDean002]

He was definitely doing a good job on those stairs it looked like

[@jjsy8060]

This job would have taken me a month and it would only be 95% done. Tom Silva is unbelievably talented!

[@psxisnotps1]

I love how tommy pays attention to every detail. what a pro.

[@lohengrinknight]

His craftsmanship is out of this world. I know about home repairs but this one was out of my league.

[@samuelt2072]

Tom Silva: master craftsman. Obviously his best teacher has been his years of experience. Can't tell you how many doors, old and new, I've worked on. My coworkers, and I, came up with a saying for when we were working with doors: sometimes you just have to put the level away, and "do it by eye."

[@msdespain]

Just wanted to say what a wonderful group of people associated with the This Old House productions. I remember the days with Bob Villa, Norm Abram and the 2nd and 3rd generation of professional tradesmen and women on the show today. Just a great group.

[@jimv1484]

Lordy Pete! He is so darn skilled it makes me feel less of a man! I guess u cant put a price on experience and Tommy has many many years on the job site and knows every trick in the book.

[@informatiqued.g7837]

this person combines between kindness and workmanship..a respectable man realy.. from morocco

[@DEXTER941]

This guy is a real tradesman, he can use hand tools or power tools if necessary. He analyses a problem, finds the solution and uses his skill and experience to fix it, instead of just talking about it. The guys knocking him probably polish their tools rather than actually using them. By the way, a plumb bob is an old tool and is 100% reliable and accurate, gravity doesn't lie, levels don't always read accurate.

[@rickhawkins218]

lasers are good too.

[@Leob2210]

I really wish I could shadow him for a year just to learn from him it's amazing to see the tricks the old-timers have I never would have thought of this simply amazing. Thanks again!

[@rickjohnson1632]

Tommy is a straight up beast ! I’ve been watching TOH from the very beginnings and a big fan of Tommy Silva. He never ceases to amaze with his knowledge and craftsmanship. He’s truly a “ Master Carpenter “ If i may be so bold “ Tommy , nice job, your the “ Door Wizard” 👍

[@NorthernChev]

I'm glad to see that this was done almost entirely by hand chiselling and not removal of the casing and replacement of the jam. Lends itself more to the weekend warrior.

[@rickjohnson1632]

I’ve been following TOH since the Bob Vila days . I’m a big fan of Tom Silva. He’s a Master Craftsman IMHO

[@Scrapla1]

Love watching old timers do it the old school way. I grew up watching my pops do this kind of work. Very limited power tools but always got the job done.

[@cornholio9186]

Finally a homeowner who actually loves the trade. Very nice video

[@ChristopherSmith313]

Actual content instead of an Ikea ad. Very nice. More like this please.

[@NWinnVR]

You people are certifiable... You expect all this valuable information for free. Are one of the host's your family member? Does Tommy owe you some money for something? no? Then shut your mouth. I'll gladly take a few _'Ikea ad's'_ if It means Continued, free uploading of their content. Things are not free. Either pay for the DVD's or shut up. You don't have to watch *every* video.

[@NickFarrow]

Everyone has to eat.

[@mjsoup29]

@@NWinnVR you're absolutely right, but no need to be rude.

[@cordlefhrichter1520]

@@NWinnVR Jesus Christ, what is your problem? He's saying it's a good video. Don't have a heart attack.

[@walterbrunswick]

@@mjsoup29 he's probably just gad it enough with all the stupids...

[@dougsweldingfabrication953]

Tom Silva... What an awesome carpenter and all around nice guy. The work he does, is a lost art. Amazing....

[@FranciscoJavier32423]

Tom is a genius

[@alec4672]

This felt like a good old episode. This was great. I wish you could still watch all the house build series on here.

[@runningonempty6558]

Tom Silva is a genius. I'm sure he could build a complete house including plumbing and electrical all by himself.

[@_oven]

It’s like he’s a general contractor or something ;)

[@DordiHOTS]

A contractor is trained and certified to do plumbing electrical carpentry masonry HVAC and more unless he chooses to subcontract out. There is no doubt in my mind that an experienced guy like Tom could do it all himself. However, there are "tricks of the trade" that can be overlooked if you don't only do something professionally.

[@clmsnfan]

Tommy is a master GC. He CAN do electrical and plumbing however he has trades that do it.

[@kimchee94112]

One of the old TV series mentioned Tommy build his own house/home.

[@jakeb7244]

Lots of talent on YT today but, Tom Silva is at another level. To have his knowledge.....wow.

[@clarencek3658]

Tom Silva is a national treasure

[@roberterickson77]

I love TOH. This is the highest end residential work . The average HO doesn’t have the budget or skill set for this level of repair. Per usual, I learned about some tools and techniques I previously had not known!

[@phonedave]

That is a pretty sad commentary if it is true. Aside from the router, it is about as low budget as it gets. Hammer, chisel, plumb bob, tape measure and a couple of clamps. $20 worth of wood and glue. No insane measuring or complicated cuts. It really is a pretty straightforward project.

[@roberterickson77]

Translation. Most homeowners in this demographic would replace the door with a new and not attempt such a project. Sure, it's a straightforward project for an experienced finish carpenter, but not for your average homeowner.

[@rla1000]

Robert Erickson, not "highest end," not even high end. Fairly basic stuff. But, you are right about the average homeowner lacking skills/knowledge for this, even though this is really simple, basic stuff. I think the main value of such videos is to show that anything can be fixed or redone. No expensive tools are required for this job either (don't need his corner router, there are all sorts of weather stripping styles), but SOME tools are required. There are a lot of ways to do this job. I would have simply rehung the entire door and in doing so replaced the jamb while I was at it, and definitely replaced the casing (it is NOT original) which is a cob job and looks ridiculous - the rosettes (those are the blocks at the top corners) are misaligned and the wrong size for the fluted casing, and the casing should not simply be dead-ended onto the top of the base molding, there should be what's called a plinth block (myriad styles and designs) at the bottom that the casing and base molding dead-end into. There appear to be lots of things that are not original and/or are not architecturally consistent in this house, e.g., new stair railing should be somewhat traditional not contemporary, and other things. Before rehanging the door, I would determine if door was standard 80-in. or higher. If it is truly an antique/original, or higher than average door it could be 84-in. or something but doesn't look it. If the door was less than modern standard of 80 in., i.e., cut off as it appears to be, I would evaluate whether to replace it entirely with an appropriate height door, or scab onto top or bottom as Silva did. I prefer to keep things original or architecturally consistent with original. I would not have used the adjustable weather stripping he did at the bottom, and I might adjust or replace threshold as necessary. btw, I'm just an amateur, sort of a hobby/avocation of mine.

[@Noella1963]

I love watching Tom and everyone at This Old House! I'm a DIYer and Tom is so informative!! 😊

[@QNSwebmaster]

Tommy. An American Standard. What a carpenter 😊

[@ronh9384]

Great video Tom and Kevin. And thank you guys for including a link for the grooving tool and weather stripping! I wish that was there for all the videos and the shows. I have been watching This Old House and the spin-off shoes since the beginning! I miss seeing a certain master carpenters show. I for one really appreciate what you guys do for we viewers and I know there are others that do as well. Ron

[@construction-productscemen4935]

I've got a lot of solutions from your video. Once again thank you for sharing your skills with us.

[@richb313]

Nicely done guys, nicely done. Tackled multiple door issues and very well explained.

[@alert-mercy]

i LOVE that he shows how to do things with hand tools! this was a great learning experience on so many levels, thanks!

[@ericmcginnis9413]

I myself , like so many other people, love you guys!!!! May y'all live on forever doing what you do so well!

[@bludge4066]

Dude. Tommy rocks. That guy is amazing.

[@juliof970]

I know it's scripted and they analyze the issue before recording the segment but Tommy can just see problems when he walks in a home. Tommy come see my disaster. You'd think little pigs built it. Love your shows. May Tommy never age and live forever.

[@ben-vf]

He is a living carpentry god . Imagine being his apprentice ?

[@juliof970]

Home owner has brand new gloves and belt like he's using here. You can't top Tom.

[@billyandjohnny7734]

Julio F t

[@juliof970]

Billy and Johnny , ?

[@caddydaddy84]

Julio F. Whoever built your house must have built mine! Lol!

[@L8terdays]

Thank you Tom. I have this exact issue with my door. Now i can attempt to fix it the right way.

[@lawrenceholmes3689]

Tommy and the Gang you all rock 😜😜😜

[@johanesmuylargo]

I love the whole crew. Such a good show. Just wish we could see Norm more often!

[@TravisInCanada1]

Tommy = Wizard I wish I had half the Experience and Expertise he has.

[@rickt2419]

Wow! The expert is indeed the Expert and a work of art!

[@MrRemerick]

I've been watching Tommy and TOH since the 70s all way an awesome job well done.

[@plasma3211]

This is why I struggle with doors! All my experiences have been really bad installs and cheap door designs. There are quite few things that can go wrong in this aspect. Tommy makes everything easier, course have his budget for tools doesn't hurt either!

[@JF32304]

Having all the right tools makes the job so much easier. Router with the end Mill on it 👍👍👍

[@hudsonriverlee]

Amazing job. Loved the education gained today. To add length to a door fascinated me. Excellent video.

[@thornieves3624]

Tommy is the man number one carpenter in the world nobody can out do him 1 day I'll like to be just like him

[@SamiKrasniqi]

Tommy is the man , love him , true master craftsman.

[@DailyBrusher]

I'm glad they did the "after-action" analysis! I was thinking that corner-router looked pretty specialized! I was also kinda surprised to see him take away so much wood! But now I know!

[@matthewmorgan9198]

Great Segment Tommy! Your knowledge of geometry inspires me to learn more!

[@ofduarte]

Tommy, yes... please don't age..... your bank of Knowledge is priceless

[@markw496]

Tommy is so pro fixing this door. I like to DIY, but I would totally pay for someone like him to fix my stuff.

[@hgradyspruce1975]

A++++++++++++++ for Tommy who is an extremely skilled craftsman / carpenter

[@mmcq3360]

Clone Tommy, clone Tommy! Beautiful work ❤️

[@unclechris1755]

Tom has always been great In The Old House showing us valuable DIY experience and technique. May I request Tom to show us how to replace the rotten wood window sill inside the house?

[@esfuturestrading]

It is always a pleasure watching this man doing his work. Professional. And regarding 10:28, I agree... Come on, really?

[@josephkarl2061]

It's really nice to see the homeowner doing a lot of the work for this, rather than just stand around and agree with Tommy, as usually seems to happen.

[@PhanoftheShow]

that was some of the best work i’ve ever seen Tommy do. where the heck did he find that router 😂

[@mildredbrown8029]

DOC OF DIY & HOMEIMPROVEMENT & ALL WORK , KEEP UP THE EXCLLENT WORK GUY'S🗽😊!!

[@mpwall123]

Man, what a fix.! Stay tuned for part 2 in which the homeowner asks Tommy, can you show me how I can move this entire house back from the road? I screwed up and should have never bought it, as the street noise is killing me.

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

What mastery of his craft. It would be an honor to meet Tommy

[@tmyers8032]

AWESOME! i am always floored when i watch Tommy work .

[@brianschnurr3254]

Tom Rocks!

[@edorofish]

Tommy is the man! Ingenious repair!

[@natewoi4119]

SO GLAD THEY SHOWED THE TOOL AT END LOLL

[@santaclaus179]

como me encanta tom , siempre tan profesional , es una maravilla ver sus videos

[@cliffp.8396]

Tommy and his tools, never ending fun.

[@securesourceone3154]

Tommy is contractor king!

[@kimchee94112]

Door out of plumb, bend the hinge pins. Fixed! I think I got this from one of the This Old House TV series, LOL. I want that special corner router even though I have no need for it. Maybe just one door.

[@JimDean002]

There's just something so cool about a guy with an unlimited tool budget who grabs a plumb bob and a chisel to plumb that door. And here we are years later and an oscillating tool is no longer rarified. I don't know what I'd do without mine

[@zomgosz1503]

I use to watch this show when I was 12. Now I'm 30 and I have an apartment building and keep what they showed me in mind when doing maintenance. I can't believe their are getting older ='(.

[@brownpride5125]

Man I just to watch this show just because this guy he knowledge is amazing the way he make everything so easy y the way he explain to the people so very easy the understanding

[@uncleval1250]

That was Frickin STRAIGHT DOPE! Tommy is AWE-Some!!! 🤠👍

[@elpadre1156]

Every time I watch a TOH video, I am astounded at the craftsmanship. How do you find these people to do work in your house?

[@johnvalentinocruz4467]

I have to give some credit Tommy , very impressed!

[@qwerdssa4805]

Their house number looks gorgeous! What a passionate life!

[@peninsulahomerenovations9680]

I like the preemptive strike against the you-tube comments at the end.

[@XPStartupSound]

I love the talks at the end. It really helps to show why they did what they did. And the longer videos means TOH gets more youtube ad revenue.. I know they make plenty of money as it is with TV and advertising, but I just love the content they put out and want to see them succeed in everything they do. They have transitioned so well to the KZbin style with these clips.

[@christopherwilcox6624]

Old Man!!! Hahaha pearls of wisdom!

[@RogerDiotte]

Simpy amazing precise solid fix! Solid as the man behind the tools! Bravo!

[@Sunnyside--Up]

I have an old house and nothing is much to norm but I LOVE the eye Tommy has. He is perfect! About the FestTool, I bet it is good but everything today works on commercials and doubters.. way to go.. it is a 50% deal, you either buy it or you don't. I truly researched it and unfortunately the tool is available in specialty paint stores in Toronto. No idea why they can not get into big box stores, especially when Tommy is the adviser and as in Mike Holmes ( I hired some of his suggested contractors and they were good.. very good!) I'd believe if he believes... that's it! I don't think Tommy would put his signature under some hoax.. would not add up. Thank you for your efforts. I have an old house... it is beautiful and previous owners must have loved it, but it drives me crazy when I do my updates :) and Tommy is the 'Go To' person to me.

[@NorthernChev]

Holy hell! An inch and a quarter out of plumb!

[@johnp556]

fun house doors, fun house floors, it's an old house man, no straight lines anywhere.

[@---cr8nw]

My house (built in 1994) has door jams further out of plumb than that.

[@robertgullickson8758]

That was a very educational project! Thank you. And a very interesting new tool for antique door seals.

[@anton1949]

Tommy Silva is a very able man.

[@purochikano1]

Tommy the man, I really wish I could learn to do all that he does, hes the best😎

[@RicardoJunqueira]

I love Tom! He´s such a nice guy!

[@Mote78]

For a typical homeowner, this would be a very difficult job. For Tom, no problem. Haha. Tom saved the guy big time. That doorway had huge problems.

[@marcosmota1094]

Love the battering Tommy! Yeah, that tool for just one task...

[@jomangeee]

for decades I thought it was Tom Silver, and it was just the accent!!! Until I found his name written beneath this video what a revelation

[@petemoss9693]

Great Video - It's good to have the right tool for the job .

[@grazialionti5677]

Wow! My respect👍

[@bsowieja]

Those without mechanical aptitude cannot appreciate how difficult this job was to complete.

[@jlacson74]

Tommy is a stud!

[@unclechris1755]

Thanks to Tom's reply. I wish to see a video on the replacement of window sill INSIDE the house, not the exterior of the house. Meanwhile, due to the leaking problem, can I replace the new Ducan waterproof vinyl decking on top of the existing vinyl covering if the deck structure is still good?

[@chenchen2895]

Tommy is the man 👍😜

[@PatHaskell]

Absolutely love these videos!

[@poeticthoughts06]

Tom is the man!

[@pauliebots]

Nice. Would have liked to have seen the sweep in action though. So the button hits jam and drops down? How long before that stops working properly? Wind,rain,dust,sand,etc. ICE!

[@totaleclipse99]

I must say, that’s a lot of work. I don’t know if too many of us will have the time, know how or even the tools to make that project happen even if we wanted to. To be honest.... I may be cheaper to get a new door. You guys are great for putting this type of knowledge up online for the rest of us.

[@mzy10511]

They show a bunch of different ways, pretty sure they've shown alot of skills and ideas that would help you find your own solution to this door (hence him chiseling the whole thing instead of using an expensive power tool you wont have) Even if you get a new door it will still be hung improperly because it wasnt plumb to begin with. What you should be looking at is what he checks for and how he fixes it, even if you dont have a power tool you can still use hand tools.

[@phonedave]

I consider myself a "regular" DIYer. I have the know how and tools to do that job - aside from his fancy router. It's really not that big of a job. Depending on the door you buy, it may even be cheaper to buy the router than to get a new door. He used about $20 worth of supplies there - if that much. Some select grade pine and some wood glue. Actually that bottom weather strip is pretty pricey, but then you are paying for that either way.

[@phonedave]

Biff Dingus that just amazes me. I have built a deck, gutted and rebuilt at least 5 bathrooms, done full window replacements, re-roofed a shed, and done countless other things I call easy and consider part and parcel of owning a home. Admittedly, I may do a bit more than other people I know, but most people I know could do this door project (I hope). If not, then that is a pretty sad state of affairs.

[@Havi71599]

This guy is going stairs, ballester, railing walls and he can't fix the issue with the door?? All fake for the show. However, nice work Tom.

[@McKissackMusicMakers]

Nice, if you got the fancy tools given to you, awesome.

[@ukpm]

I'm the type that will buy the track saw and router for one door - great video!

[@אחיקםמזרחי-ה1ע]

tomi is the best❤👍👍👍

[@hungry_arch]

Gotta agree with Kevin on this one. That router tool is ridiculous. But awesome

[@tkd4zgqg]

Excellent Detailed repair info. Thanks