New Flooring is Too Tall. Door Won't Work!!

This is a super common problem that is not too hard to fix. The problem is it requires a little set up that most people don't want to do. There are also a few things to be aware of that this video covers.
Sorry, I forgot to show a final shot of the door. You will just have to take my word for it that it looks great. I will show it in the next video:)
DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Associate I make a small commission from purchases through these links. Thank you for the support!!!!
Winbag air shim: amzn.to/2Kmaece
UK Amazon: amzn.to/34TJMym

[@shahabbaig978]

Thanks for not editing the mistake. You always learn from them. 👍

[@udengineer2002]

Funny story. My brother had to do this on a door in his house. He did much the same thing but free hand I believe. He got a perfect straight cut exactly the width he wanted to remove. He was so proud of himself right up to the moment he realized he cut the top instead of the bottom! Luckily he was able to glue it back together, sand it and paint it well enough to cover up the mistake. Moral of the story is don’t forget to mark which end is the bottom!

[@ZagPC]

udengineer2002 someone I worked with did that. Freehanded it and sanded it a bit and it was perfect. Then we went to put it in the hole... wrong side 🤣

[@justaguynamedme8337]

I'm dying over here!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂 Wish I could've seen the look on his face when he realized the mistake.

[@stroys7061]

@@kirkhamandy YOU screwed up, you trusted him. On the other hand maybe he’s way smarter than you think? From now on he has a free handyman. 🤔

[@paulw8197]

if you dont show the mistakes a newbie /diy would never learn anything ,thanks for that

[@vancouvercarpenter]

🙂

[@Khalls1]

@@vancouvercarpenter Are you a licensed carpenter?

[@vancouvercarpenter]

@@Khalls1 I'm a ticketed carpenter. As in I went to tradeschool and got my Red Seal in carpentry. If you mean licensed contractor, no. You don't need a contractors licence here.

[@memonavaramirez6261]

@@vancouvercarpenter I am a ticketed roofer. Those cops trying to ticket the payday out of me every time they can.

[@BabyPink911]

@@memonavaramirez6261 messed hp

[@brianquilty687]

Glad the oops moments are left in. We all learn from other's mistakes. Every bit of information adds to the knowledge to be learned.

[@chrisgraham2904]

Great tips! I thought I had to jack up the whole house.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Actually, I have read that a minimum of a 1/2" gap on the bottom of interior doors is recommended for air return on central air systems when doors are closed. You're golden.

[@jeffcanyafixiy]

THANKS!! I seriously goofed a solid core fire door, had to haul that monster back outside again and try to fix it. Love the fact it didn't suit YOU and had to get it right. Says allot about a mans character. BEST channel on the tube! 👍👍

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Thank you!!!

[@sanjitjammu4509]

I totally agree. This was a very helpful video and display of great character.

[@mikebiro6550]

A wise man once said "It's not what you do that makes you good it's how you fix your mistakes" Good on you for fixing it right I was shaking my head for most of that battery saw cut., They just don't have the power to cut those solid core MDF doors. Also add masking tape along your cut for already painted door cuts will prevent chipping/scratches and masking tape on the foot of your saw to prevent scratches aswell.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Good advice. This one is only primed.

[@klmbuilders5385]

Just a couple tips here for the newbies: After you mark your line on the door use a somewhat flat straight edge and score the line with a sharp utility knife. This accomplishes two things; 1.) it keeps your saw blade from splintering the grain on the door face and 2.) gives you a well-defined line to cut by. Second tip: When measuring from the edge of the saw's sole plate to the blade make sure your tape is against the saw teeth and not the blade itself. The pitch of the teeth is usually at least 1/32nd or more proud of the flat part of the blade. Overall, the VC was on point with everything!

[@klmbuilders5385]

@YoYO Semite ok. I'll use my Skilsaw worm drive and you use a tracksaw and we'll compare straightness of cut. I've been driving a Skilsaw for 40 years! :)

[@BlizPhotos]

Love your positive , upbeat attitude. You seem to be very calm and collected too. Thanks for the video and showing that we all make mistakes sometimes. Merry Christmas.

[@jamesnettleton68]

Its good you are honest and straight up about mistakes.I,m a painter decorator,and took doors off and rehung them.Where i live in New Zealand we get humidity as low as 9 percent on a hot dry North West wind.The temperatures can be has high as 98 F.The next day it can be raining and only 58 F.Because of this the doors tend to bow a little, if you do not apply a primer to the top and bottoms of the doors when they are new.If i have to take a bit off the bottom ,l do what you do.I always prime any tops or bottoms that have been cut.Thanks for the video ,you are great at what you do.But l guess in Vancouver,the humidity would never get anywhere as low as New Zealand .I live near Timaru on the east coast of the south island,we had 105 F in February 2011 which is a record.

[@smoker3998]

I love that you leave in the mistakes! You are human and mistakes can happen. So, by showing us an occasional error, it will help prevent our mistakes and you look like a hero!

[@okkrom]

10:23 The well-know dust repelling grimace! This face, when combined with completely stopping breathing is Osha approved for dusty environments! Nice vid mate.

[@recommit]

I always use a track/plunge saw these days. You get a perfect cut every time. Love the "squinties" for eye protection.

[@Raysnature]

Yep bin there done that. My one difference is to use a straight edge shallow enough to pass under the motor and keep the wide part of the plate on the surface.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

I need to get me one of those.

[@ohhgourami]

@@vancouvercarpenter Even better, here's a set: www.amazon.com/Pro-Grip-Straight-Edge-Clamps-All/dp/B07L18YFVC/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=saw+guide+clamp&qid=1573780790&sr=8-7

[@mark-uh8un]

@vancouver carpenter drywall square works. Im shure you have one of those😏

[@vancouvercarpenter]

@@mark-uh8un I do!!!!🙌

[@Jeff_Engineer]

Just don't cut off the end of your drywall square

[@janetreedy679]

Stuck at home, so I’m DIY-ing a bathroom make-over, I stumbled upon your videos, and they are super fun to watch. I am somewhat addicted. I crack up at your big titles. I mean I don’t even have the Door Stuck on Floor problem, but I wanted to watch you fix it. What I have discovered in this DIY process is that most of the how-to-paint videos are done by folks of the male persuasion who also have some height. If you can reach up and touch a ceiling without standing on something, lucky you. We 5-footers are at a severe disadvantage, and I could have done a whole video series so people could watch me maneuver a ladder around my tiny bathroom, tripping over drop cloths, and seeing how far I have to reach to get to corners. Why am I telling you all this? Because it has taken me several days to prep my gross bathroom just to paint it, and I’m tired. That’s right, I haven’t even primed yet. Did I mention we only have one bathroom? Keep up the good work, and thanks for listening. I see a video called “What do I really do every day?” That I might have to go check out......

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Thank you for your honesty. I learnt how to measure and pencil line the door gap. Cheers👍🇦🇺🦘

[@yaboi8640]

the best carpenters are the ones who can hide their mistakes. we all make mistakes, no one is perfect.

[@1stinlastout165]

After 50 years in the trade I still find a way of hiding mistakes lol

[@olgajoachimosmundsen4647]

Shows the importance of a good rig to get a good quality cut! Thank you for making videos, and helping people! I've done enough of free-hand cutting to finally learn that free-handing is very often the lesser option! The longer the cut is, the more important it is to cut in a rig. This do not only apply to carpentry! I work a lot with welding, and know how valuable a torch is with a flat piece of iron, or a hydraulic shear. Second after is evaluating what kind of finish quality cut you need, and how to get there. Use construction blades whenever you are dealing with low quality finish, while use finish blade whenever detail starts to matter! I find that it is just as practical to almost always have a finish blade on the saw, as it doesn't cut that much slower anyway. I am planning on doing the same with two solid MDF outside doors where the doorhas had water-penetration in the bottom. My plan is to borrow a tracksaw to make the cut. using masking tape to hold the pain to the door. After this I will install/glue alu profile both to stop penetration. Be careful about buying MD outside doors - this one is 12 years, and was crap a few years ago already!

[@JamNJ1985]

I love your videos... in this case I think skill saw is not the best choice... skill is a brand. Some may not understand that maybe use circular saw... your the best. Absolutely love your videos and the knowledge you pay forward

[@brians5539]

The honesty is the best part of this channel. A REAL CARPENTER!

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Thanks Brian!

[@justaguynamedme8337]

I really liked the video. It was REAL work with REAL outcomes.

[@meangreen7389]

“Skilsaw” is such a magniloquent name/word. It tells, by its own definition, what the user needs. Your vid show cased it well, thanks for sharing.

[@iPappi23]

Your tutorials are always key items that need fixing around the house. Thanks for doing them.

[@rafaelallenblock]

I usually cut the top off and raise the hinges, Easy Peasy. LOL Love your channel!! Reduce chipping: Score the line with a knife first then wrap the door on both sides with blue tape covering the cut line with tape.Also, carry a flat bar with you: put in on the floor and use it to lift the door into place, laying it over your hammer handle if you need additional lift.

[@davoushka]

I learned a lot. Mistakes are inevitable and they should be left in videos like you did. Great video. You are my fav!

[@markoshun]

Yup, nice save, and a half inch is better re: circulation anyway, most rooms don’t have a separate cold air return. I like the scribing the floor line idea, but then worth opening the door all the way and checking to make sure the floor doesn’t rise up along the wall, fairly common.

[@drews2608]

Wow the Vancouver Carpenter with power tools??? no mudding or painting this video, I am impressed!!

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Pfffft!!!!! I will be back to my old ways in no time! Don't get too used to this😂

[@thecolonialcraftsman4014]

A bent circular saw base plate... surprise! 😉 I just ran into a clearance problem with a fiber door and did not have all my tools with me. I did have a Disston 7 pt. cross-cut handsaw and a kitchen island however. I think the cut on that 2-8 door may have the best and most hassle free door cut ever. No saw plate scratches on the door surface, no tear out, nice straight cut with no circular saw swirls, no time setting up/taking down horses, no dead batteries, no extension cords... 😉 After cutting I eased the edges with sandpaper, primed, and hung it back up.

[@davidguy6408]

Used a skill saw and just free handed it for a long time bought a track saw last year and it works awesome for it and the zero clearance between the blade and the track prevents any tear out from the blade another great vid Ben

[@Wilbargosh]

I have found clamping the door to the horse helps, using a piece of low profile aluminum angle as a guide allows you to run the saw on the large surface area and priming the bottom of the door prevents moisture swelling timber over time.

[@godzillaninja1644]

Thank you for keeping it real for all of us who DO make mistakes! Awesome channel!

[@GeorgieVlogs]

i totally vibe with leaving the trouble issues in the vids, shows real life scenarios with real life things that come up...earned ya my subscription

[@jeremyolson4280]

Your saw is probably square enough. I've never seen one go out of square that bad. What you had was blade flex caused by wobble. The solution to that is only cut through 1/2 way of the thickness, the blade will not flex. Then cut a 2nd time all the way through and your first cut will prevent the wobble that caused the flex.

[@narlycharley]

This is great advice - thank you!

[@unklemute1187]

I’ve seen plenty that are way out of square. All it takes is one good drop.

[@chuckb.5076]

Love your videos, mistakes and all. In the middle of renovations in my house. Your videos are walking this first timer through it. Thanks soooo much. YOU DA MAN!!! 👍

[@VC-Toronto]

A couple of suggestions if I could. (having made my fair share of mistakes over the years mis-cutting doors) > If you have something "thin" to use as a straight edge, cutting with the wider part of the base-plate on the door helps to keep the cut square. (If I know I have more than one door to do, I have an inexpensive "straight edge with clamp" that I make sure is in the van, similar to the Bora straight edge) (the thinness of the straight edge is so the motor doesn't hit the straight edge when cutting the full depth of the door) > If you cut a lot of doors (and are right handed), having a "left blade saw" is helpful, as you don't lean over the work to make the cut, and the wider part of the base-plate is on the work surface. (PC makes a corded left blade saw, most worm drives are left blade, and many cordless are left blade) (most corded sidewinder saws are right blade) > To help prevent tear out, you can set the blade to just score the surface, and do a very light scoring cut, ideally in the reverse direction, but in the normal direction will also work. Then set the blade to the needed depth for a clean pass with no tear out. > Take a sharpie and write the blade offsets directly on the saw, from either side. (no more need to measure) > If you are cutting a closet door, cut so that any tear out is on the inside of the closet, and the nice cut is on the room side of the door. > If your are not going to be painting the door, putting a layer of painters tape on the base-plate helps prevent it from leaving marks

[@vancouvercarpenter]

All fantastic advice for the next time make this video😂

[@TruckinNerd]

I've never learned anything important from something I've done correctly the FIRST time. I view MANY of your videos, and respect the judgement of the tradesman who OWNS his errors. As side note,... when making similar cuts, I try to keep the widest part of the saw's table (the heavier 'side' of the saw) next to the clamped straight-edge (over the sawhorse) and away from the "drop".

[@edster9743]

thank you so much for showing what can go wrong, how it would happen and how to try to fix it. Great channel . Please keep making these videos, I have learned a lot from your videos.

[@kurtdikkers7659]

Using shims is great bit of advice. Thank you.

[@seanorourke7011]

You could always put a new floor in, level it up to the door,😁

[@claudews529]

LOL... nice humour.

[@Kev-wa10-163]

Good thinking😂😂

[@reddlief]

Pros: Using shim as the proper cut height is really helpful. Re-cutting method after mistake is a good fix. Shim door to remove or replace is a good tip. Cons: Even though he made mistakes, it should how his do overs and re-cuts fixed the problem. Fixing mistakes methods are needed and VC shows mistakes and all.

[@edover50]

Always enjoyable Ben. I highly recommend you pick up the spring tool hinge pin and nail set. It’s $30 Canadian on amazon and you could link it for others. I don’t do as much carpentry as you but in my tool kit and used weekly....the nail set alone saves me so much time, and the hinge pin just makes you look like that hero you are

[@TacoXL]

Track saw time. Best tool I ever bought.

[@jonellejohnson-turner3954]

Thanks, used a few of your videos now as doing a lot of DIY and solutions nice and simple

[@newzombie1]

I've recently purchased a home, and because of your videos, I've gotten the confidence to take on a lot of DIY's! Good job on the video's! You got a new subscriber!

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Thanks Leonel!

[@claudews529]

Ok... now I know you don`t make vids for pros, BUT I still enjoy your videos, and benefit from watching different approaches. BTW, this year I only used the 6.5in Brushless Makita, similar to yours, and it still is square. Love that tool... on doors, laminated counters, and framing. Keep on your great work. :)

[@guidoitaliano7722]

Thank you for being honest, I really appreciate this channel.

[@rhodeyrage]

Screw the haters and trolls, I actually already new all the ins and outs on this one (for the first time!) but liked it anyway. Good to see the work around options as most of us will make these mistakes and need to know options after the fact. You’re the best VC, appreciate all the videos and guidance as always. First KZbin comment Evah!!!

[@reveivl]

Real good idea to run a sharp knife along the line before the saw too, avoids any splintering that way.

[@mfridental]

Thank you very much for sharing. To become a master, one not only need to know how to do things properly, but also all the mistakes one can make, and how to fix (or better avoid) them. So thank you for helping us to become a master.

[@jasoncrowley4960]

Thanks for that, I've got two doors to take a bit off tomorrow, your timing is perfect, very helpful.

[@wjthehomebuilder]

That air shim pump was pretty cool! I've never seen that before. Thanks!

[@DethpickleDave]

No mention of painting the freshly cut edge. Is that an issue in humid climates?

[@jeremyolson4280]

All doors should be sealed top and bottom

[@tecnaman9097]

I had to install a new door a few weeks ago. Purchased a couple of cheap air wedges off Fleabay to lift/position new door for gaping, marking the old frame hinges to the new door etc. My conclusion, for the price, do yourself a big favor and buy a couple.

[@TheAlexLafreniere]

Excellent use of the CSA approved safety squint.

[@moonblink]

TIP: On old doors, sometimes the hinges are slightly bent. Sometimes you can tap-tap them back into shape or replace them instead of shaving off parts of the door. I saw another video where an old-timer carpenter explained this.

[@moonblink]

however, this situation looked like the carpet was not level.

[@ayporos]

I actually just cut a (new) door to size last week. It was a half inch too tall and quarter inch too wide. I freehanded it like a hero and it turned out pretty straight. I just lined an indentation at the front of the blade shroud up with the edge of the door and went like that. I did keep the wide part of the shroud on the side of the motor on the door though so I could keep it level easier. Never used a skill saw before either. :P But yeah, I was nervous the whole time and, having seen this video, would definitely recommend a clamped down straightedge as a guide.. it's what I'm going to do if I ever have to cut a door again. Thanks for the vid!

[@vancouvercarpenter]

🙂

[@vicf6509]

Love the honesty. It happens to everyone. Keep up the good work and videos.

[@aservant2287]

I always put painters tape on the top of door when cutting unless you got a brand new saw blade. Oh, I never make mistakes lol. Yeah right, sometimes a few a day.

[@samn8309]

If you're putting in a fire door then those shims would definitely be useful. Oddly, I painted my door and put in trim yesterday and it sticks on the transition strip now. I've got to cut it and I've no need to be a hero. Thanks VC!

[@asid2burn]

Those drywall foot lifters are pretty handy for doors too

[@markwilliams-ny6tr]

Nice work VC, your stuff is very educational and yep leave the mistakes in, makes us DIY weekend warriors feel less silly ...like that door pump idea, never seen it here in Australia though.

[@jdallas4154]

Thanks for the videos. They are always right on time for my projects.

[@jaybubb5500]

Great video. Leave in the mistakes. We have all made them. We learn from our mistakes and others.

[@Chuck-U-Farlie]

love that you show everything, warts and all. maybe someday you can do a "blooper reel" type of video. I think that could be pretty damn funny.

[@tonytully4943]

I like seeing the mistakes. Those are my favorite KZbin channels. It let's people know that pros are still people and not robots

[@handymaninside]

I use the exact same Makita saw with a saw guide attachment that fits the slot on the saw to do the same job... and my saw is square... no one will see that cut very well so good job anyways 👍🏼 this video will help a lot of noobs 👍🏼

[@mrreymundo5383]

There is a guide that came with your makita cordless saw. It works magnificently for these kind of cuts. Not as reliable as a straightedge, but it's the next best thing. Also, you might have showed a hollow core door, and how often if you take off more than 3/4 inch, you lose the bottom filler, and thus the strength of the door on the bottom, so you have to clean it up and glue it back in. Maybe a separate episode?

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Yup. If I come across that situation I will be sure to make a video.

[@Jeffro_333]

Kudos for fixing the slight "mistake". Unless it looked way worse in person, I probably would've just hung it and called it a day. 99.9999% of people never look at their doors, especially if they're always open.

[@mariomalizia4718]

Instead of a door pump you can use a shovel. Put the blade under the door then use your foot to step on the handle. The leverage will lift the door and you still have both hands free. You have a surprising amount of control on the lift. I use this to help get drywall sheets into place on a wall by myself.

[@hmtrimworks7148]

A little trick to get stubborn hinges to line up and get the pins back in is to loosen the screws on the hinges to the door and/or jam just enough so the hinge plates jiggle a little bit... Then set the door and put the pins in then tighten up all the hinge screws back up... That little trick helps me out a lot

[@TDH]

Been learning a lot from watching your videos! Learned a lot from the mistakes as well.

[@kimmywimmy7305]

Takes a lot to post a video and include the mistakes, you’ll get no criticism from me! And I appreciate the perfectionist in you, I do the same thing. “It’s good enough! Walk away!” “No! I gotta fix it! I can’t leave it like that!!”

[@vancouvercarpenter]

I need to sleep at night. And so do the people I work for🙂👍

[@aaahillshandyman..bellavis864]

I use a track saw. Super quick and accurate. These days they are quite inexpensive to buy. I have not pulled out the circular saw for ages since buying the track saw.

[@Timespider]

Sometimes in the much older houses the doors and windows stick because the floors have sunk or sagged. You can use a laser in houses with enough room under them and jack and pack the bearers up again and slip a packer on the posts where it needs it, (go to the top of the joist or underside of flooring to get your heights). Quite often you'll find the doors and windows will free up and don't need cutting or planing, I should SOMETIMES. Good video VC for the DIY guy.

[@kingkitchens6565]

Dude, please get a plunge saw and a guide. It will change your life mate. No need for setting up a level with clamps, I've managed to shave off 1mm with no problem 👍

[@claudews529]

@@kylefowler5082 I worked in Europe for about a decade... I saw lots of Festool plunge saw.... works really well. And expensive too.

[@philleach6271]

Was about say the same but most diy’ers aren’t going to have one . Had a festool rail saw for 15 years now . All the carpenters I’ve shown have gone and purchased.

[@kingkitchens6565]

Yeah, but he's not a DIY'er. Or I don't get this channel???

[@Dav2112]

Damn, it's Ben!! I follow your skateboard channel and have just moved into a new home, having issues with doors after the carpet got laid and I find you in this video!!

[@RobMoreland]

I usually use one of those L-shaped hex wrenches instead of a nail punch to punch out the hinge pins. I use the shorter side to loosen the pin, then the long side to drive it the rest of the way through if the pin still binds. This also gives me a little more clearance for the hammer on the lowest hinge.

[@normhodgkinson6965]

Ben, you did the right thing. i too, have had to make corrections, and slept good at night.

[@peterverkon3893]

Dude buy a belt sander and a electric hand planer. Best mistake fixers ever. Love your channel. I got a hawk for mudding...Ben using a pan for 30 yrs....love the hawk. Gonna try the trowel next time as well. Your honest approach and opinions are great. Keep up the good work. Solid core doors are heavier than a dead mother in law....just saying.

[@pacificovw9522]

In the commune we don't use doors, it's all in the open for everyone, come and go as you please. Great videos, thanks for making them.

[@morlockmeat]

Yup! Leaving in your mistakes is a good thing!

[@TimWarnerRN]

Thank you for a great video... I make so many mistakes ... Good to see that I am not alone... Love the videos and your channel. Keep up the great work! Mistakes and all!

[@AZTECPRIDELOCOS]

One time i had the same problem and i cut on the top part jejee and just made a new self made frame door alittle wide and no one noticed jejee but thans for showing all this mistakes this is how we learn

[@EL17762]

Love it thanks man good tips from a real carpenter

[@mrtopcat2]

Your videos are VERY helpful. I wish I had access to them a few years ago when I was doing a lot of work on our house. One thing I like to point out if I may, the audio on some of the earlier mudding videos was not too great. I'm an older guy and had trouble, because your voice was not loud enough vs. the background noise. Hopefully this feedback is helpful. Anyhow I can only be thankful for the many tips that you are sharing.

[@dhammer5645]

You can still use your makita saw for cutting doors. You just have to do multiple passes with shallower cuts. My older corded Makita is the same way. It's like 20 years old but I still love the saw, it's a work horse.

[@TheBBBB0B]

Hero or a Zero! Glad you recut it. You are a professional. I would have left it.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Thanks Bill!

[@mikefasan325]

Also if not clear... I do like your channel! You do great work!

[@AvidOtter]

Great stuff, you can learn a lot from your mistakes. Love the content and I watch a lot of your videos. Thank you so very much for sharing it.

[@gSlover4reel]

Thanks for all the helpful tips. Love that you have actually useful info presented in a forward and often humorous manner

[@DrewSorensenMusic]

Thanks for all your content.

[@SMISURKA]

I like using an inflatable airbag ($20cad) and you can pump it with your foot til the hinges are lined up. Woeks amazing.

[@1stinlastout165]

Winbags are a great investment, get two!

[@Santos-ek8md]

Great work VC 😁 Stick w/those DeWalts

[@johnharrison5615]

Thanks for showing the mistakes - Your content is fantastic!!!

[@timahern8670]

haha me too, my 1 year old makita had same issue of out of square and dies easy too. Its corded too-- replaced old SKil from mid 1980's that was like energizer bunny, just kept going. Always liked my other makita tools but this saw is junk. Door still came out great. love vids.

[@ianthompson9058]

You would be better using a track saw mate. Fitting doors yesterday and it was a god send. Keeps everything nice and flat and square

[@welshman100]

I try to have the largest part of the saw base on the door. Just better stability.

[@leonardodivinci804]

I personally want to thank you for all of your videos. I think I know what I am doing and yes, we all make mistakes. That is how we learn. But just a suggestion, use the wide side of the base plate on your circular saw. It will give you more stability and an easier cut. LOL! Was that a complaint? HA! Thanks again.