SETTING PREHUNG DOORS - Important Keys to Success

[@InsiderCarpentry]

This link is the stepped welding gauge that I often use to check margins, reveals, etc. Enjoy! amzn.to/3CkpGRH - Stepped Welding Gauge I also see I'm still having some issues with the video quality. I will try and get that figured out. I think I have a frame rate or render setting that is not jiving.

[@nrcontractor1]

I never get tired of learning and boy do I learn a lot from you. Thank you sir

[@JayLepisto]

Great video, Spencer! I have been explaining the physics of doors to customers for years and years. It's nice to see someone who understands these principles and tries to counteract the creeping effect of gravity, humidity and manufacturing variants during the one chance you have to get it right. The Jambmaster is the bomb. Love to see someone who is passionate about what they do for a living. Thanks!

[@semajwelton6159]

You do a great job. I specialize in doors and it is extremely rare for a door manufacturer to have perfect reveals straight from the factory. I use old cereal box paper to shim behind hinges to make perfect reveals. You're attention to detail is awesome, most people hanging doors in my experience just slap them up without taking time to have great reveals or "margins" as you say. I'm from Florida and your comments on humidity show that you take many precautions to make things great. I had an excellent teacher ,who was actually from Indiana, teach me well. I enjoy your videos sir, keep them coming.

[@larrysweet2381]

My new go-to guy for all tricks and tips for hanging doors and stairs steps and trimming .

[@shigthehandyman]

Great vid Spencer! I would love to see you do an install without the jambmaster as many of us won’t have that tool. Anyway…love your channel! Thx,

[@jofasable]

Amazing professional teacher and carpenter.

[@mcj928]

It's one thing for me to comprehend what Spencer is saying and be able to apply it. But when he breaks it down and simplifies it enough that i can translate and teach my guys the same the same descriptions ànd details, it makes life better... I truly appreciate what this guy gives us. From a fellow Hoosier and northeast Indiana native, me and my guys appreciate all you expose us to

[@gerrymcintosh4477]

I couldn’t agree more. Well said, Sir

[@jackholoman478]

Well said

[@gerrymcintosh4477]

I just watched this video on tv and could not comment, so I had to open my iPad to do so. I must say, your video was absolutely the best on KZbin. I watched many of your other videos, but you really outdone yourself on this one. Great video, outstanding channel. Thank you for posting and taking the time to educate us on the finer points of door setting. Cheers from Canada Spencer.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Glad it was helpful! And thanks for the feedback!

[@marklaffey7972]

Love watching this guys videos, so we’ll done and i also love how critical he is about his work with tolerance that Pipefitter gap gauge is for setting the gap on a full penetration weld, using it as a set gauge is genius.

[@TunafishSmoothie]

Great video, just a comment about adding screws for heavy doors. I experienced having a door installed with minimum fasteners, and someone who decided that adding a hanger/hooks to the door was a good thing. Nice idea, but it added a LOT of unexpected weight to the door, and the original nails failed. So even with lighter less durable doors, a few minutes and $1 more in fasteners makes a difference. Thanks again for a great video!

[@brockjones5353]

Spencer is accurate on his door hanging process. I would still add a 2" screw through the jamb hinge at the hole closest to the stop making sure you hit the stud behind. I usually wait until the painters have removed and reinstalled the slab before I set the long screw. I do it at the same time as I install the door handle. Reason for this is that the shorter screws have a tendency to fail in the cheaper FJP jambs used in painted applications. It also give me a chance to make sure the painters re-hinged the doors properly so I don't get a call back on a rubbing door.

[@T.E.P..]

Excellent .... It's great you took a break and came back this strong with all the education and insight. Hope your week is starting off perfectly just like the results on all the projects

[@pwntologist]

Thank you so much for sharing your methods. I will definitely be using that scrap piece of ply in the top corner to keep the door in place. Also so helpful to know which way the door is likely to shift over time.

[@KetterHomeImprovements]

Spencer, I really enjoy your videos. I have been a general contractor for over 30 years and I wish there were more tradesmen like you. I see a lot of myself in your workmanship and I can really appreciate your skills.

[@Dave-nm3xc]

This guy is one of the best I e ever seen. Id be very happy if I had a fraction of his skill.

[@yourmasterrenovator86]

I really appreciate the time which you put on this video and I actually learn a lot of points and hints. They way you covered all the margin topics around the main topic was very thorough and detailed specially when you addressed id there is a gap between the door and the stopper on the jamb and what would be solution. You are very expressive and speak about the possible concerns gently and comprehensively. I liked, checking and checking and rechecking, you also covered the potential issue with the bottom gap between the door and the floor, it might slope up or down as the door swings. I really appreciate this short but comprehensive video full of helpful points. Thank you kindly.

[@michaelnilson9876]

Not a pro like you but I still bought a Jamb Master. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge!

[@t.e.1189]

Haven't watched the whole video yet, just skipped through it for now, but I can't agree more with you on the too short of a header from manufactures. The margins need to be larger (20:30) especially on painted doors & jambs in my opinion. Cant wait to watch the complete video

[@peterdejoseph5197]

You were well taught. I've been using most of your tricks and techniques for a very long time. Now retired and teaching trim carpentry. Keep up the good work. Oh BTW I have my students watch you videos.

[@briandarnell1451]

Really liked that block up top. I do a little different with two blocks opposite side of the door. Then pop a couple of shims at the head. So ready to try out jambmaster

[@bendocoolmister6023]

I'm a union trimmer but i never had the chance to hang a door yet and always wanted to learn about it and do that. This video was very insightful. Appreciate the tips and tricks though Spencer. Should give me an edge when I do install em. Thanks!

[@Ta53508]

The youg man does a nice job.

[@TheRealDill93]

What’s a Union trimmer

[@robertbamford8266]

Comprehensive! I have also learned that I can cheat with a screw that does not run through a shim. Pulling the jamb to accommodate a slight irregularity in the door, itself. Thanks for the video. Jambmaster 👍

[@johnthopper]

Amen brother!! On the door manufacture’s head jamb ALWAYS being too short. I fight on every door I set

[@larrysweet2381]

another great tip, never thought about the humidity.

[@gozzi8211]

Great video!! I would like to see how u hang a door when the framing is not plum and twisted

[@davidhicks7802]

Love how you explain the little details and tips that make a job a little easier

[@markevans1127]

You are very correct on your door installation i enjoy all your teachings.

[@rickysdrywall5288]

Between the hack framers, and the awful door manufacturers it's so hard to get a well hung pre-hung door these days. We usually have to deal with misaligned mortises, awful hinges that were installed crooked, and staples that were carelessly shot into jams that split the jams, or protrude into very much unwanted space. When I build my own jams everything goes so much smoother.

[@paularyaninc]

Totally Agree! Back in 2000 I stop using millwork interior pre-hungs. We spent more time fixing the hacks then to hang on site. So since then I use slabs and blank jambs. No more misaligned jamb heads, staples showing through, cocked hinge screws, and door binding.

[@Principull]

So true

[@davidbarry7052]

agreed.

[@davidhicks7802]

Rough framing is called rough framing for a reason they don't get to pick their wood so badly warped or crowned 2x has to be used giving the reason you frame a door or window 2in bigger and yes you are correct about door manufacturing its horrible I've had so many problems in the last few years with interior doors especially the hinges took me awhile to figure the some hinges were actually bent and needed slightly tweaked too

[@prime-mate]

Nailed it!

[@GeoJuana]

Good points and good ideas for hanging the big 8-ft solid Walnut beasts. I always open the door and throw a 3/4 block under the door when I'm on hardwood, or two three quarter blocks if I'm hanging over carpet. Then shim that block to plumb my door.

[@laysim7]

Just here soaking up the info. Thank you for making me a better carpenter!

[@tc9148]

Fabulous tips. So much fun to watch. Learned so much.

[@johnsinclair9481]

Thanks Spencer, always learn something new watching your videos. The other thing I consider when allowing for my margins is whether or not the jamb is pre-primed. Where I am in New Zealand the jambs are not typically pre-primed and the margins close up slightly after painting.

[@MsElijah16]

If u cut a door, do you seal it back up again ( paint it) I’ve had bottoms of doors delaminate/splay on me , Auckland, NZ

[@40beretta1]

The Jamb Master 'J' . This reminded me of my lath instructor... very concise, easy to follow and monotone... Then, like Louie, 20mins in drops some in his humor; "Stepped pipe gauge thingy-majigger 🤨🤣🤣🤣. I took as much trades school stuff as I could in H.S. I chose Construction; TPH was I thinking... 🧐😵‍💫

[@marcthibault8723]

Another great video Spencer! As a homeowner and "DYIer" many of the the tips you provide have been very useful. 😊👍

[@zephyr1408]

I used to shoot for 3/16 and I guess I just struggled seemingly never getting over my “OCD”? Fighting if the HVAC is on , where they or the or my GC who I am sub-out to had the trimmed dropped (this time on a very expensive 5 Thou ft home right on the garage floor w/ all my solid slabs one Hickory , multiple closet doors by pass solid core ; all standing in the back of the garage up against a 3rd garage door???? In 100 plus weather? So I changed to strong 3/16-1/4” whatever I could hit and maintain! Plus I hv a screw pattern I use at the end! 4 of them w/a 5th middle hole top hinge (painters are made aware)! And lastly I added 3.5”x3.5” plywood shims 1/4,3/8,1/8,1/2,5/8 all in a 5 gallon bucket ! Then I use your shim jig maker for my big cabinet saw and make cedar shims 8” long! I incorporated so much of your system more than anything I want to say “I appreciate you brother” ; thank you for all your help for pro-carpenters who are tradesmen and tradeswomen ! Just can not Thk u enough! This was another great one! Maybe once again go over the fine points of craftsman style window! Other than the 3 piece maybe a decorative top with complimentary 1x6 and 1x1 under it?? I watch your one and use the Sheetrock screw to level out the sides top and bottom ? However R u still using this ? Ect.,. Thk u Brother! Never quit! Never bow to laziness ! Buy good tools! JD

[@franklinbittner4683]

What a great carpenter,bravo!

[@splanzza]

Plethora of great tips for anyone. Thanks for sharing Spencer. 👊

[@billzima7068]

Very good info going out right there. Awesome tips brother

[@KWilliamsBuilds]

So great Lewis. You set doors sweeter than my exterior system

[@howardlaunius7484]

Another great lesson and vid on trim carpentry. Thanks Spencer!

[@emilechap8573]

Thx for all the vids and teaching tips and tricks .great work thx

[@ITSTHISEASY]

Used your video on two sets of stairs and it worked perfectly. Thanks again 😊

[@Armand9100]

Very good. Larry Katz's "This is Carpentry" you tube channel has some excellent door setting videos too. More old school.

[@hansangb]

@25:45 There are so many sophomoric jokes, but I'll contain myself :) @22:26, that doohickey is [edit: Spencer posted the link to amzn] Thanks for another great video. PS for any newcomers, Spencer has in-depth video on how to use that Jamb Master.

[@supersope]

You’re a freaking well of information and knowledge, thank you for so much learning and help me so much with my projects!

[@haroldbartley5970]

Those are the ideal openings to hang doors. I have NEVER been lucky enough to get anything close to that.

[@thomasflynn6307]

Awesome video thanks that clears up so many mysteries of why my gaps are so hard to get and to keep and it’s true the manufacturers make things harder. I thought it was because I was a stupid elevator guy. Hinge barrel slop the humidity thing these things are baffling until somebody tells u why? I wish I would have seen this a few months ago

[@cuttheknot4781]

Excellent! As usual, thank you for your time.

[@stronghumantraining]

Not sure how much you filmed but THANK YOU for all of the amazing education. I was hanging on to every word haha🙏🏽.

[@crownmoldingbyspectaculart941]

Brilliant tip with the corner block.

[@davidjackson4112]

Thanks for sharing this knowledges.

[@rickysdrywall5288]

Would love to see a video of you adjusting the opening during the framing stage.

[@deansolano1483]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Love your videos.

[@caravann26]

This guy's hired!! I don't care if he's working for the jamb master people.bes video

[@cofee28]

In my zone, I like to keep a little play in the shims. Extreme cold and hot humid days causes the framing around the door to move around.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

In our new build 26 yrs ago, Out of 11 interior doors , 7 were hung jacked, four did not latched without pushing. Three hinge fun 😮

[@hvactechwanttobe1499]

It will be good to see how you align strikers Good job explaining

[@richardf9137]

A true professional!

[@JeffMallucci]

Spencer , Going to check out the jamb master slick tool. Want to get your thoughts on a big remodeling problem is the twisted jack stud when hanging a door. Is there an adjustable shim on the market sounds crazy but that's what is need for a perfect hang ? Total agree on the head jamb being to short !

[@coltutley]

Thanks brother, 😊 I really appreciate the time and expert tips

[@350Zamir]

You are awesome! You should have wayyy more views and subscribers!

[@nelsod76]

Fantastic as always buddy.

[@raulc398]

Hi Spencer,do you always place the jambmaster on the barrel hinge side?

[@totallynottrademarked5279]

You can also order number 9 tapered screws with the various finishes that are 3 1/2 long. I use them in all of the deepest hinge holes which saves taking them off and risk splitting the jamb if you don't predrill. On entry doors you can countersink them under the weatherstrip easy enough if you have trouble catching the cripple stud.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

The reason I don't do that is because the painters remove them and don't know where to put them back. And when the painter removes them it can negate the adjustment you were trying to make.

[@totallynottrademarked5279]

@@InsiderCarpentry Makes sense to me. I don't do new construction often so I would have never thought of that.

[@vladimirskuncevics9325]

Thanks! Very useful video for me.

[@Jaycabra]

Great job !

[@TheWebMindset]

I really appreciate your investment of time to teach us. Good job!

[@PS-gc3mj]

Very informative as always. I haven’t searched, my apologies, but do you have examples of mitigating or repairing issues you may encounter which you’ve outlined. Each step your results are exactly what you wanted. I would gather the jamb master (and obviously your experience and knowledge of physics and humidity) is the key here, no? What can amateurs or non-production folks like me do to recreate a jamb master type effect?

[@ra4yu]

That hinge demonstration socked me, i even went down to my garage to find some hinges to check. I found 6 hinges, 5 of them had 0 play, 1 of them had no rattle but under stress you could nick a fingernail. I do a lot of renovation work so ill try keep an eye out for doors that failed and the relation to screws although most doors i find are screwed even with slotted head screws. My gut kind of tells me misalignment over time is more related to framing or foundations settling or seasonal expansion/contraction/moisture.

[@ra4yu]

i actually see quite a few doors move from lateral movement, im guessing its somewhat related but the doors live most of their life open. The easiest fix being to shift the bottom hinge out a little bit. Its pretty much always moving the bottom hinge out.

[@heystarfish100]

You could do a video on brain surgery and I think I could follow you well enough that I would have the confidence to perform. Thank you for your patience and not missing a point where there may be a doubt or questions. Great video. ☝️😎👍

[@tonycecchinato3243]

Live the very technical terms that we all understand. Like “gappage” and “wiggling” hinges

[@derekatkins8494]

A lot of great tips in this video! I know you deal with new construction, but do you have any experience/tips for fixing old doors that are not closing/latching properly? When doors are cased and painted and caulked, so you are limited on what tricks you can do? I do mostly new installs, but occasionally I am asked to fix old doors.

[@quietwoodworking]

Thank you for all the tips!

[@storchmj]

lol, was just looking for this video yesterday!! Thanks Spencer

[@fischerdrywall]

It looks like your door gap is about 5/8” or 3/4” but a lot of doors come with longer jambs (1” or better) . What’s your thoughts on this ? What exactly do you correct to the king studs prior to wallboard installation ? Also why not use finish screws on the jambs instead of nails ! I noticed you didn’t show if the threshold was level and how do you address this in regards to the striker plate to keep the spacing correct in the event that you have to cut one side of the jamb to plumb and level ? Also I think the crap jambs that are not even 3/4” are one strike against the carpenters on the solid core doors. Do you think 5/4 might be the answer ? What kind of screws do you use under the hinge plates ? I love and watch your channel all the time Keep up the great work and keep the tips coming I think you have earned your PhD degree in finish carpentry!!!!!

[@rickysdrywall5288]

We run in to the floor being unlevel a lot on remodels have to to cut one side of the jam to fix it. I never like doing that, so I'd definitely be interested in other ways of dealing with that.

[@colbysvids]

You forgot at least one thing. When the door and jambes are painted you also lose some reveal to the paint thickness, especially when you have paint buildup on the edges of the doors. It can cause the hinge side of the door to bind against the jamb. I Try and leave about 3/32- 1/8" reveal all the way around.

[@wildtwindad]

Yeah, this. Worked with stain grade for so long, that when it was a spec project with primed doors not painted, set my reveals to stain grade, not paint grade. That one hurt.

[@AC-gm6bq]

As usual, great video

[@DRV_Woodworks]

Never seen the jambmaster. Interesting though. I typically bang out like 8 or 9 of the 8' thick doors in one day doing it old school. Wonder of the jambmaster will speed things up🤔

[@mavicaerials8825]

Very good attention to detail and showing us how to get it also! Where did your stepped measuring tool come from? Where to buy it?

[@Quickened1]

That's the way it's done right there! In the past, I have had to add a shim in the middle of the header jam because they were warped but that's not the norm. More recently, I was paid to replace some interior doors. Upon removal of the trim, I found that the previous installer literally installed the pre-hung doors, without using a single shim!!! Basically, they just relied on the trim to hold the doors in place. Obviously hollow core but still, it was a first for me! 🤣

[@InsiderCarpentry]

It blows my mind that builders sell houses with the level of quality.

[@ronallen6578]

@@InsiderCarpentry It's ALL about the profit margin. Does any one even use the word quality except in advertising??

[@GeoJuana]

That's the 15-minute door you hear some guys talk about. )

[@Quickened1]

@@GeoJuana Yep, never believed that was possible until I saw these...

[@ronallen6578]

@@GeoJuana I always told the guy I worked for that it took what it took. He didn't always like my response, but he didn't complain about my finish work either. You just get use to rushing through things. I wouldn't do something for someone that I wouldn't do for myself. For whatever that's worth. I retired because I was tired of this crap. No longer enjoyed the work. So be it!!!

[@fischerdrywall]

Spencer You said you put a screw under the leaf at the top hinge but your shim placement on the hinge didn’t show a shim there. Do you install flush and do to countersink before adding exterior screw ?

[@je-fq7ve]

try a dead blow hammer. Used a lot in the automotive industry. The hammer head is hollow and filled with small ball bearings. When you swing there is minimal damage, no rebound. Harbor freight has a nice set.

[@BigmoRivera]

Great Class Amigo I Like That Name Jam Master Great Tip Nicely Done 😉👍🏽🪚📐📝🔨

[@zachsimpson264]

Solid video and advise. Covered a ton of information for those new to setting doors. Recently did/doing an older house reno and when old framing or new lumber has a bow/changes do you have adjustment tricks when that happens? Hunger bending/etc

[@jonathanisaac9259]

Have you looked at the " Door Stud " kinda pricey but looks like it would save a lot of time and sore backs! I'm thinking about buying a set.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Definitely would be handy for these heavy doors.

[@johnking3810]

@@InsiderCarpentry Picked up "door studs" for a set of large heavy doors- two guys needed and uses a bit different concept of install . Definitely saves the back though

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video, thanks 😊 👍

[@tc9148]

Is your step wedge the small ¾” x 4” or medium 1-½” x 6”? Found both on Amazon.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

The small one. amzn.to/3CkpGRH

[@tc9148]

Tried sending direct text message to that phone number and does not work.

[@uprightcr2744]

Hey Spence, Have you ever done a video on this subject, without the jam master? I think 99% of your followers probably don’t have one of those.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Not yet. I hope to though.

[@morokeiboethia6749]

Another tool that works really well with getting your jamb perfect is a crossline laser level. Set your laser line to on the edge of the jamb and you can see all the little bits of bow in your jamb that you have to shim out.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I've tried that but never had good results. If there is any warp or twist in the door it makes the laser ineffective. To me it's easier just to set them traditionally.

[@morokeiboethia6749]

@@InsiderCarpentry I get what you're saying. I do try to square the studs and jamb to the sheetrock first before I do any laser lines/ shims. I bought a +$500 model crossline LLvl (bosch gll3-330cg) a year ago when I was doing marine construction but you have to purchase 3 accessories to make them useable: 1 receiver to detect the line in sunlight 2 telescoping pole to connect the Llvl to move it up/down 3 high precision manual rotation stage that you connect the Llvl to that gives you very fine control spin so you can line your laser up on points a long way away. You dont need a receiver for interior work but the other 2 are critical. Who do you purchase a Jamb Master through?

[@morokeiboethia6749]

Spencer when you were talking about the settling of the door over years do the shim blocks (plywood shim blocks) need to be reinforced with a thin finish nail to hold them perfectly still over time or is the hot glue by itself sufficient? I was thinking about that other day b/c I really have no idea how long the longevity of hot glue is.

[@zephyr1408]

I just want to come back and say guilty I have been lately going back and actually pulling the doors and cutting them to fit the floors. The hinge issue is obviously more a problem in homes sporting solid core doors! The issues w/doors is you work on them all day and the other trades are looking at you like your stone cold lazy? It’s really a fight from start to finish. Other trades like in this house it’s tilers the GC is crunched then delays so yeah we’re tripping over each other! Gaps? My framing at the top allowed an 1 1/4” shim to the jam? So someone assumed 7’ and it was 6/8’s. So I guess I am venting here sorry Spence u hv a full plate ! Carry on Brother!

[@AndresLopez-uf4ew]

Hey Spencer .... Have you ever considered doing a Live Feed to answer questions from your Follower's ?

[@TenB33rs]

Screw behind the hinge....genius.

[@dcuplover]

along the top margin, along the drywall and the frame of the door, there is quite a difference in how the two edges meet up. It looks to be 1/8" (or more) where the drywall is proud of the door frame. Is that something your take care of prior to setting the door into place? Do you line the front jam, that is exposed to the hallway, flush with the drywall? Do you center the door frame in the rough opening (front to back) then hide any isses with the casing?

[@samschenk4342]

Awesome video. One question I had is do you check to see if the whole jamb is plumb vertically? Meaning that if it is not, the jamb would need to be proud on one side of the opening to make it plum right? If it’s out of plumb bad enough, the door would swing open or closed and won’t stay still. Maybe you checked it before?

[@Frieslick]

That’s what a spirit level is for. Hopefully the framers know how to use one too.

[@scottsmith182]

Nice. I live in Nevada and July, August and September get really humid. Gonna order a couple of those pipe gauges. Is there a vendor that supports your chanel?

[@ncsmalljobs5194]

Does the Jamb Master work with split jambs

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Works awesome with split jambs.

[@jeffk9405]

My painter just had a stroke with the amount of nails you used? Painters seam to think nails are unnecessary to hold a door into place lol. I make my finish carpenter use trim head screws for setting solid core doors for painted millwork and all exterior doors.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Trim head screws leave horrendous holes that are 4x the size of my 15 gauge nail holes. Trim head screws don't have any holding power in terms of heavy doors. It's more important to get large exterior screws behind the hinges or door stop.

[@dusty7264]

This guy is good here it’s all piece work, I get one hundred bucks to hang that door, takes about ten minutes to do it.