[Mark Hubley]

I want to replace a standard interior door in my house with one that has a glass panel to allow light through. I have already ordered the replacement door. When I get the door, I will need to cut holes for the various bits of hardware, including the appropriate cutouts for the hinges. I think I get the idea in concept, but I am lacking in tools (and experience) for carpentry.

Is there anyone in the area (the closer to Upper Marlboro, MD, the better) who can help me with this? I believe that if I were to bring the new door and the old door to you, this can be sorted out rather quickly. Or maybe it's not too much of a problem to come to me with the necessary tools. I am happy to provide alcoholic beverages and food.

[BillC]

To clarify: you want to hang a new door in the existing door frame on the existing hinges, correct?

If so, I've done this a couple of times. It's not too hard, but it does require careful measurements and sharp chisels. If you can't find anyone closer, you can bring both doors over here and we can take care of them.

You should also make sure the new door fits in the old frame. It may require some fitting (planing/shaving), since old frames often aren't square and the new door may be a little oversize.

[Mark Hubley]

Originally Posted by BillC

To clarify: you want to hang a new door in the existing door frame on the existing hinges, correct?

If so, I've done this a couple of times. It's not too hard, but it does require careful measurements and sharp chisels. If you can't find anyone closer, you can bring both doors over here and we can take care of them.

You should also make sure the new door fits in the old frame. It may require some fitting (planing/shaving), since old frames often aren't square and the new door may be a little oversize.

Yes, I want to put a new door into an existing frame and make use of the existing hinges. When I get the door, I will check it for fit in the frame. If nobody else chimes in, then I will be happy to bring the doors over to your place sometime. There is no urgency.

[Ryan]

Or if you own a router, just buy a door hinge mortise jig for about $20. Simple to use, not much carpentry skills required

[Dandelion]

If your frame is really unsquare, then consider a pre-hung door (insert joke here).

ed

[Vicegrip]

Originally Posted by Mark Hubley

Yes, I want to put a new door into an existing frame and make use of the existing hinges. When I get the door, I will check it for fit in the frame. If nobody else chimes in, then I will be happy to bring the doors over to your place sometime. There is no urgency.

Don't need to check for fit other than it is not smaller in any dimension. I have swapped out lots of doors back to back. Right size hole saws and methods negate the need for door jigs. Sharp chisel and a box cutter negate the need for a router. Table saw for width cuts and a circular saw and straight edge for height or both if you are careful.

Don't think I am close in Woodstock but i have the tools and can help if you feel like taking a trip. new door, old door and one hinge and the latch is all you need.

[Dr K]

You need a hole saw (with 2 sizes, what size depends on your lock set--large for knobs and small for latch) and a router/pattern for your hinges. When I did interior doors a million years ago I made the pattern for routing out my hinges and it worked perfectly.

[Mark Hubley]

BillC was kind enough to come over to my place and help with this. He brought his skills and some sharp chisels, and that got the job done.