How to Hinge a Door Jamb

Mark on the door jamb 1/8 inch from the top and the bottom, using a pencil. The 1/8-inch gap at the top and the bottom of the door keeps the door from getting stuck. When hanging the door with the hinges on, use the 1/8-inch marks as a guide.

Measure 5 inches from the top of the door and 10 inches from the bottom of the door, using a measuring tape, and mark the hinge location.

Run a depth gauge along the edge of the door, in the hinge location, to find the depth of the hinge leaf. Mark the depth with a pen knife.

Place a chisel along the hinge location and hit it with a rubber mallet to score the cutting area. Angle the chisel sharply and hit it with the hammer to remove the wood from the hinge areas.

Place the hinges into the door and screw the hinges down, using a screwdriver.

Hold the door up to the marks made on the jamb earlier (the 1/8-inch marks) and screw the hinges into the jamb.