How to Switch a Door Swing

Use your hammer and screwdriver to strike the metal pins that hold the door onto the hinges. Start with the bottom hinge and have someone hold the door as you remove the top hinge to prevent it from falling or from pulling the hinge screws out of the wall. Use your screwdriver to loosen and remove the hinge screws, and pry the hinge plates out of the wall with your flat head screwdriver.

Hold both edges of the door and rotate it hand over hand so the bottom is now on top. For example, if the hinges were on the left inside edge of the door, then the door would open toward you from the right. Once the door has been turned over, the hinges will be on the right inside edge and the door will open toward you from the left. The door can now be reinstalled on the opposite side of the frame so that the swing is switched to the opposite side.

Remove the hinges from your door. Use your tape measure to record the distance from the top inside corner of the door frame to the top edge of the upper hinge cutout where the door was formerly attached. Make a second measurement to the bottom edge of the upper hinge cutout.

Move the the opposite side of the door frame and use your tape measure to mark the location of the top and bottom edges of the hinge cutout to match those on the other side. Place the hinge onto the frame so the top and bottom edges line up with your pencil marks. Trace the outline of the hinge shape onto the frame with your pencil.

Use your hammer and wood chisel to make a cutout the size and shape of your hinge outline. The cutout should be as deep as your hinge so that it sits perfectly flush once installed. Repeat the same process for the middle and bottom hinges. Place the hinges into the cutouts you make to test them for fit, then adjust as needed. Use your pencil to mark the screw holes for each hinge onto the frame.

Use your power drill to make pilot holes into the frame for the hinge mounting screws. Have a helper hold the door in place, and use your screwdriver to fasten the hinges to the frame.

Close the door and use your pencil to mark the position of the door latch on the door frame edge. Use your hammer and chisel to make the shallow cutout in which the strike plate will sit, and use your power drill to make the deeper hole in which the doorknob latch will rest. Install the plate onto the door frame and test the door by opening and closing it several times.

Use wood filler to fill in the remaining cutout and door knob latch locations. Mix the filler according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply it to the each depression. Allow the putty to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, then use sandpaper to smooth it over. Paint the door frame to cover your work.