How to Trim a Hollow Closet Door

Open the door and tighten all the screws securing the three hinges to the door edge with a screwdriver. These screws sometimes work themselves loose over time.

Remove the center screw securing the top hinge to the door jamb with the screwdriver. Insert a 2 1/2-inch wood screw into the center hole and tighten it securely with the screwdriver. The longer screw bites into the rough framing inside the jamb and draws the hinge tighter, causing the door to level.

Tighten the remaining screws securing the top hinge to the door jamb. Close the door to check for binding. If the door still binds it is necessary to plane the door slightly.

Stand on the outside of the opening and slowly close the door until it begins to bind. Trace the bottom of the door header jamb along the face of the door. Open the door and go to the hinge side of the door.

Close the door and remove the pins securing the two hinge leafs together on each hinge with a hammer and screwdriver. Place the tip of the screwdriver under each hinge pin and tap the screwdriver with a hammer to push the pin up enough that you are able to grab the pin head with the hammer claw. Pull the pin out with the claw of the hammer.

Lift the door away from the opening and place it on a pair of saw horses, with the trace mark pointing up. Ask a friend to hold the door steady while you plane the top of the door with a box plane. Move in the direction of the wood grain and only plane to just above the trace line.

Reinstall the door in the opening, inserting the hinge pins through the two leafs of each hinge. Open and close the door to check for binding.