How to Install Hinges and Latches on an Exterior Door

Hinges and latches act as the gatekeepers of your home, and installing them correctly is the difference between a secure entrance and a constant source of frustration. When hardware is mounted poorly, doors sag, air leaks in, and locks fail to engage properly. A successful installation requires patience with measurements and a steady hand when using your chisel. Focus on the relationship between the door slab and the frame. Even a sixteenth of an inch can cause a door to bind or a latch to rattle. Take your time to mark your depths precisely and ensure the hinge leaves sit flush with the wood. When the hardware sits perfectly flat, your door will operate smoothly for years.

  1. Mark Hinge Positions Precisely. Measure and mark the hinge positions on both the door edge and the door frame. Standard placement is 7 inches from the top of the door and 11 inches from the bottom, with a third hinge centered between them.
  2. Chisel Perfect Hinge Recesses. Trace the outline of your hinge leaf onto the wood and use a sharp chisel to remove material to the exact depth of the hinge plate. Tap the chisel lightly with a hammer, working from the edges toward the center to avoid splitting the wood grain.
  3. Secure Hinges Into Studs. Position the hinges in the mortises and pre-drill pilot holes using a drill bit slightly smaller than your screw shank. Drive the screws in by hand to avoid stripping the wood or the screw heads.
  4. Drill Latch and Knob Holes. Mark the center point for your latch hole on the door face according to the manufacturer's backset template. Use a hole saw bit to drill the bore hole for the knob and a spade bit for the edge latch hole.
  5. Mark Strike Plate Location. Insert the latch assembly into the edge of the door and secure it with screws. Close the door until the latch bolt touches the frame to mark the precise location for your strike plate.
  6. Finish With Strike Plate Flush. Mortise a shallow recess for the strike plate on the door frame so it sits perfectly flush with the wood. Secure the plate using the provided screws, ensuring the latch clicks into the hole without resistance.