Hanging Solid-Core Doors Solo
A tool borrowed from drywallers makes easy work of lifting and positioning heavy wood doors.
When I have to muscle a solid-core door into or out of its hinges, I let a drywall lifter (a tool designed for placing drywall on walls) do the heavy lifting. Unlike a flat bar, a drywall lifter features an integral fulcrum (so I don’t have to set it on top of a 2×4 to get leverage) and a stirrup that permits hands-free operation. As shown in the drawing, when I’m ready to set the door, I slip a toe through the stirrup, use my foot to center the lift under the door, and effortlessly raise the door into position. You can find these tools at the big drywall-supply outlets that cater to the pros. Expect to spend from $15 to $20 for one.
By the way, the sharp metal edges of the lift can scratch wood surfaces, so I usually cover them with a layer of duct tape.
Tom O’Brien, New Milford, CT
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #178
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Nice "Tip" Tom! I don't "Hang Drywall" but I'll be buying a Drywall Lifter for doors! I Do convert houses for Handicapped People (Sometimes) and replacing regular Door Hinges with "Full-Opening" Hinges is a 2-Person job.
I hope, with a Drywall Lifter I CAN Do it alone.
By the way, any Door can be Retrofitted with these hinges. They let the door Open out of the Door Opening by having the "Hinge" being offset so the Door opens W/O being in the way.
I use these hinges in Houses that have People with Wheelchairs living there. I "Think" all doors should have "Full-Opening" Hinges on them. These hinges have Off Set" "Hinge" pins so the Doors open W/O blocking the Door Frame".
I've been using flat bars and wood blocks to wrestle with solid core doors for years. Thanks for the tip. I just now ordered a cast aluminum lifter from Amazon.