Hi guys,I got new carpets fitted. As a result I need to shorten two internaldoors by *about* 1cm.What is the best way to do this? I have a DIY book (don't we all?)that recommends using a manual plane.I am a complete novice at carpentry - should I be trying this? Whattools should I be using? Etc etcCheersLawrence

Lawrence,Simply a hand saw, plane, craft knife and glasspaper.The method that I would use is simply to mark the bottom of the door with a pencil on both sides and then to avoid any spalling - score along both marks with a sharp craft knife.Once that is done, use the saw to cut just inside the line and holding the saw at a fairly 'flat' angle to reduce spalling - remember to take care when approaching the end of the cut to hold the waste and saw slowly. This is best done using a new 'throw away' crosscut saw from one of the 'sheds' for the reason stated under Warning below.Once the waste is removed, clean up to and just 'take out' the scored line with the plane and use fine glasspaper rubbed along the cut edges to take the arris off - voila job done and rehang the door.Warning:If they are flush doors, you have a good chance of hitting a couple of staples holding the frame together on both edges of the door - if you 'hit' these then they will certainly blunt the saw/plane and will...

Best way to shorten internal door?

Oct 27, 2007 22 Replies

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Stuart Noble 18 years ago

I never did master hand tools. Watching a guy fitting rebated French doors convinced me I just didn't have what it took.

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sm_jamieson 18 years ago

That's one reason for rebating the hinges - the weight is taken at the bottom of the rebate rather than by the screws, which simply hold the door upright. The rebate also stops the door dropping over time. A well-fitted old door often has tiny screws. I don't think they could make the long thin screws you can get now - they all had to be tapered, so a long thin screw was difficult to make. Simon.

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Stuart Noble 18 years ago

Only an inch or so of wood there anyway I would have thought

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