Let’s call it what it is garage doors can be boring. Instead of looking at garage doors as a large boring piece made of aluminum, wood or fiberglass, think of the door as an empty piece of paper begging to be touched by an artist. With this tutorial on how to set up the garage door’s hardware nearly every homeowner or DIYer equipped with the basic tools and free time can become the artist.
The garage door hardware about enhancing the look of your entry without spending in a large amount of dollars. Although they may appear to be basic hardware for garage doors, they are actually quite useful ornaments but there are a few situations where installing this type of hardware could make a significant change.
For instance, houses in a variety of developments often appear identical, and some homeowners might think it is time to break away from the norm. In such cases, well-lit garage doors are a great location to display a little of individuality and style by using easy, stylish upgrades like handles and hinges.
In addition installing decorative garage door hardware is a good idea prior to listing your home for sale. The curb appeal is a selling point and giving that empty and dull slab to conceal the garage’s contents an overhaul could help make the house sell more quickly and for a higher price to the price you’re asking for.
If you have garage doors in good condition but are simply boring adding decorative garage door hardware can make a huge difference. With handles, a few faux hinges , and even the lockset will look more shrewd.
Safety Factors
In general making garage doors is secure. There’s usually no threatening chemicalsand because the modern doors are usually used for display purposes The components are lightweight and simple to use. But, it’s important to use the appropriate safety equipment.
If you use a drill with tiny bits there’s always the chance that the bit could snap when it’s under pressure. If it happens, fractured bit’s path can be a bit hazy So DIYers should use safety eyewear to prevent getting injured eyes. Wearing gloves is also recommended, since they can prevent damage from flying bits, as well as the scrapes and blisters which occur frequently when working on DIY projects.
Tools
- Tape measures
- The Level (bubble or laser)
- Pencil
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Screwdriver
Materials
- Decorative garage door hardware (hinges, handles etc.)
Instructions
1. Map the Hinge Locations on the Map
Begin this project by deciding on the hinges’ places. For most four-panel garage doors, hinge straps are best placed with one in between the first and the second panel and one between the 4th and 5th panels on either side. Be sure to avoid installing hinges in areas where they could overlap the gap of two panels.
The pencil should be poked through the screw hole in the bracket, leaving small marks across the doors. Unhook the hinge, put the bubble level over the mark, then draw a line that is level across the door. You can also set the laser level so that it is positioned at the point. Keep the hinge in place and mark the screw holes.
Repeat this process at all hinge positions.
2. Make the screw holes
Utilizing the marks you made in step one, you can drill small holes into the shell on the outside for the doors. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to determine the proper size of the drill. For aluminum or fiberglass doors make sure you slow down and stop the drill as soon as the bit has broken through the surface, to avoid the damage of drilling an area that is larger than the one required. For doors made of wood, make sure to drill as deep as the screws that are included in the kit.
3. Install the Hinges
Once all the holes are made, attach the hinges with the hardware included within the kits. Make sure you tighten the screws using the help of a screwdriver in order to avoid damaging either the hinge’s door, or even the screw’s head. Do not overtighten.
4. Take a measurement and mark the center of the Door
Choose the height you want for the handle. For handles that are vertical it is usually at center of third or second panel. For handles with horizontal handles the location is typically towards the lower part of the first panel.
Make use of your tape measurement to locate the precise centre of the door in any direction from left to right, and make a small pencil line. Utilize the laser level or the bubble level for drawing a plumb vertical line on the door following this line, centered around the desired threshold of the door handle. Put the handle of the door on the marker and then mark screw holes.
5. Drill the holes and install the Handle
Following the same procedure like before, you can make small holes near the marks you made in the previous step making sure to stop the drill when it is able to penetrate the door. After drilling the holes and the handle installed, you can install it using the screwdriver to avoid the risk of damage caused by overtightening.