Counter Sunk
Quick and Easy Ways to Fix a Kicked in Door
First we need to determine the level of quality we are looking for, you see not all doors deserve to be fixed the same. What I’m dealing with is the door that repeatedly gets abused, not the Taj Mahal or some upper end neighborhood castle. The type of door that when the owner/tenant looses his keys the first thing he/she thinks is bust it down not get a locksmith, the type where the neighborhood bad boy will be back as soon as you fix it and do it again.
Most likely the jamb by the strike or latch is splintered and the door itself is split allowing the deadbolt and latch to fall out, but the hinge jambs are still holding. First thing, look down on the floor and pick up every single piece of wood or debris you find, if some pieces (big ones) are missing look farther away, they have to be there somewhere. Now remove all the hardware (no not the hinges Einstein) and set all your treasures in a safe place. Starting with the door, give it a squeeze and see how close it comes to closing up, you will probably need to remove and/or rearrange some damaged pieces, sometimes it helps to pry it apart a little with a screwdriver to pick out misaligned parts. Keep trying to squeeze it shut until your satisfied it comes together properly. By now you should have either a couple screw wood clamps or the newer plastic ratchet clamps. Use the clamps but don’t think they will compensate for misaligned splinters. Once you’re sure it will pull together go to your debris pile and see if any missing pieces can be fitted in where they belong.
Ok your all set, now get out your best thick bodied premium waterproof woodworking glue, this stuff is expensive, don’t use white paper glue. Take your clamps off and spread the damaged area apart enough to squeeze glue everywhere, you may have to spread the door apart with a screwdriver while you slop in the glue. Use a skinny popsicle stick to shove it in the back, but get it all over, yes your making a mess, you should’ve already put down a drop cloth if the house deserves it. Don’t forget to fit in your pieces that you saved from your debris splinter pile. Now using your hands squeeze it together, if it feels good continue, if not pull the mess apart and realign what ever is hanging up. Next using a wet rag, clean up your hands and all the drips, including all over the ground. You don’t want to be tracking glue all over. At this point decide to clamp it for a few hours or use screws. For screws first clamp the door all over the damaged area, squeeze it to the original thickness. Next using long drywall screws carefully screw it together. You will need to counter sink the heads (I use an oversize drill bit turning backwards) just below the surface or just flush if the house is that quality, but you must countersink because the tapered screw shanks will tend to split your work. As you place screws you will move the clamps around. Be thoughtful, don’t place screws where the lock hardware goes. By now you will need to clean up again, the screws should have forced glue out. If you decide to just use clamps, be careful you don’t glue the clamps to your work, use wax paper as a separator. If you only have a few clamps try using a strip of 1×4 or even plywood to spread the pressure.
Next step, you can use patch n paint spackle for a truly cheap fix, fill in your counter sunk screw heads and any small voids in the wood, hit it with your hairdryer and in a few minutes you can be painting your repaired door. As an alternative, for a strong repair or when you have deep areas of missing wood, use auto body repair putty (Bondo) instead of spackle. Bondo sets up in a few minutes and is as strong as the wood. You can rasp it, sand it, drill and paint it. Next, lets work on the jamb, most likely you would be working both areas at the same time anyway. In many door kick ins the jamb really takes the brunt of the damage and lots of times big chunks of wood are missing in action. No problem, use exactly the same techniques I’ve described.
Here’s some more helpful tips. Consider sawing out and replacing part of the jamb with new wood (say a 1″ by ¾” by 10″ piece) but try not to cut all the way through a jamb board as this hinders alignment a lot. I frequently will use four inch drywall screws to bring a damaged jamb back to life. If you are using lots of body filler, build it up in lifts rather than one huge goo job. When filling a large void the filler will sag and drip while you helplessly watch and keep pushing it back up hill. Try placing a row or two of screws so the heads are just below the finished surface, this will help the sagging and will also make sure your filler is firmly anchored to the jamb. Once again pay attention to your lock placement before sticking screws any old place. Another trick you can do is temporarily attach a board along your jamb to act as a form, just be sure to pull it off before the body filler totally sets. You can put in the time and have a perfect finish like an auto body shop does or finish off small voids and imperfections with patch n paint spackle followed by paint and a hair dryer, it’s your choice. Using these techniques you should be able to have a finished job in two hours for under $20 in materials. Did you know you can reverse the door and have a fresh new edge to splinter. John 2010 www.triptalkusa.com
About the Author
|
|
12g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.00 |
|
|
12g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.00 |
|
|
10g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.00 |
|
|
10g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.00 |
|
|
8g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls in $1.00 |
|
|
8g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls in $1.00 |
|
|
ANDERSON BRASS 1/4 NPT HEX HEAD MALE COUNTER-SUNK PLUG, PART NO. 109CS-B $1.00 |
|
|
8g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls in $1.00 |
|
|
8g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls in $1.00 |
|
|
12g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.00 |
|
|
12g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.00 |
|
|
10g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.00 |
|
|
10g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.00 |
|
|
12g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.04 |
|
|
10g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.04 |
|
|
8g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls in $1.04 |
|
|
8g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls in $1.04 |
|
|
12g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.04 |
|
|
10g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.04 |
|
|
12g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.09 |
|
|
10g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.09 |
|
|
8g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls in $1.09 |
|
|
8g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls in $1.09 |
|
|
12g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.09 |
|
|
10g Stainless Steel Counter Sunk, Counterbored Balls $1.09 |
|
|
Traxxas TRA3178 3178 Screws 3 x 12mm Counter Sunk (6) $1.49 |
|
|
1/4-18 NPT Plug w/ 1/4″ Counter sunk Hex .370″L PP567 $1.49 |
|
|
3/8-18 NPT Plug w/ 5/16 Counter sunk Hex 090-047 $1.58 |
|
|
31664 New-No Box, Metalquima 3510016 LOT-18 Counter sunk Screw M4-0.7 Thread $1.61 |
|
|
NEW! Associated Flat Head Counter Sunk 2-56×3/8 (8) 31125 NIB $1.89 |
|
|
(#5-40) 1/8” Chrome Screws Counter Sunk chromed screw $2.25 |
|
|
3/4-14 NPT Threaded Plug w/ 9/16 Counter sunk Hex $2.39 |
|
|
Traxxas Slash 4wd Ultimate Platimun Screws 3x12mm counter sunk machined 2552 $2.50 |
|
|
Traxxas Slash 4wd Ultimate Platimun Screws 4x12mm counter sunk machined 2542 $2.50 |
|
|
Traxxas Slash 4wd Ultimate Platimun Screws 4x15mm counter sunk machined 2546 $2.50 |
|
|
Traxxas Slash 4wd Ultimate Platimun Screws 3x6mm counter sunk machined 2534 $2.50 |
|
|
60086 COUNTER SUNK SELF TAPPING SCREW 3*10 $2.90 |
|
|
Counter-Sunk Screws (6/32 x 0.25″ with 82 degree angle) for Dell trays x 20 $2.95 |
|
|
Counter-Sunk Screws (M3 x 4mm) for SFF 2.5 Dell & HP trays x 20 $2.95 |
|
|
2mm x 6mm, Model Screws, Philips Head Self Tapping Counter Sunk X20 Pieces. $3.11 |
|
|
M6 X 10 COUNTER SUNK SOCKET HEAD SCREW BOLT CSK X 10 $3.28 |
|
|
M6 X 16 COUNTER SUNK SOCKET HEAD SCREW BOLT CSK X 10 $3.28 |
|
|
1/8″ 3.2mm TUNGSTEN CYCLOP BEADS Fly Tying Counter Sunk Gold Nickel Black Copper $3.39 |
|
|
1/8″ 3.2mm TUNGSTEN CYCLOP BEADS Fly Tying Counter Sunk Gold Nickel Black Copper $3.39 |
|
|
1/8″ 3.2mm TUNGSTEN CYCLOP BEADS Fly Tying Counter Sunk Gold Nickel Black Copper $3.39 |
|
|
1/8″ 3.2mm TUNGSTEN CYCLOP BEADS Fly Tying Counter Sunk Gold Nickel Black Copper $3.39 |
|
|
M6 X 35 COUNTER SUNK SOCKET HEAD SCREW BOLT CSK X 10 $3.42 |
|
|
Traxxas Counter Sunk Screw Set 2.5x12mm 2526 $3.65 |
|
|
60085 COUNTER SUNK SELF-TAPPING SCREW 3*25 $3.94 |
|
|
Counter-Sunk Screws (6/32 x 0.25″ with 100 degree angle) for Dell trays x 20 $3.95 |
|
|
M6 X 60 COUNTER SUNK SOCKET HEAD SCREW BOLT CSK X 10 $4.28 |
|
|
Madison’s Fender Strat Stratocaster Switch Screws Counter Sunk Project. -AGED- $4.50 |
|
|
3/16″ Chrome Screws Machine Counter Sunk chromed screw racecar aircraft hardware $4.99 |
|
|
PurePolaris Crankcase Counter Sunk Screw 3087932 $5.29 |
|
|
3/16” Chrome Screws, Machine Counter Sunk chromed screw $5.75 |
|
|
50022 ENGINE POST + COUNTER SUNK SCREW 1/5 GAS BUGGY $5.85 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 1/8″ 3.0mm – Fl Yellow – Qty 20 $6.25 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 1/8″ 3.0mm – Fl Pink – Qty 20 $6.25 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 1/8″ 3.0mm – Black – Qty 20 $6.25 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 1/8″ 3.0mm – Fl Orange – Qty 20 $6.25 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 1/8″ 3.0mm – Gold – Qty 20 $6.25 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 1/8″ 3.0mm – Copper – Qty 20 $6.25 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 1/8″ 3.0mm – Fl White – Qty 20 $6.25 |
|
|
Madison’s Fender Strat Stratocaster Pickup Screws Counter Sunk Project -AGED- $6.50 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 5/32″ 4.0mm – Fl Yellow – Qty 20 $6.75 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 5/32″ 4.0mm – Fl Pink – Qty 20 $6.75 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 5/32″ 4.0mm – Fl Green – Qty 20 $6.75 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 5/32″ 4.0mm – Black – Qty 20 $6.75 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 5/32″ 4.0mm – Silver – Qty 20 $6.75 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 5/32″ 4.0mm – Fl Orange – Qty 20 $6.75 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 5/32″ 4.0mm – Gold – Qty 20 $6.75 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 5/32″ 4.0mm – Copper – Qty 20 $6.75 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 5/32″ 4.0mm – Fl White – Qty 20 $6.75 |
|
|
3/8″ NAS1206-32 screw bolts an aircraft hardware bolt screws Counter sunk philip $6.85 |
|
|
Polaris Counter Sunk Screw 3087932 $6.99 |
|
|
Tattoo Machine Counter Sunk Screw Kit, 60 8-32 Screws $6.99 |
|
|
STEEL COUNTER SUNK HEAD RIVETS $7.80 |
|
|
chrome counter sunk sliding door latch $7.99 |
|
|
Brass Hex Plug Counter Sunk 118-A | (Fuel) 1/8″ Male NPT | 25pc Lot $7.99 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 13/64″ 5.0mm – Fl Yellow – Qty 20 $8.00 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 13/64″ 5.0mm – Fl Pink – Qty 20 $8.00 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 13/64″ 5.0mm – Fl Green – Qty 20 $8.00 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 13/64″ 5.0mm – Black – Qty 20 $8.00 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 13/64″ 5.0mm – Silver – Qty 20 $8.00 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 13/64″ 5.0mm – Fl Orange – Qty 20 $8.00 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 13/64″ 5.0mm – Gold – Qty 20 $8.00 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 13/64″ 5.0mm – Copper – Qty 20 $8.00 |
|
|
Counter Sunk Tungsten Beads 13/64″ 5.0mm – Fl White – Qty 20 $8.00 |
|
|
32806 New-No Box, 38787 Sunk Counter Washer, 7/16″ ID, 1-1/8″ OD $8.36 |
|
|
Ring magnet “mounting kit” counter sunk side 2 each 3/4″diax3/8″h~3/4″diax1/8″h $8.60 |
|
|
Mugen 3mm Counter Sunk Flat Washer (15pcs) (MUGB0407) $9.45 |
|
|
Black & Decker – Piranha – Counter Sunk – 13mm – X61501 $9.37 |
|
|
Counter-Sunk Screws (6/32 x 0.25″ with 82 degree angle) for Dell trays x 100 $9.95 |
|
|
Counter-Sunk Screws (M3 x 4mm) for SFF 2.5 Dell & HP trays x 100 $9.95 |
|
|
NOS Kawasaki Counter Sunk Screws 6X14mm 221B0614 $9.99 |
|
|
3/8″ Boeing BACB30LU6 screw bolts an aircraft hardware bolt screws Counter sunk $9.99 |
|
|
(100) 3/16″ Boeing screws BACB30LU3-8 an aircraft hardware Counter sunk screw $11.99 |
|
|
Brass Hex Plug Counter Sunk 118-B | (Fuel) 1/4″ Male NPT | 25pc Lot $11.99 |
|
|
Colony Disc Rotor Counter Sunk Bolts Kit For Harley-Davidson OEM# 3680 $12.71 |
|
|
Counter-Sunk Screws (6/32 x 0.25″ with 100 degree angle) for Dell trays x 100 $13.95 |