Metal door framing installation

When you install a commercial door frame, you can do so before and after framing the wall. Before getting started with the process, you need to get the proper tools to set hollow metal door frames. Metal studs are perfectly straight and easy to install. Also, make sure that the floor is level. Pull the upper molding existing door. Then, repeat this step on the bottom and middle part of the molding. Do this until you completely remove all the frame. For the hinges, use your screwdriver to remove them.

Lastly, drill out the metal frame, including jambs and sills. For the bottom clips, place them 4 inches from the lower half of the frame. Lastly, place the clips that are left at an equal distance between the lower and upper clips. Have someone hold a level against the top of the frame, then raise or lower the adjustable feet of the frame to center the bubble of the level.

Plumb the sides by moving the feet back and forth along the bottom plate. Install the king studs, jack studs and header. Bend the tabs of the frame around the jack studs and header and secure them with screws. When the frame is secure, cut out the part of the bottom plate that spans the door opening, using a reciprocating saw.

If you're installing a frame without adjustable feet before you install the jack studs and header, shim the feet with cedar shims or plywood scraps to level the top of the frame. Be sure the frame you choose has enough clearance on both sides of the wall for the wall covering that you plan to use. It's essential to make the frame straight and level before you cover the wall. Unlike a wooden frame, you can't adjust it afterwards. Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities.

Check the hardware schedule. Contact your distributor if information does not match. Verify that the proper hardware reinforcements are installed on the frame. Also verify the hinge size, strike type and closer mounting. The floor finish will affect the way the door should be installed.

The frame may be shipped welded knockdown KD. Expert Insights: KD frames require minimal assembly. Each slot on the KD frame has an associated tab. The most important tab connection is at the rabbeted part of the frame. Those tabs should be bent in an outward position. Install base anchors to the frame using the screws provided.

Pre-welded frames are transported to the job site using a temporary shipping bar to prevent the frame from twisting in transit. This temporary bar should not to be used as a spreader bar to set the frame. Expert Insights: The temporary shipping bar comes welded from the factory. It is important that the temporary shipping bar be properly removed by grinding it off.

Do not bend or twist it off. Stand the frame up in the wall line at the proposed location.