Tag: door installation tools

What’s a door level?

A door level attaches to the door slab to show level and plumb during installation. It also spaces out the door slab in its frame.

(And why you’ll never want to install a door without one again!)

In this article, we’re going to walk through what it takes to install a prehung door properly with clear bullet points to lead the way.  We’ll also give a few tips and a tool at the end to make the process a lot easier.  Follow along below, and please feel free to reach out to us with any questions that may come up – we’re here to help!

What’s the problem with using a traditional 6’ handheld level?

There’s nothing wrong with a good 6′ handheld level, but it can be cumbersome to use one for door installation.

Let’s start at the beginning – There are 4 key goals when you’re installing a door. Getting any one of these wrong can result with the door not working properly or even needing to be replaced due to warping.

A correctly installed door needs to be:   

LEVEL

The best way to describe LEVEL is to imagine a straight line that is perfectly horizontal. Take a look at the picture above, the dotted green line represents LEVEL.

PLUMB

To visualize what PLUMB represents, look at the dashed green line above. PLUMB is the term used to refer to a perfectly vertical line.

SQUARE

The definition of SQUARE is a 90 degree corner. A speed square, framing square, and T squares are all good examples of tools used to find SQUARE on a jobsite.

TRUE

The picture above describes TRUE. A door or window can be installed perfectly LEVEL, PLUMB & SQUARE on one side, but if the other side’s aren’t LEVEL, PLUMB & SQUARE, the unit will not be TRUE.

While these concepts are easy to talk about and understand, it can be very hard to achieve all 4 at once during the actual door installation. (Click here if you want to learn more about Level, Plumb, True & Square)  

Here are a few factors that make installing a door difficult –

  1. If you’re using a traditional 6’ level, you can only read Level or Plumb, not both at the same time.  When you try to move the door into Level, you’ll often move it out of Plumb or visa versa.  I’ve literally spent hours in the past trying to get a door right, only to end in frustration! 
  2. The door slab is what needs to hang Level & Plumb.  If it’s out either way, the weight of the door will cause it to swing open or closed on its own.  You can probably think of a door in your house that does this – and now you know why.  Too many people focus on the door jamb, but it’s the door slab that counts!
  3. The door jamb needs to be spaced consistently around the door slab – (precisely 3/32” on the strike and top sides & 1/16” on the hinge side.)  Again, this is easy to say but can be very hard to do using a traditional 6’ handheld level.

Keep these tips in mind for your next door install:

  1. Starting with a level sill – The sill is the bottom of a door and it being level and flat is the corner stone of any good door installation.  It’ very important that the floor space that the door is going to be sitting on is completely level and flat before starting on the door installation.  If it’s not, you need to fix it!  Here’s an article about how to level the floor using common building materials.
  2. Use screws, but don’t overtighten them – You’ll want to use screws, not nails when installing a prehung door.  Nails will pull out over time with use, causing the door frame to move and not work correctly.  Just be careful not to overtighten the screws.  If you put too much torque on the screw, it will pull the jamb out of level or plumb and give you trouble.  A nice positive connection holding the door shim is all you need.
  3. Shimming – Every door needs to be shimmed during installation.  The shims create a firm hold between the door jamb and the wall.  Shims are essential in preventing the door from moving over time.   Here’s a whole article about properly shimming a door and the various shims on the market.

When you install a door, It's important to shim it properly.

How does a door level make it easier?

If you haven’t heard of a door level – don’t worry, you’re not alone.  It’s a fairly new innovation, but it can be a great time and frustration saver when it comes to installing a prehung door.  

Here’s how a door level helps during installation – 

  1. A door level attaches onto the door slab to show Level and Plumb at the same time – this frees up both of your hands to work.  You can watch level and plumb change as you install the door, getting it perfect from start to finish. 
  2. A door level also creates the proper spacing between the door slab and its frame.  Acting as an assembly guide during the shimming process.  Every door gets installed with the same consistent reveals – 3/32” on the strike and top sides & 1/16” on the hinge side.  
  3. A door level helps to hold the door assembly true and square during installation.  Its spacers help to prevent the door from racking back and forth by locking the door slab into its frame. 

Where can you buy a door level?

You’ve come to the right place, JENTRA is the creator of the door level.  We’ve used our same door installation knowledge from above to develop the CHEATAH door level.  We’ve sold almost 10,000 CHEATAH door levels to date, so hurry up and get yours!

In storesHere’s a map of local stores where you can purchase our CHEATAH door level.  We are not currently in any of the large box stores.

Online storeClick here to purchase the CHEATAH door level from our online store.

Thanks for reading and please be sure to reach out to us with any questions that may come up! Happy Door Installations!

How to Install a Prehung Door with the CHEATAH Door Level

Take a quick look through our instructions below

We’ve tried to take the confusion out of installing a prehung door.  Click through our instructions below to see how the CHEATAH door level can help with your next installation.   If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!


  • Step 1. Place the Prehung Unit Into the RO and Open the Door Past 90°.
    Step 1.  Place the Prehung Unit Into the RO and Open the Door Past 90°.

    The door slab will act like a kickstand to prop the frame up.

  • Step 1 Continued
    Step 1 Continued

    Next, place the 3 parts labeled H at each door hinge and put Part T onto the top of the door. Place each Part S on the strike side of the door directly across from each Part H. The Orange Spacer should ALWAYS be on the hinge-pin side of the door.

  • Step 2. Line the Door Frame Up with the Rough Opening
    Step 2.  Line the Door Frame Up with the Rough Opening

    WITH THE DOOR OPEN, pull the frame back into the RO. Use the levels on Parts H and T to ensure the door is LEVEL and PLUMB before fastening.

  • Step 2 Continued
    Step 2 Continued

    START AT THE TOP and work your way down the door – shimming and fastening at each hinge location. Take great care at this point that ALL levels read correctly before moving to next step. This is CRUCIAL to achieve an accurate install.

  • PRO TIP 1 - Shimming the Hinge Side

    Shim with the thick portion facing the hinge-pin. This prevents the door from binding when shut. Also, use the long hinge screws provided with the door hinges NOW to prevent over-tightenting them later.

  • Step 3. GENTLY Pull the Door Slab Shut.
    Step 3.  GENTLY Pull the Door Slab Shut.

    The parts’ built-in shim pads will help guide the door into the frame. Next, insert shims snugly above Part T. All leveling parts are designed to act as spacers between the door and the jamb.

  • Step 3 Pictures Continued
    Step 3 Pictures Continued

    Fasten through the jamb when ready. Notice how you can easily slide Part T along the top of the door allowing you to place shims where needed.

  • Step 4. Shim the Remaining Locations
    Step 4.  Shim the Remaining Locations

    WITH THE DOOR SHUT, start at the top and shim at the 3 remaining parts S until the shims feel snug. The shim pads will help keep you from putting your shims in too far. When you’re ready, fasten through the jamb at each part. Again, the parts can slide up and down if needed.

  • Pro Tip 2 - What Fasteners to Use
    Pro Tip 2 - What Fasteners to Use

    It’s a good idea to only use nails as a secondary fastener. Your prehung door carries too much weight. Screws are recommended to fasten the hinge-pin side of the door frame. Nails on thier own will cause the door to sag and operate improperly.

  • Step 5. Remove the Parts for Next Time
    Step 5.  Remove the Parts for Next Time

    Open the door and remove all CHEATAH parts. Parts H and S are designed to fit compactly together inside of Part T. Be sure to keep your tool ready for its next use inside the provided micro-carrying bag!

  • The CHEATAH Door Level Works On:
    The CHEATAH Door Level Works On:

    Commercial and Residential doors – Single or Double doors – BOTH Inswing and Outswing doors – Doors with Sidelights or Transoms – Doors with Applied Casing – even Split Jamb doors!


CHEATAH door levels are made in the USA and carry a 100 day satisfaction guarantee.  Be sure to read the other door installation related articles in our Door Installation 101 section.

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Get yours today!

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100 Day Guarantee

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5 Cool Tools that can help with your next Door Installation


you might want to see these.

Our pick of 5 cool tools to help with your next door installation.


Below are 5 of the most ingenious tools we’ve seen when it comes to door installation. Take a quick look below to see if you could use any of these!

5 Cool Tools For Door Installation - Winbag

 

#1. Winbag™ USA

First on our list of cool tools, The Winbag acts as a reusable, inflatable shim. You simply insert it in-between the components you wish to shim and then as Arnold would say, you “Pump it Up!” The Winbag has an impressive shimming range from 3/32″ – 2″ and can lift up to 300lbs. Retailing for around $20, we think this is a must have for any handyman’s tool bag. Learn more at Winbag™ USA.

 

5 Cool Tools For Door Installation - Vacuum Cup

 

 

#2. Heavy Duty Vacuum Cups

These are great for getting a grip on heavy door slabs that would otherwise be difficult to handle. Basically a strong suction cup with a handle, these clever cups come in 8″ – 10″ sizes and can lift from 100lbs all the way up to 300lbs securely. Depending on what you want to spend, you can find a good selection of vacuum cups ranging from $40 up to $100 at WGS Online.

 

5 Cool Tools For Door Installation - Hinge Tweaker

 

#3. The Hinge Tweaker™

Over time, heavy doors tend to sag and need some adjusting, this company has come up with a unique solution that almost anyone can tackle. By “tweaking” the hinges back and forth, you can easily adjust them back to their original position. Your commercial doors will thank you and for less than $85 you can get them swinging like brand new! Learn more about this cool tool at the Hinge Tweaker™ website.

 

5 Cool Tools For Door Installation - CHEATAH door level

 

#4. CHEATAH™ door level

Another cool tool, the CHEATAH door level helps anyone easily install a prehung door.  The CHEATAH can help by showing Level & Plumb simultaneously.  Plus the built-in SHIMPADS™ help to create perfect reveals between the door and frame. This results in improved installation and function of doors, resulting in fewer warranty callbacks.  You can buy the CHEATAH™ door level here.

 

5 Cool Tools For Door Installation - Trim Guage

 

#5. Trim Gauge™

For those of us who are perfectionists, the Trim Gauge can be a best friend when it comes to getting the perfect reveal on your next trim installation. Designed to set the spacing between the trim and the door frame, for less than $30 you can keep all of your trim jobs spot on. Get yours at the Trim Guage™ website

 

DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE?

DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE?

Here are some more you might be interested in! We’ve taken everything we’ve learned about door installation and wrote it down for your use

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Backus, MN 56435
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