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°.
  

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

• 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
  

  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
  

  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.
  

  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
  

  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
  

  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
  

  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
  

  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:
  

  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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• 100% Satisfaction
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• 100 Days

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• Manufactured & Assembled
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• Made in Northern, MN