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We Messed Up -- Door Installation

18 years ago

My husband and I installed a prehung interior french door between two of our rooms a couple of days ago. We got information from someone at Lowes on how to do it, and followed his instructions carefully. Problem is...he didn't tell us to use finishing nails when installing the door (he even walked us around the store, helping us pick out all the items we would need, and didn't mention this important thing). So we used 12d framing nails, which we had on hand, since we also had to do some framing to put the door in. Um, whoops? They're in there darn good now, and I don't think we can remove them without possibly damaging the door or its frame. Do we have any options as far as covering up these nails, or are we going to have to live with it?

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Comments (3)

manhattan42
18 years ago
You could remove the door and the nails by using a reciprocating saw and metal cutting blade to cut the nails between the jams and the rough openings....

Then remove the door and punch the nails out from the rough opening side of the jambs...

Then reinstall the door using finish nails and then putty the 12d holes.

OR you might consider leaving the 12d nails in place and try to set the 12d nails below the surface level of the jambs and then simply putty over the heads.

But you'd have to be very careful if you try to set the 12d nails because doing so could easily split the jambs.
Michael_H
18 years ago
Good advice above, or you could do this if you're comfortable with a drill.

Mark the center of the nail head with a center punch. Using a 7/32" bit, drill to just below the nail head a bit below the wood surface. The head will be easy to remove with a plier. Pre drill a hole smaller than the finish nail about an 1/8" deep about 1/2" below or above the other nail.Insert the finish nail and set it. Now you can fill the nail holes with filler, sand, prime and paint.

Michael
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Window_Guy
18 years ago
The best thing to do is get a punch and set the heads inside the frame. You can then use the proper putty to cover the nail holes. It may take more than one application to cover the holes. Depending on the finish you've chose to use. Make sure you use a putty that will work with your finish. Trying to remove the heads or the unit will more than likely create more damage than you already have. We use three inch screw to install almost all of our doors and frames. We hide them in many different spots. We also have to putty these holes from time to time. It works out very well doing it this way. Good Luck!!!

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