Broken Doorjamb

Tools:

circular saw
reciprocating saw
hacksaw blade
handsaw
safety glasses
pry bar
wooden shims
drill
1-inch spade bit
two sawhorses
sliding T-bevel
straightedge
hammer
chisel
replacement doorjamb

1. Remove casings or molding around doorframe using a pry bar and hammer (figure A).

2. Remove strike plate from broken doorjamb (figure B). Use a power drill to quickly remove screws holding strike plate in place.

3. Put on safety glasses and cut through the nails holding the doorjamb to the wall studs using a reciprocating saw (figure C). The side jamb may also be connected to the top jamb with staples. Use a hacksaw blade to free those if necessary.

4. Find a matching doorjamb at the hardware store. Place it and the old jamb on sawhorses and mark the length on the new jamb. Transfer the angle for the overhang using a sliding T-bevel (figure D).

5. Make the cuts using a circular saw. Use a straightedge to guide the saw.

6. Flip the new jamb over and cut through the doorstop for the bevel cut for the overhang. Use a handsaw to cut just through the doorstop, then chisel out the material (figure E).

7. Fit the new jamb in place and attach to the top jamb with screws (figure F).

8. Use shims to square up the jamb.

9. To determine where to mount your strike plate, color the edge of the door latch mechanism with a pencil and close the door. This will make a mark on the jamb for the strike plate.

10. Extend the lines and use them as a guide for centering your strike plate (figure G).

11. Drill out recess for the latch using a 1-inch spade bit (figure H). Mark the bit with a piece of tape so you drill to the correct depth.

12. Flip the strike plate upside down and mark area to be chiseled out for the strike plate. Drill pilot holes for the mounting screws then bevel out the cavity (figure I).

13. Install strike plate and test the door. If all works well reattach door moldings.