Broken Doorjamb

Tools:

replacement lumber
screwdriver
screws and nails
new strike plate
putty knife
wood putty
pencil
caulking gun and caulk
power drill with bits or push drill
hammer
nail set
circular saw
pliers
carpenter's square
utility knife
small and large pry bars
safety glasses

1. First use a utility knife to slice through the paint and caulk seal between the doorjamb and the wall (figure A).

2. Gently pry off the jamb using a small pry bar and tapping it with a hammer (figure B). Put a piece of scrap cardboard between the pry bar and the wall to protect the wall.

3. Remove the thin trim from the old piece. Use pliers to pull out any nails carefully so that the trim can be reused.

4. Use the old piece as a guide to measure the new piece (figure C).

5. Mark the new piece using a carpenter's square and make the cuts with a circular saw.

6. Hold the new jamb piece up to the wall and tack it in place (figure D).

7. Reattach the thin trim (figure E).

8. Secure the jamb with nails approximately one foot apart. Drive in two extra nails in the area of the strike plate for extra reinforcement.

9. Drill pilot holes for the strike plate and the secure it with screws (figure F).

10. Use a nail set to sink nails. Fill and cover all nail and screw holes with putty.

11. Run a bead of caulk down the side of the trim along the wall (figure G). Allow the caulk to dry before sanding and staining or painting the trim.