Johnny Rap

I am trying to figure out the correct size for a double action swinging door. I bouught everbilt double action spring hinges and my door opening is 30 inches. How big does the door need to be? I bought a 30 inch hollow door but I can't make it work. I could really use some advice. Thanks, John

 

Usually the slab of the door needs to be cut down to size. A 3° bevel is cut into the latch side so that as the door closes the leading edge of the latch side has a little more clearance. If the opening is 30" and you have checked the width at the top, middle and bottom, you can probably rip the door 29 13/16" wide which would be the width as measured on the hinge pin side of the door (the long point of your bevel, not the short point).

Best thing to do is place a straightedge on the door (clamp a 78" level or a straight 1x6x8' or something) to the door to guide the saw. Then use a fine tooth carbide (fine finish blade is best) on your skilsaw to make your cut. Clean the cut up with some 80 grit sandpaper until the saw marks are gone, followed by 120 grit. Very lightly sand the sharp corner off the edges you cut, and off the other edges of the door.