Doorstops, as used in homes, are installed on door jabs mainly to keep the door open or prevent doors from slamming. They are simply vertical pieces that measure around ½ by 1 ¼ inch with one beveled side.
However, these stoppers may not always stay in place and you may want to remove them. For instance, if the door frame becomes damaged, twisted, or jammed, you can take out the door stopper and replace it if necessary. Here’s a list of things you will need for the task”
- Putty knife
- Utility knife
- Screwdriver
- Diagonal pliers
How to Remove A Door Stopper
There are various ways in which you can remove the door stopper. One of the simplest methods to do this is as follows:
Start by opening the door as far as possible to make sure that no one opens it accidentally so that they don’t hit you with the door.
Use a utility knife’s tip to cut all the way around the doorstop. Then use the tip of the knife to cut along the edges of the doorstop where it joins onto the jambs on the sides, top, and bottom to clear it from paint or lacquer buildups.
Insert the tip of the putty knife between the jamb and the doorstop. After that, rock and pry the doorstop with the knife until you create a little gap large enough for the tip of a screw to fit below it.
Create a crack that is at least 1/4 inch wide by prying the doorstop up and off the jamb. As you insert and pry the doorstop up, move the screwdriver up and down until you can get your fingers under it or until a portion of it entirely pulls free from the jamb.
Experts suggest using diagonal pliers to remove any last nails from the jamb or doorstop before pulling the item entirely off the jamb. Then, in the same manner, remove all three parts.
How to Remove Solid Door Stop
If your door stop is firm or rather solid, you can take it out by unscrewing the screws holding it in place. Some solid door stops are attached using small head screws, which can corrode, particularly when exposed to moisture.
Put some lemon or lubricant on the screws of your door stop to help release the corrosion if the screws are severely corroded and will not budge when you try to remove them.
To dislodge the corrosion, tap the screws repeatedly with the head of the screwdriver. All of the screws keeping the door stop in place should be removed as well. Follow the same procedures when taking out magnetic or flexible door stops.
The best part about this DIY project is that you can get the job done in about an hour or so and certainly save some money as you don’t necessarily have to call a carpenter or glass company.
TIP: It’s good to understand that the top of the doorstop might or might not be mitered, depending on who installed it. This won’t make much of a difference when removing it, but if you’re installing a new doorstop, always miter the top. It looks much better and shows how much you value crafting.
What Hinges to Use Door Stops
Well, doorstop hinges come in a wide variety of designs. They are available in steel, aluminum, brass, and plastic varieties. The most popular kind of hinge is a mechanical hinge called a spring hinge, which uses a spring to support the weight of the door and hold it in place when it is opened.
How to Reattach a Door Stopper
First, you will need to take the door stopper off the door. Once you have done that, proceed and remove the door stopper from the door.
You can do this by using a pry bar or flathead screwdriver and then inserting it into the bottom hole at an angle. This will make it easy to unscrew the bottom of the stopper without causing any damage.
The last step is to get a screw that will work in place of the old one and then install it in one of those holes on top. After that, all that’s left to do is use a screwdriver to tighten your screws.
Different types of Door Stoppers
These days, you can buy door stops online and they are available in a wide variety ranging from floor mounts, to hinge mounts, adhesive backs, and roller stops. The main concern, therefore, becomes knowing how to choose the right door stop for you.
Floor Mount Door Stops
Floor-mounted door stops are typically made of robust metal to withstand frequent impacts from use. They are generally simple to mount because the holes have already been drilled. Additionally, low-profile versions are also available to reduce potential swinging hazards in crowded settings.
Wall Mount Door Stops
Wall-mounted door stops usually feature a metal mounting body and plate with a concave or convex rubber bumper. They are easy to install and they don’t infringe on any floor space. You might want to pair this with a lever or door knob to get a lasting safeguard for door hardware and walls.
Roller Stops
Roller stops are mostly installed between two doors to protect them from corroding one another. These tools are designed to facilitate the movement of the doors and function seamlessly without the risk of pushing one knob through the other door. Besides, there are straight and curved alternatives available for various mounting choices.
Hinge Mount
Hinge-mounted door stops, meanwhile are installed on the existing hinges of a door and are meant to safeguard without the need for floor or wall mounting. Also, hinge mounts are ideal for bathrooms where door travel presents the risk of banging.
Adhesive Back
Adhesive door stops are made to be flexible as you will need to peel the adhesive back and stick to the walls, cabinets, or anywhere that you wish to safeguard from being hit by a door.