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How To Install A Hollow Metal Drywall Frame

This is the installation guide for installing interior commercial hollow metal doors in drywall construction.

Step 1: Verify Rough Opening

For hollow metal door installation on a wall with drywall, the door frame is designed to wrap around the wall. Your rough opening should be approximately 1 inch higher than the door opening height, and 2 inches wider than the door opening width. As an example if your door is 3'-0" x 7'-0" (36" x 84") then your rough opening would be 38" x 85".

Step 2: Attach Bottom Floor Anchors

Insert bottom anchor brackets to the door frame flush to the bottom of each door jamb.

Some door frames are furnished with a screw hole at the base of each door jamb in the standard base anchor.

Step 3: Slip Hinge Jamb In Place

Slip the door frame hinge jamb over the wall into place.

Step 4: Slip Head In Place

Slip the door frame head in place over wall. Be sure to insert the metal tongues on the frame's head into the slots at the top of the hinge jamb.

Step 5: Slip Strike Jamb In Place

Slip the strike jamb in place over the wall. Be sure to insert the metal tongues on the frame's head into the slots at the top of the strike jamb.


Step 6: Adjust Top Anchor

Adjust the grip lock anchor in both jambs by turning the anchor screw counter clockwise until anchors hit studs. Outward pressure against the studs forces the miter closed and wedges the door frame in the opening. Tighten until frame is rigid and secure.

Step 7: Level The Head

Level the head. A shimming angle is located at the base of each jamb in the event that vertical shimming is necessary.

Step 8: Plumb The Jambs

Using a level make sure the door frame jambs are plumb.

Step 9: Fasten Bottom Anchor

Fasten the sill anchor at the hinge jamb with nails or screws.

Step 10: Install Wood Spreader

Install a wood spreader across the door sill. Fasten the sill anchor at the strike jamb with nails or screws.

Step 11: Insert Casing Nails

Insert the 2-1/2" casing nails into the corner connections of the door frame, through the hole at the top corner of the head.