Order matters: drive the pins out from the bottom hinge up, and support the door as you free the last pin so it doesn't drop. Tap each pin up from below with a nail-set or screwdriver and a few mallet taps.
Step by step
Open the door and wedge it
Open it partway and slip a shim under the latch edge to take the weight.
Loosen the bottom pin first
Place a nail-set or flat screwdriver under the pin head and tap upward to break it free, then pull it out.
Work upward
Remove the middle pin next, then the top — bottom-to-top keeps the door stable the longest.
Support and lift away
Hold the door as the top pin comes out, then lift it off and set it aside on its edge.
Fixed-pin (non-removable) hinges
Security and many exterior hinges have non-removable pins (NRP). For those you unscrew one hinge leaf from the jamb instead of pulling pins. Plan to re-drill pilot holes if you're rehanging.
Tools you'll need
- A nail set, punch, or a stout nail
- A hammer
- A flat pry bar or wide screwdriver
- A helper or a wedge for the bottom of the door
Removing the door
Open the door to a comfortable working angle and chock it so it can't swing or drop:
- Start with the bottom hinge and work up — that keeps the weight on the remaining pins while you free the door.
- Set the punch under the pin head and tap upward until the pin lifts; pull it the rest of the way by hand.
- On the last (top) hinge, hold the door steady — it will come free as the pin clears.
- Lift the door up and away, and set it aside on its edge, not flat, to protect the faces.
Stuck, painted, or heavy doors
Painted-over pins usually need a firmer tap plus a utility knife run around the pin head to break the paint seal. For a solid-core or exterior door, get a helper — these can top 80 lb and will drop the instant the last pin clears. If a pin still won't budge, a drop of penetrating lubricant and a few minutes' wait beats brute force.
Reinstalling
Reverse the order: hang the door on the top hinge first, line up the lower knuckles, and drop the pins in from the top. If the leaves don't line up, the door has likely shifted — lift slightly or shim under the bottom edge until the knuckles mesh.
Frequently asked questions
Which pin do I remove first?
The bottom one. Removing bottom-to-top keeps the door held by the remaining hinges as long as possible.
My pins won't budge — what now?
A drop of penetrating oil and firmer upward taps usually free them. Painted-over pins may need the paint scored first.