TOOLS & MATERIALS

Handy items for door retrofits.

Handy items help in repairing and retrofitting old doors.

1. PRECISE CUTS

The FLEXVOLT 6 ½ " 60-volt brushless MAX circular saw delivers straight, splinter-free cuts when used with a TrackSaw dual-edged track. The cordless saw offers good dust extraction, and has a plunge mechanism and a low-profile guard. With a 59" track: $579 and up. DeWalt, (800) 433-9258, dewalt.com

2. CARPENTER’S MEASURE

The versatile Starrett 6" combination carpenter’s square features easy-to-read measurements down to 1 /64". It includes a try/ miter gauge, depth gauge, height gauge, and marking gauge. It’s fitted with a reversible lock bolt, scriber, spirit level, and machine-divided blade. $109.99.

Rockler, (800) 279-4441, rockler.com

3. SLOTTED SCREWS

Ever notice how hard it is to find flat-head screws? This startup offers solid-brass screws in the #9 size, the standard for hanging solid wood doors. Made in the U.S., each is ¾ " tall. Drill a pilot hole before installation. Set of 48": $19.95. BrassScrewUSA, (404) 522-9177, etsy.com/shop/BrassScrewUSA

4. VICTORIAN STEEPLE

The Grapevine steeple hinge is a reproduction of a late-19th-century antique. In solid brass with milled joints, it’s available in three finishes and has a removable pin and screw-in steeple tips. The hinge measures 5" x 5" when open; $75 each. Charleston Hardware, (866) 958-8626, charlestonhardware.com

5. CELLAR DOOR

Improve access to the basement with a steel-sided basement door from the Classic Series. Doors come with a bakedon primer; they have a gas-spring lift mechanism for ease of access, and flanged construction to shed water. Available in powder-coated colors, too. From $700. Bilco, (800) 854-9724, bilco.com