How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. If the screw holes have been stripped and will not hold screws, you might need to use dowels and wood glue in order to reinstall the door hinge.
Before you do that though scrub away any surface corrosion. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid foundation to rest on.
Take off the Hinges
A lot of door hinges are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the next or take the entire door off the frame should it be needed. Anyone with a little patience can take the hinges off, but you must be aware of what to do.
If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off it prior to trying to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may peel off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. To break the paint seal put the hinges into a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. window hinge repairs Repair My Windows And Doors should remain in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to remove.
Once the pins are loosened and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the door and frame. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this task. This type of screwdriver was designed to grab screws made of metal and make the task speed up.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with some oil. A simple lubricant can help you to speed up the process and also remove the screws and pins easier. This type of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement shops.
The number of hinges you need will also vary depending on what type of door you have, and how it's installed. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges whereas lighter and hollow-cored doors may only need two or three.
Understanding the different types of hinges will help decide which one is the best for your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of a door, but interior hinges must be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time the hinges on doors can lose its grip and then begin to sag or hang crookedly. It could be a huge problem, but the fix is usually easy. Most of the time an easy tightening of the screw will fix the problem. However when the screw holes are ripped out, this can be more difficult. However, there is a trick to make these holes back to their original size that utilizes a wood dowel.
Start by drilling the hole using a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length that is the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, insert a second dowel to the gap. Repeat the procedure. Be sure to close the door slowly to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.
Another option is to use the wood plug instead of a dowel. It will work similarly, but it may take a little longer to install. You can use the wood piece which has been cut to the proper size. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.
Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of the screw after you have reinstalled it. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws before installing hinges.
After you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to grease it using a dry lubricant to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coating and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to make a few repairs. The first step is to ensure that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so tight that they create gaps at the trim joints, or even worse, strip the threads.
If the problem is that the hinge plates are breaking away from the jamb and door and jamb, you can fix the hinges by applying wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create a solid base for the screws, preventing the plates from moving as you push them in. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.
The screws may also be stripped or missing. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with longer ones. Use a drill that is exactly the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the hinge or jamb.
Close the door after you've reattached the hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an older door was not properly hung. This shouldn't be a problem if hinges are properly installed.
If the hinges are still loose, you could add an extra thick hinge between the hinge plate's surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more room. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it down with a hammer to make it tighter or using the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to lessen friction and assist in keeping their position. Lubricating your hinges regularly will help stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and can also prolong their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The continuous movement of hinges causes friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles can get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. In the end the hinge can become stiff and creaky and its appearance may get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will maintain the integrity and functionality of hinges on a door.
Examine the hinges for signs of corrosion. If the rust has corroded to the point of damaging the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll require replacement of the hinges. If you're able to save the hinges, remove any loose rust by using steel wool and wire brush. Then apply an industrial rust remover or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust remain on the hinges for a few minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
If you don't want to spend the money and time replacing hinges, tightening the screws can restore the hinges' functionality. If you have stripped the screws' holes however, it could be necessary to attach an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood in the form of rods, which are available in different lengths and diameters. You can find them at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.
A shim can also be made from a piece of metal or plastic, depending on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a piece of wooden dowel or another sturdy material to the desired size. You can then dip the dowel into a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in place.
Before you start cleaning the hinges, put down a towel or a paper towel to shield floors and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. Once the area is protected then clean the hinges with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight areas.