How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
The majority of homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. If the screw holes have been stripped and will not hold screws, you may need to use dowels and wood glue in order to reinstall the door hinge.
Clean up any surface rust. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and give them a solid base for them to rest on.
Removing the Hinges
Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move doors from one side of the frame to the other or take the entire door off if necessary. The removal of the hinges is simple for anyone with a bit of patience, although you need to know how to do it correctly.
If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove it before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will be smashed off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. To break the paint seal, place the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.
Once the pins are removed, take the hinges and the frame from the door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended that you use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver was created to remove screws made of metal and can make the work speed up.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with some lubricant. A simple lubricant can help you to accelerate the process and also remove the pins and screws with ease. You can find this type of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.
You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary based on the door's type and the configurations. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges, whereas lighter and hollow-cored doors may only require two or three hinges.
It is also essential to be aware of the various kinds of hinges in order to determine which ones will work best in your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door and interior hinges need to be able to handle lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will become looser over time and begin to hang out of alignment or slide. This can be a major problem, but the fix is usually quite simple. A simple retightening will usually resolve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes have been stripped out, this can be more difficult to accomplish. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten the holes once more.
Begin by drilling the hole using a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Then, you can use a wood glue and a wooden dowel to fill in the hole. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel should be cut to the same length as the screw. Install the screw again and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door continues to have a tendency to bind, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the clearances around the perimeter are correct.
You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a little longer to install. You can insert a piece of wood that has been whittled down to the right size. If you don't have a tool for woodworking, you can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches.
Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will stop the screw from hitting the edges of the doors as they are opened and closed. This will allow you to tighten the screw prior to installing the hinge.
Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. Apply a thin coating and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few simple fixes. The first step is to ensure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so much that they start to create gaps at the trim joints or, even more damagingly cause threads to be stripped.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are breaking away from the jamb and door, you can reattach them by gluing wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will give a solid foundation for the screws and help to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.
The screws can also be smashed or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.
After you've reattached your hinge close the door and examine the gap between the frame and the door. It should be around the thickness of one nickel all around or less if there's an existing gap created by a door that was not properly hang. This should not be a problem if hinges are installed correctly.
If you find that the hinges are loose, try putting a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give a little extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a heavy hammer to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and hold them in place. Regularly lubricating RepairMyWindowsAndDoors will aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction caused by the constant movement of a hinge attracts dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and build up over time. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges on doors.
Examine the hinges for signs of corrosion. If the corrosion has reached the point of damaging the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, remove any loose rust using wire brush and steel wool. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover remain on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.
Retightening screws can restore hinge function if you don't want to spend money or time on replacing hinges. It may be necessary, however, to add an shim of wood or a dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been shaved. Wooden dowels are round pieces made of wood in the shape of rods that are available in varying sizes and lengths. You can buy them on the internet, at woodworking supply stores and home improvement stores.
A shim could also be made from plastic or metal, depending on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the cut hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the right position.
Before cleaning the hinges, put down a paper cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. After protecting the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth dipped into mild cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in tight spaces and crevices.