How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a loose door hinge can be a doable job for most homeowners. If the holes for screws are shattered and do not hold screws, you might need to use wood glue and dowels in order to reinstall the door hinge.
Remove any surface that has rust. This will aid in keeping the dowels in their place and provide a solid base for them to rest on.
Remove the Hinges
Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the other side or take the entire door off if necessary. Anyone who is patient can take the hinges off, but you must be aware of what to do.
If the hinges are painted you'll need to get rid of the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if you do not remove the paint. Put the hinges in the stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are submerged. The hinges 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, you can remove the hinges from the door and frame. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver was designed to grab screws made of metal and will make the project go much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with oil. A simple lubricant will help you speed up the process and remove the pins and screws with ease. This type of lubricant can be found in most hardware stores and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges required will also differ based on the kind of door you have, and how it's set up. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might require just two or three.
It is also important to understand the different types of hinges to determine which ones be the most effective for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are designed to support the weight of a door, whereas hinges for interior use must be able support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time the hinges on doors can become loose and start to sag or hang crookedly. It can be a big issue, but the solution is usually simple. A simple tightening can solve the issue. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it can be difficult to fix. However, there is a trick to make the holes back in place that utilizes a wood dowel.
Start by drilling out the hole from the previous one using the drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then use a wood glue as well as a dowel made of wood to fill in the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired degree of tightness. If the door continues to bind up, add another dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Be sure to close the door slowly in order to verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.
Another option is to just make use of a wood plug instead of a dowel. This is also a viable option however it will take some time to set up. Simply whittle a plug of wood that is the proper size to ensure a secure fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking instrument You can use toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.
Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edges of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screw prior to you are reinstalling the hinge.
After installing the hinge again, you should apply lubrication to the hinge using a dry lubricant. This will prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer and allow it to soak into the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace your hinges, try a few easy fixes. The first step is to check whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using a screwdriver or power drill. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, because this could create gaps at the trim joints, or more seriously, tear out the threads.
If the problem is that the hinge plates are separated from the door and jamb 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 or toothpicks will provide a solid base for the screws and keep the plates from moving when you drive them into position. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching your hinge.
The screws can also be smashed or gone. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Make sure you use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.
Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and check the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if the old door was not hung correctly. This shouldn't be a problem if the hinges are correctly installed.
If you notice that the hinges are still loose, you can try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create a little extra space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and pounding it with a hammer to make it tighter or use the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and hold them in position. Lubricating your hinges frequently will help prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and can also prolong their life.
Cleaning RepairMyWindowsAndDoors created by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. These particles can become stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will maintain the integrity and functionality of hinges on a door.
Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has built up on their surfaces. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll require replacement of the hinges. If you're able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust by using wire brush and steel wool. Then, apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to sit on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
Retightening screws can help restore hinge functionality if you don't want to spend money or time on replacing hinges. It is possible to attach dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge in the event that the screws have been degraded. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood in the form of rods, which are available in varying lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement centers or woodworking supply shops, or online.
You can also create an shim out of metal or plastic depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a piece of wooden dowel or another sturdy material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel in a carpenter's glue and insert it into the hole that you have stripped and let the glue hold the dowel in place.
Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a piece of paper cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After the area is secured, proceed to clean the hinges using a soft cloth or sponge that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices or tight areas.