How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can repair a loose hinge. If the holes for screws have been smashed and will not hold screws, you may need to use wood glue and dowels to fix the hinge.
Before you do that though scrub away any the surface corrosion. This will allow the dowels to remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to hold onto.
Eliminating the Hinges
Most hinges on doors can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to remove the entire door off of the frame if need be. Anyone with a little patience can take the hinges off, but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges are painted you'll need to get rid of the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if you do not remove the paint. Put the hinges in the stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to get rid of the pins.
After the pins are loosening and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the door and frame. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is designed to pick up screws made of steel and can make the work go much faster.
It is a good idea to spray lubricant onto the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. You can find this type of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges you need will also depend on the kind of door you have and how it's installed. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only need two or three.
It is also crucial to be aware of the various kinds of hinges in order to determine which ones will work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are designed to support the weight of a door, while interior hinges need to be able to support heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time the hinges on doors can loosen and begin to sag or hang crookedly. This can be a major issue, but the solution is usually quite simple. In most cases, a simple retightening of the screw will fix the problem. However in the event that the screw holes are ripped out, this can be more difficult to do. Fortunately, there is a method to make these holes back to their original size that utilizes a wood dowel.
Begin by drilling out the hole from the previous one using an appropriate drill bit close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel must be cut at the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired degree of tightness. If the door continues to bind up, add another dowel to the gap. Repeat the procedure. Be sure to close the door slowly in order to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.
Another option is to make use of the wood plug instead of a dowel. door hinge repair will work similarly, but it may take a little longer to install. You can insert a piece of wood that has been whittled to the proper size. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking, you can use toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.
After you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller, so that it doesn't touch the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when replacing hinges.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a light coat and wait for about 15 minutes to fully reach the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to make a few repairs. Verify that the screws that hold the hinge plate to the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they are loose, tighten them with a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws, because this can cause gaps to appear at the trim joints or more seriously, tear out the threads.
If the problem is the hinge plates are separating and you want to reattach the plates by applying wood glue on the side of them and inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide an solid foundation for the screws, which will stop the plates from moving as you drive them in. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.
The screws can also be damaged or missing. It is possible to fix this issue by replacing the screws with longer ones. Use a drill that is the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
After you've reattached your hinge shut the door and examine the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be the thickness of a penny or less if an old door was not hung correctly. This should not be a problem if hinges are properly installed.
If you discover that the hinges are loose, try putting the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create an extra inch of space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and pounding it using a hammer to make it more secure or using an entirely new hinge pin. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and hold them in their place. Lubricating your hinges regularly will prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky and also extend their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction generated by the constant movement of a hinge attracts dust particles. Without regular cleaning and lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and accumulate over time. The hinge will become stiff and creaky, and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections can maintain the quality of a hinged door and ensure their proper operation.
Examine the hinges for signs of corrosion. If the rust has become so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace them. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing off any loose rust with steel wool and wire brushes. Then apply a commercial rust remover or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution sit on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
Retightening screws can restore hinge function If you don't wish to spend money or time on replacing hinges. If you've sanded the screws' holes, however, it may be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood that are in the form of rods which are available in different lengths and diameters. They can be purchased on the internet, at stores selling woodworking supplies and at home improvement stores.
A shim could also be made from metal or plastic, depending on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or other sturdy material to the size you want. 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 desired position.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After the area has been secured then clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach hard-to-reach areas in crevices and narrow spots.