How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a loose door hinge is a simple task for most homeowners. However, if the holes for screws are smashed and aren't able to hold screws, you might have to add wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.
Before you do that though, brush away the surface corrosion. This will help to keep the dowels in place and give them a solid base to hold onto.
Removing the Hinges
A variety of door hinges can be removed, making it simpler to move a door from one side of the frame to the opposite side or remove the entire door if necessary. It is simple for anyone with a little patience, though you do need to know how do it right.
If the hinges are painted you will need to remove the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may flake off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges into a stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are completely submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to remove.
After RepairMyWindowsAndDoors have been loosen then you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this task. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab screws made of metal and will assist you in getting the task done much faster.
It is a good practice to spray lubricant onto the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will allow you move the process along faster and remove the pins and screws with ease. This type of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement shops.
You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary depending on the type of door and its setting. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors that weigh less might only require two or three hinges.
Understanding the different types of hinges will help decide which one is the best for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door, while interior hinges will have to be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will get looser and eventually begin to hang crookedly or slide. This can cause problems, but it's usually easy to solve. A simple retightening will usually resolve the issue. However, if the screw holes have been stripped out, this may be more difficult. However, there is a trick to get the holes back in place that uses a wood dowel.
Begin by drilling the old hole with a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door continues to have a tendency to bind the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct.
Another option is to just utilize a wood plug instead of a dowel. This will work equally well, but may take a little longer to set up. Simply whittle a piece of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool, you can also use toothpicks or wooden matches.
Use a countersink to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will stop the screw from hitting the edge of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screw when installing the hinge.
Once you've reinstalled your hinge, make sure to grease it with a dry lubricant in order to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. Apply a thin coat and allow it to take around 15 minutes to fully penetrate the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could make a few minor repairs. Make sure the screws that hold the hinge plate to both the door frame and the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them using the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not too tighten the screws as this can create gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating and you want to reattach the plates by applying wood glue on the side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide a solid foundation for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting when you insert them. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching your hinge.
The screws could also be damaged or missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.
Close the door after you've reattached the hinge and check 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 hung correctly. This should not be a problem if hinges are properly installed.
If the hinges still seem loose, you could add a thicker hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more room. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer to tighten it or use a new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and keep them in their place. Lubricating your hinges regularly can prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also prolong their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction created by the constant movement of a hinge attracts dust particles. These particles can get stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will get stiff and creaky, and its appearance could rapidly diminish. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can help preserve the integrity of a hinge on a door and ensure its proper function.
Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has accumulated on their surfaces. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, you should first clean away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then apply an industrial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust remover to be on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining rust.
Retightening screws can restore hinge function if you don't want to spend time or money on replacing hinges. If you've stripped the screw holes, however, it may be necessary to attach a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood in the form of rods that are available in different lengths and sizes. They can be purchased online, at woodworking supply shops and home improvement centers.
You can also make an shim using made of plastic or metal depending on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. Then, dip a dowel into carpenter's adhesive and then insert it into the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the position.
Before cleaning the hinges, put down a cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After protecting the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or a cloth coated with a mild cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices or tight areas.