How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a loose door hinge can be a doable job for most homeowners. However, if the holes for screws are smashed and won't hold screws you may need to put in wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.
Before you do that, however, brush away the surface rust. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid base to rest on.
Removal of the Hinges
A lot of door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to take the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. Removing the hinges is fairly easy for anyone with patience, but you need to know how to do it right.
If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off it before you attempt to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if you do not remove the paint. To break the seal of the paint, place the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until 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 and make it easier to take off the pins.
After the pins are loosening then you can remove the hinges from the door and frame. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up screws made of metal and will assist you in getting the task done much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with oil. A simple lubricant will help the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. You can find this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges needed will also differ based on the kind of door you have, and how it's set up. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges whereas lighter and hollow-cored doors may only require two or three hinges.
It is also crucial to be aware of the various kinds of hinges to decide which one will be the most effective for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight and interior hinges need to be able to handle lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes a door hinge will become looser over time and begin to hang out of alignment or sag. This could be a problem, but it's usually easy to repair. Retightening the screw will typically solve the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it could be difficult to do. A wood dowel can be used to tighten the holes again.
Begin by drilling the hole using a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then, use wood glue and 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 tight fit. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired level of tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, insert a second dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Be sure to close the door slowly in order to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.
You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a little longer to put in. You can use a piece of wood that has been whittled to the right size. If you don't have a tool for woodworking you could also use toothpicks or wooden matches.
After you've reinstalled your new screw and countersink the screw, you can use a countersink tool to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it won't touch the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws when replacing hinges.
Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to lubricate it using a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace hinges, you could try a few fixes. Verify that the screws that hold the hinge plate to both the door frame and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten the screws using a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to appear at the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are separated from the door and jamb, you can reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks serve as a solid base for the screws and prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching your hinge.
upvc door hinge repairs derby RepairMyWindowsAndDoors of hinges that are loose is that the screws are stripped or gone. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Be sure to use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.
After you've reattached your hinge close the door and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be approximately the thickness of one nickel all around or less if there's an existing gap caused by a previous door that was not properly hang. This shouldn't be a problem if hinges are properly installed.
If you notice that the hinges remain loose, try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give some extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin, then pound it down with a heavy hammer to tighten it or use a new hinge. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to reduce friction and aid in holding their place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction caused by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. Without regular cleaning and lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and then build up over time. As a result, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges on a door.
Examine the hinges for corrosion. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you should first clean off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then apply an industrial rust remover or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust removal solution remain on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.
If you don't want to spend the time and money to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws will bring back the hinge's functionality. It is possible to attach an shim of wood or a dowel to the hinge when the screws have been shaved. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood in the form of rods which are available in different lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.
You can also make a shim from a piece either plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you own. To make a dowel, cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip a dowel in carpenter's glue and insert it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in place.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, place down a cloth or paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After the area is secured, proceed to clean the hinges using a soft cloth or sponge coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to access difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight areas.