How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a door hinge that is loose is a simple task for most homeowners. If the holes for screws have been stripped and will not hold screws, you might need to use dowels and wood glue to fix the door hinge.
Brush away any surface corrosion. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and give them a solid base to hold onto.
Take off the Hinges
Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the other or take the entire door
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If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove it before you attempt to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may be smashed off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it up 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 and make it easier to remove the pins.
Once the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this job. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to take out metal screws and help you get the job completed much quicker.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with some grease. A simple lubricant will allow you to move the process along faster and remove the pins and screws more easily. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges needed will also differ based on the type of door you have and the way it is set up. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might only require two or three.
Understanding the different kinds of hinges will help determine which one is suitable for your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a door, but interior hinges need to be able to support heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will loosen over time and start to hang out of alignment or sag. This can be a problem but is usually easy to repair. Most of the time it's a simple tightening of the screw will resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it could be difficult to do. A wood dowel could be used to tighten the holes again.
Start by drilling the hole using a drill close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then, you can use wood glue and dowels made of wood to fill the hole. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel must be cut at the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to desired degree of tightness. If the door has a tendency to bind, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the clearances around the perimeter are correct.
You could also use a wood plug in place of the dowel. This is also a viable option however it will take a bit longer to install. You can use the wood piece which has been cut to the proper size. If you don't own an instrument for woodworking You can use toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.
After you have reinstalled the 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 doesn't rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screw prior to reinstalling the hinge.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to lubricate it with a dry lubricant to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good options. 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 the hinges on your door, you could make a few repairs. Check that the screws that hold the hinge plate in place to the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them with the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not to tighten your screws so tight that they cause gaps at the trim joints, or even worse, strip the threads.
If the problem is the hinge plates are breaking they can be reattached to the plates by applying wood glue to the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create a solid foundation for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting when you drive them in. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.
The screws could also be stripped or missing. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Make sure the drill bit is similar to the size of the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Once you've reattached the
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If the hinges seem loose, you can add an extra thick hinge between the hinge plate's surface and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it down using a hammer to make it more secure or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and keep them in position. Regularly lubricating your hinges will help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also prolong their lifespan.
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 hinge for doors and accumulate over time. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can help preserve the quality of hinged door and ensure their proper function.
Examine the hinges for signs of corrosion. If the corrosion has reached the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, clean any loose rust with a steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust remover to sit on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
Retightening screws can help restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend money or time to replace hinges. If you have stripped the screws, however, it may be necessary to add the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods of varying lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement stores or woodworking supply shops, or online.
You can also create a shim from a piece made of plastic or metal depending on the type hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a piece of wooden dowel or another sturdy material to the desired size. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the desired position.
Before cleaning the hinges put down a towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. After the area has been secured and dry, clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and narrow places.
