How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can repair a loose hinge. If the screw holes are shattered and do not hold screws, you might require wood glue and dowels to put back in the door hinge.
Before you do that though you should clean off any surface rust. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid base to rest on.
Eliminating the Hinges
Many hinges for doors can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off if necessary. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges however, you must know what to do.
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 peel off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. To break the seal put the hinges into a stainless steel dish and fill the pan 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 making it easier to take off.
Once the pins are loosened, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended to make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to take out metal screws and aid you in getting the job done much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is a good idea to spray them with a grease. A simple lubricant can make the process move along quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.
You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary based on the door's type and the configurations. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight may only require two or three.
It is also essential to understand the different types of hinges so you can determine which ones be the most effective for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to hold the weight of a door, whereas hinges for interior use must be able to support heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time the hinges on doors can loosen and begin to sag or hang crookedly. It can be a big issue, but the solution is usually simple. Retightening the screw will typically solve the problem. However in the event that the screw holes have been stripped out, this may be more difficult to do. Fortunately, there is a method to make these holes tight again that utilizes a wood dowel.
Begin by drilling the old hole using a drill close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired degree of tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, add another dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Make sure to close the door slowly so that you can check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.
Another option is to just make use of a wood plug instead of dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a little longer to put in. Simply whittle a piece of wood to the right size for a snug fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool You can also use toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Once you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it does not rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when installing hinges.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to grease it with a dry lubricant in order to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. Apply a thin coating and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to make a few repairs. The first step is to ensure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not to tighten your screws to the point that they begin to cause gaps at the trim joints, or worse remove the threads.
If the problem is the hinge plates are splitting, you can reattach the plates by applying wood glue to the back of them and then 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 moving as you insert them. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge.
Another reason for hinges that are loose is that the screws are stripped or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with larger ones. Make sure the drill bit is similar to the size of the screw hole to prevent drilling into the hinge or jamb.
Close the door after you've reattached the hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be around the thickness of one nickel all the way around, or less if there's a gap that was caused by a door that hung improperly. If the hinges were set up properly, this shouldn't be an issue.
If you discover that the hinges are still loose, you can try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add some extra space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and pounding it down using a hammer to make it tighter or use an entirely new hinge pin. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and keep them in position. Lubricating your hinges periodically can stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and can also prolong their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction created by the hinge's constant motion draws dust particles. These particles can become stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges on doors.
Check the hinges for rust accumulation. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you should first clean off any loose rust with steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or homemade solutions like lemon juice on the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to remain on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
The tightening of screws can restore hinge functionality if you don't want to spend money or time to replace hinges. It might be necessary to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge when the screws have been stripped. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods of various lengths and sizes. You can buy them online, at stores selling woodworking supplies and at home improvement stores.
You can also create a shim from a piece made of plastic or metal depending on the kind of hinge you are using. To make a dowel cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. door hinge repair can then dip the dowel in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the stripped hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the right position.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a towel or a paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After the area has been secured and dry, clean the hinges using an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and narrow places.