How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can repair a loose hinge. If the holes for screws have been stripped and will not hold screws, you could require wood glue and dowels in order to reinstall the hinge.
Clean up any surface that has rust. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to grip into.
Remove the Hinges
A variety of door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move doors from one side of the frame to the other side or remove the entire door if necessary. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges but you must be aware of what to do.
If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if do not remove the paint. Place the hinges into an stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to get rid of the pins.
After the pins have been loosen, you can remove the hinges from the door and frame. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to take out metal screws and will aid you in getting the job completed much quicker.
It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will allow you speed up the process and remove the pins and screws more easily. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.
Keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll need will differ based on the door's type and the setting. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will need more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors might require just two or three hinges.
Understanding the various types of hinges will help you decide which one is the best for your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to hold the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges need to be able to support heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time, the hinges of doors may become loose and start to slide or hang crookedly. This can be a problem however, it's usually simple to repair. A simple retightening will usually resolve the issue. However when the screw holes have been stripped out, this can be more difficult to accomplish. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten these holes once more.
Start by drilling the hole with a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel should be cut to the same length as the screw. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired degree of tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, you can insert another dowel to the gap. Repeat the procedure. Be sure to shut the door slowly in order to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.
You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. This is also a viable option however it may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a piece of wood to the proper size to ensure a secure fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't own an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.
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's open and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws after replacing hinges.
Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coating and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can make a few minor repairs. The first step is to check whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws so much that they start to cause gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are breaking and you want to reattach the plates by applying wood glue to the back of them and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will serve as a solid base for the screws and help keep the plates from moving when you drive them into the holes. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge.
Another common cause of hinges that are loose is that screws are worn out or are missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Use a drill bit that is exactly the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.
Once you've reattached the hinge close 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 older door was not properly hung. double glazing window hinge repairs should not be a problem if the hinges are installed correctly.
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 add some extra space. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer in order to tighten it up or choose a new hinge. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to decrease friction and help them hold their position. Lubricating your hinges frequently will help stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also extend their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction created by a hinge's constant movement attracts dust particles. These particles can become stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will maintain the functionality and quality of hinges on doors.
Check the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated on their surface. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, begin by brushing off loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust remain on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
If you don't wish to spend the cost and time to replace hinges, tightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. It may be necessary, however, to add an shim of wood or a dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been degraded. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood that are in the form of rods that are available in various lengths and diameters. You can find them at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.
A shim can be made of a piece of plastic or metal, based on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into a carpenter's glue and insert it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the right position.
Before cleaning the hinges put down a paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. After you have protected the area, clean the hinges using an easy sponge or cloth dipped into mild cleaner to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or difficult areas.