How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Repairing a broken door hinge can be a doable job for the majority of homeowners. If the holes for screws have been smashed and will not hold screws, you might need to use wood glue and dowels in order to reinstall the door hinge.
Remove any surface corrosion. This will help to keep the dowels in place and provide a solid base to hold onto.
Take the Hinges off
Most hinges on doors can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to another or to remove the entire door off of the frame, if needed. Removing the hinges is fairly simple for anyone with a little patience, although you need to know how do it correctly.
If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove it prior to trying to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could peel off and scratch your door when you try 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 fully submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint making it easier to remove.
After the pins have been removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, however it is recommended that you employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to take out metal screws and will assist you in getting the task completed much quicker.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with grease. A simple lubricant will allow you accelerate the process and also remove the screws and pins easier. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in a variety of hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.
The number of hinges needed will also differ based on the type of door you have, and how it's set up. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges while hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three.
Understanding the different types of hinges can help you decide which one is the best for your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will need to be able to handle lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will become looser over time and begin to hang in a crooked manner or slide. It can be a big issue, but the solution is usually simple. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will fix the issue. However in the event that the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult to do. Fortunately, there is a method to make the holes back in place using a wooden dowel.
Begin by drilling the hole using a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Then use a wood glue as well as dowels made of wood to fill in the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length that is the same as the screw to ensure a snug fit. Then, you can reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired tightness. If the door still has an tendency to get stuck, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct.
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 set up. You can tap in a piece of wood that has been whittled down to the proper size. If you don't have a wooden tool, you can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches.
After you've reinstalled your new screw then use a countersink 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's open and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screw prior to installing the hinge.
After installing the hinge again, you should make sure to lubricate the hinge using an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great options. Apply a thin layer and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to do a few simple repairs. The first step is to ensure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws with a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to form at the trim joints or worse, strip out the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating from the door and jamb, you can reattach them by applying wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide a solid foundation for the screws, preventing the plates from moving as you push them in. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge.
Another reason for hinges that are loose is that screws are worn out or gone. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with larger ones. Make sure you 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 around the thickness of one nickel all around or less if there's a gap that was caused by a door that was not properly hang. This shouldn't be a problem as long as the hinges are properly installed.
If you discover that the hinges remain loose, try putting a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add an extra inch of space. You can also try removing the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and pounding it down with a hammer in order to make it more secure or using an entirely new hinge pin. 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 created by the constant movement of a hinge attracts dust particles. These particles can get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will become stiff and creaky, and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can preserve the integrity of a hinge on a door and ensure its proper operation.
Examine door repair hinge Repair My Windows And Doors for signs of the accumulation of rust. If the rust has become so severe 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 can save the hinges, first brush off any loose rust with steel wool and a wire brush. Then, apply a rust remover from a commercial store or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution be on the hinges for a few minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
The tightening of screws can restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend time or money on repairing hinges. If you've sanded the screw holes however, it might be necessary to add a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood in the form of rods which are available in different lengths and diameters. You can purchase them online, at woodworking supply stores and home improvement stores.
A shim could be made of a piece of plastic or metal, depending on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel cut a piece of wood dowel or another sturdy material to the desired size. You can dip the dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and insert it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in place.
Before cleaning the hinges put down a piece of paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. After securing the area clean the hinges with an easy sponge or cloth dipped into mild cleaner to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or difficult spots.