How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a door hinge that is loose can be a manageable task for the majority of homeowners. If, however, the screw holes are stripped and aren't able to hold screws, you may need to put in wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.

Before you do that, however you should clean off any surface corrosion. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and give them a solid foundation for them to rest on.

Removal of the Hinges

Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move doors from one side of the frame to the other or take the entire door off if necessary. Removing the hinges is fairly easy for anyone with patience, although you need to know how do it properly.

If the hinges are painted you'll need to take off the paint before attempting to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may be smashed off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. Put the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.

Once the pins are loose, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab metal screws and aid you in getting the job completed much quicker.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with a lubricant. A simple lubricant will help the process to go more quickly and make it easier to remove the pins and screws. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement shops.

The number of hinges needed will also differ based on the kind of door you have and the way 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.

It is also important to know the various types of hinges in order to determine which ones best suit your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of a door, while interior hinges must be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time the hinges on doors can become loose and start to hang crooked or sag. This can be a major problem, but the fix is usually simple. Retightening the screw will typically solve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it may be difficult to fix. However, there is a method to make the holes back in place that uses a wood dowel.

Start by drilling the old hole using 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 must be cut at the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door hinge repair still has a tendency to bind and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Be sure to shut the door slowly in order to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.

Another option is to utilize a wood plug instead of dowel. This will work equally well, but may take a little longer to install. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the right size for a snug fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a tool for woodworking you could also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors when they are opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws when installing hinges.

After installing the hinge, lubricate the hinge with an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will help to prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not ready to replace your hinges, try a few fixes. The first step is to check whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they are loose, tighten them by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws to the point that they start to cause gaps at the trim joints, or even worse cause threads to be stripped.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating and you want to reattach the plates by putting wood glue to the side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide an solid foundation for the screws, and prevent the plates from moving as you drive them in. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.

The screws may also be smashed or gone. This issue can be resolved by replacing upvc window hinges 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 hinge close the door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. It should be around the thickness of one nickel all the way around or less if there's an existing gap created by a door that was not properly hang. If the hinges were set up correctly, this should not be an issue.

If you notice that the hinges remain loose, you can try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the upvc window hinge Repairs near me plate and the mounting surface to add an extra inch of space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and then pounding it using a hammer to make it more secure or using a new upvc window hinge repairs near me pin altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and assist in keeping their place. Lubricating your hinges regularly will help keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also extend their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction generated by the constant movement of a hinge attracts dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and accumulate over time. 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 a door.

Examine the hinges for 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 have to replace them. If you can save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust using wire brush and steel wool. Then, apply an industrial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to be on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.

Retightening screws can help restore hinge function If you don't wish to spend time or money on replacing hinges. If you've stripped the screws' holes, however, it may be necessary to attach an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods of varying sizes and lengths. 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 kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can dip the dowel into carpenter's adhesive and place it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in place.

Before you start cleaning the hinges, put down a paper or cloth towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After you have protected the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth dipped into mild cleaner to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in crevices and tight areas.