How to Fix a Loose double glazed door hinges Hinge

Most homeowners can fix Door hinge a loose hinge. But, if the screw holes are damaged and can't hold screws, you may need to add wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.

Clean up any surface rust. This will allow the dowels to remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to rest on.

Remove 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 remove the entire door when needed. Anyone who is patient can take the hinges off, but you need to know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to take off the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if you do not remove the paint. Put the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are completely submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.

Once the pins have been removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to take out screws made of metal and will assist you in getting the task done much faster.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is a good idea to spray them with some grease. A simple lubricant can help you accelerate the process and make the removal of screws and pins easier. This kind of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges required will also differ based on the type of door you have and how it's installed. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three.

Understanding the various types of hinges will help determine which one is suitable for your situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will need to be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time the hinges on doors can loosen and begin to sag or hang crookedly. This can be a major problem, but the fix is usually quite simple. Retightening the screw will typically solve the problem. However, if the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult to do. However, there is a trick to get these holes tight again that uses a wood dowel.

Start by drilling the old hole with a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length that is exactly the same as the screw to ensure a snug fit. Then, you can reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired degree of tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, insert a second dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the perimeter clearances are correct.

Another option is to make use of the wood plug instead of a dowel. This is also a viable option however it may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a tool for woodworking, you can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

After you have reinstalled the new screw and countersink the screw, you can use a countersink tool to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it won't touch the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will aid in tightening the screw when you are reinstalling the hinge.

After installing the hinge, make sure to lubricate the hinge using a dry lubricant. This will help to prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent options. Apply a thin coating and allow it to soak into 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 could make a few repairs. Verify that the screws that secure the hinge plate to both the door frame and the frame are in good condition. If they are loose, tighten them by using a drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws as this could create gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads.

If the problem is that the hinge plates are breaking away from the jamb and door it is possible to reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide a solid foundation for the screws, preventing the plates from moving as you push them in. Allow the glue time to dry before you can reattach your hinge.

The screws can also be damaged or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with larger ones. Use a drill that is exactly the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.

Close the door after you've reattached your hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be about the thickness of a nickel all around or less if there's a gap caused by a door that hung improperly. If the hinges were set up correctly, this shouldn't be an issue.

If the hinges locks seem loose, try adding an extra thick hinge between the hinge plate's surface and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more room. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a heavy hammer to tighten it, or install the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to lessen friction and aid in holding their place. Lubricating your hinges frequently will help keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and can also prolong their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction hinges generated by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and then build up over time. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance could rapidly diminish. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will ensure the quality and function of hinges on a door.

Check the hinges for the accumulation of rust. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust using steel wool and wire brush. Then, apply a rust remover from a commercial store or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust remover to sit on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.

Retightening screws can restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend time or money to replace hinges. It may be necessary, however, to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been degraded. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood in the form of rods which are available in various lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.

A shim could also be made from a piece of metal or plastic, depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the desired position.

Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a towel or a paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After protecting the area then clean the hinges using a soft sponge or a cloth coated with mild cleaner to get rid of dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in tight spaces and crevices.