How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a loose door hinge can be a doable job for the majority of homeowners. If, however, the screw holes are stripped and aren't able to hold screws, you may need to use dowels and wood glue before you can reinstall the hinge.

Before you do that though you should clean off any the surface corrosion. This will help to keep the dowels in their place and provide an adequate base for them to rest on.

Remove the Hinges

A lot of door hinges are removable, which makes it easier to move the hinged door repairs from one side to another or to remove the entire door off of the frame, if needed. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges but you need to know what to do.

If the hinges are painted you'll need to get rid of the paint before attempting to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if don't take off the paint. To break the seal of the paint, place the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off.

Once the pins have been removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, but it is recommended to make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver is designed to pick up screws made of steel and can make the work go much faster.

It is a good practice to spray some lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can help the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the screws and pins. You can find this type of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.

Keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary depending on the kind of door and the settings. Heavy bi-fold doors hinges and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors might require just two or three hinges.

It is also crucial to know the various types of hinges so you can determine which ones be the most effective for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are designed to withstand the weight of a door, but 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 sag or hang crookedly. This can cause problems but is usually easy to fix. A simple retightening will usually resolve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes are ripped out, this may be more difficult. However, there is a trick to make these holes tight again that utilizes a wood dowel.

Start by drilling out the old hole using a drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then use a wood glue as well as a dowel made of wood to fill in the hole. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. Then, you can reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired degree of tightness. If the door has an tendency to get stuck and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Make sure to close the door slowly so that you can verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.

Another option is to use a wood plug instead of a dowel. It's also possible however it may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood to the proper size to ensure a secure fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool you could also use toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

After you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it won't rub against the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when installing hinges.

After installing the hinge again, you should lubricate the hinge with dry lubricant. This will help to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coat and give it around 15 minutes to fully reach the barrel of the hinge.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not yet ready to replace window hinges double glazed hinges (www.pottomall.com) your hinges, you can try a few fixes. Verify that the screws that hold the hinge plate to the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they are loose, tighten the screws by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to form at the trim joints, or more seriously, tear out 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 side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide a solid base for the screws, preventing the plates from moving as you drive them in. Let the glue dry before you can reattach your hinge.

Another reason that causes loose hinges is that the screws are damaged or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Make sure you use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.

Close the door once you've reattached your hinge and examine the gap between the frame and the door. It should be around the thickness of a 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 shouldn't be an issue.

If the hinges seem loose, try adding an extra thick hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the problem hinge and then pounding it with a hammer in order to make it more secure or using an entirely new hinge pin. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and hold them in their place. Lubricating your hinges frequently will keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky and also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which attracts dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and build up over time. As a result, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can get worse. 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 corrosion has reached the point of destroying the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will require replacement of the hinges. If you can save the hinges, first brush off loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then, apply a commercial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover remain on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

If you don't want to spend the money and time replacing hinges, tightening the screws will restore the hinges' functionality. If you have stripped the screw holes however, it might be necessary to add the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods that vary in sizes and lengths. You can purchase them online, in stores selling woodworking supplies and home improvement centers.

A shim could be made of plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, you need to cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the right position.

Before cleaning the hinges put down a towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. After you have protected the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth coated with mild cleaner to get rid of dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices or tight areas.