Why Nobody Cares About Fix Door Hinge How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a loose door hinge can be a manageable task for the majority of homeowners. If the holes for screws have been smashed and will not hold screws, you could need to use dowels and wood glue to fix the hinge.

Before you do this, however you should clean off any the surface rust. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid base to rest on.

Take off the Hinges

Most hinges on doors are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to take the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. It is easy for anyone with a little patience, although you need to know how do it right.

If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may peel off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off.

After the pins are loosening, you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended that you make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to grab metal screws and will help you get the job done much faster.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is recommended to spray them with some lubricant. A simple lubricant can help you to move the process along faster and also remove the pins and screws with ease. This type of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.

You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary based on the kind of door and the settings. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges, whereas lighter and hollow-cored doors may only require two or three hinges.

Understanding the different kinds of hinges will help you determine which one is suitable for your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to hold the weight of a door, whereas hinges for interior use must be able support lighter loads.


Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes a door hinge will get looser and eventually begin to hang crookedly or slide. This can be a major problem, but the fix is usually easy. Most of the time it's a simple tightening of the screw will resolve the problem. However, if the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult to do. There is a trick to make these holes back to their original size that utilizes a wood dowel.

Begin by drilling out the hole from the previous one using the drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then use a wood glue and a dowel made of wood to fill the hole. To ensure a secure 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 continues to bind up, insert a second dowel to the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the perimeter clearances are in order.

Another option is to just use an old-fashioned wood plug instead of dowel. It works just as well but might take a bit longer to put in. You can insert the wood piece that has been whittled to the right size. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.

Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have installed it. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will aid in tightening the screw prior to reinstalling the hinge.

Once you've reinstalled your hinge, make sure to lubricate it with a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great options. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few simple fixes. Verify that the screws that attach the hinge plate to both the door frame and the frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws with a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to appear at the trim joints or more seriously, tear out the threads.

If the problem is that the hinge plates are separating from the door and jamb, you can reattach them by gluing wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks provide a solid base for the screws and help keep the plates from moving when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.

Another reason for loose hinges is that screws are worn out 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 hinge or jamb.

Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and examine the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be the thickness of a penny or less if an old door was not hung correctly. If the hinges were installed properly, this shouldn't be a problem.

If the hinges still seem loose, you can add a thicker hinge between the hinge plate's surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more space. You can also take off the hinge pin and pound it down with a heavy hammer to tighten it, or install an entirely new hinge. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to decrease friction and aid in holding their position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which draws dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and accumulate over time. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the quality of hinge on a door and ensure its proper function.

Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has built up on their surface. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, begin by brushing off any loose rust with steel wool and a wire brush. Then, apply a commercial rust remover or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover be on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining corrosion.

If you don't wish to spend time and money to replace hinges, tightening the screws will bring back the hinge's functionality. It may be necessary, however, to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge in the event that the screws have been degraded. Wooden dowels come in round rods that vary in lengths and sizes. repair window hinges are available at home improvement centers or woodworking supply shops, or online.

You can also create a shim from a piece metal or plastic depending on the type hinge you own. To make a dowel cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the desired position.

Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a piece of paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. After protecting the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth that has been dipped in mild cleaner to eliminate 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.