How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a loose door hinge can be a manageable task for most homeowners. But, if the holes for screws are smashed and won't hold screws you may need to use wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.
Brush away any surface corrosion. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid foundation to rest on.
Eliminating the Hinges
Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off when needed. Removing the hinges is fairly simple for anyone with patience, but you need to know how to do it correctly.
If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off it prior to trying to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will be smashed off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. Place the hinges into 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 about 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.
After the pins have been removed, take the hinges and the frame from the door. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended that you make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver was designed to remove screws made of steel and make the task speed up.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with some oil. A simple lubricant can make the process to go more quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. You can find this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges required will also vary depending on what type of door you have, and how it's installed. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges, whereas lighter and hollow-cored doors may only require two or three hinges.
Understanding the various types of hinges can help you determine which one is best for your situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the weight of the door, while interior hinges will need to be able to handle lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes a door hinge will loosen over time and start to hang in a crooked manner or sag. This can cause problems, but it's usually easy to repair. A simple retightening will usually resolve the issue. However when the screw holes have been stripped out, this can be more difficult. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten the holes again.
Begin by drilling out the old hole using an appropriate drill bit similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then, you can use wood glue and a wooden dowel to fill in the hole. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door still has the tendency to be bowed, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Make sure to close the door slowly to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.
Another option is to just utilize a wood plug instead of a dowel. It's also possible, but may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.
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 opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screw when reinstalling the hinge.
After installing the hinge, lubricate the hinge with a dry lubricant. This will help to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good options. You should apply a thin coat and give it about 15 minutes to fully penetrate the barrel of the hinge.
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. Make sure the screws that attach the hinge plate to both the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them using a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so tight that they start to create gaps at the trim joints, or worse remove the threads.
If window hinges repair near me experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separating from the jamb and door it is possible to reattach them by applying wood glue to the back of the plates, and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will serve as a solid base for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before you can reattach your hinge.
Another reason that causes hinges that are loose is that the screws are stripped or gone. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with larger ones. Use a drill that is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Close the door once you've reattached the hinge and examine the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if the old door was hung incorrectly. If the hinges were set up correctly, this should not be an issue.
If the hinges seem loose, you can add an extra thick hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give 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 an entirely new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to reduce 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 friction created by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and accumulate over time. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can help preserve the integrity of a hinge on a door and ensure its proper function.
Check the hinges for rust accumulation. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, first brush off any loose rust with steel wool and wire brushes. Then, apply a rust remover from a commercial store or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution remain on the hinges for several minutes in order 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. It is possible to add an shim of wood or a dowel to the hinge when the screws have been shaved. Wooden dowels are round pieces made of wood in the shape of rods that are available in different sizes and lengths. You can find them at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.
You can also make an shim using made of plastic or metal depending on the type hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a piece made of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the size you want. Then, dip a dowel in carpenter's glue and then insert it into the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the position.
Before cleaning the hinges, put down a cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After protecting the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth coated with mild cleaner to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices and tight areas.