How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. However, if the screw holes are damaged and won't hold screws you might have to put in dowels and wood glue before you can reinstall the hinge.
Before you do this, however you should clean off any surface corrosion. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid base to grip into.
Removing metal door frame hinge repair of door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the other or remove the entire door in the event of need. Anyone with a bit of patience can take the hinges off, but you must be aware of what to do.
If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to get rid of the paint before attempting to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could be smashed off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. Put the hinges in the stainless steel pot and fill it up with water to the point that the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to get rid of the pins.
Once the pins are loosened, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this task. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up metal screws and will aid you in getting the job completed much quicker.
It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will allow you accelerate the process and make the removal of pins and screws more easily. You can find this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.
You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary based on the door's type and the setting. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will require more hinges while hollow-core doors that weigh less might only require two or three hinges.
It is also essential to understand the different types of hinges so you can determine which ones will best suit your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will need to be able to handle lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, the hinges on doors loosen over time and start to hang crookedly or sag. This can cause problems however, it's usually simple to solve. Retightening the screw will typically solve the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it may be difficult to do. Fortunately, there is a method to make these holes back to their original size using a wooden dowel.
Begin by drilling out the hole you had previously made using an appropriate drill bit close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then, you can use a wood glue as well as a wooden dowel to fill the hole. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to desired degree of tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, you can insert another dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the perimeter clearances are in order.
You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a bit longer to put in. Simply whittle a plug of wood that is the right size for a snug fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking instrument, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.
Once you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller, so that it doesn't rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will allow you to tighten the screw when you are reinstalling the hinge.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to lubricate it with a dry lubricant in order to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. Apply a thin layer and allow it to penetrate 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. The first step is to check that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten them using a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, as this can cause gaps to form at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting and you want to reattach the plates by putting wood glue to the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide an solid foundation for the screws, which will stop the plates from moving as you push them in. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching your hinge.
Another common cause of hinges that are loose is that screws are worn out or are missing. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Make sure the drill bit is exactly the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and examine the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if the old door was not hung correctly. This should not be a problem if the hinges are correctly installed.
If the hinges are still loose, try adding a stronger hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more room. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a powerful hammer in order to tighten it or use the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and help keep them in place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction created by the hinge's constant motion attracts dust particles. Without regular cleaning and lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and then build up over time. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can help preserve the quality of a door's hinges and ensure their proper function.
Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has formed on their surface. If the rust has corroded to the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, clean any loose rust using steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solutions like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover remain on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining corrosion.
If you don't want to spend money and time replacing your hinges, simply retightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. It might be necessary, however, to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge when the screws have been stripped. Dowels made of wood come in round rods that vary in lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement stores or woodworking supply shops, or on the internet.
You can also create an shim out of made of plastic or metal depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. You can dip the dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and insert it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the position.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a paper or cloth towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After the area is secured and dry, clean the hinges with a soft cloth or sponge that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight areas.