How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can repair 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.
Remove any surface that has rust. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid base to hold onto.
Removal of the Hinges
A lot of door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to take the entire door off of the frame, if needed. Anyone with a little patience can take the hinges off, however, you must know 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 will peel off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. 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 should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.
Once the pins are loosened then you can remove the hinges from the door and frame. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended to employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this task. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab metal screws and help you get the job accomplished much faster.
It is a good practice to spray lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process to go more 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.
The number of hinges you need will also differ based on the kind of door you have and the way it's installed. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges while hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only require two or three hinges.
Understanding the different types of hinges can help you decide which one is the best for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are designed to support the weight of a door, but interior hinges need to be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, the hinges on doors loosen over time and start to hang out of alignment or sag. This could be a problem however, it's usually simple to repair. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will fix the issue. However when the screw holes are ripped out, it can be more difficult. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten these holes once more.
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 a wood glue as well as dowels made of wood to fill the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length that is the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired level of tightness. If the door continues to have the tendency to be bowed, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct.
You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. It's also possible, but may take a bit longer to install. You can insert a piece of wood which has been cut to the proper size. If you don't have a wooden tool you could also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will prevent the screw from rubbing against the edges of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws before installing hinges.
After you have reinstalled the 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 alternatives. You should apply a light coat and give it approximately 15 minutes to get into the barrel of the hinge.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could make a few minor repairs. Check that the screws that hold the hinge plate in place to the door frame and the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them by using a drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, because this can cause gaps to form 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 and jamb, you can fix them by gluing wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create a solid foundation for the screws, preventing the plates from shifting when you insert them. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.
The screws could also be smashed or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Be sure to use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.
Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and check the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be the thickness of a penny all around or less if an older door was not properly hung. This should not be a problem if hinges are correctly installed.
If the hinges seem loose, try adding an extra thick hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more space. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a heavy hammer in order to tighten it, or install an entirely new hinge. Repair My Windows And Doors is also possible to lubricate the hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and help them hold their position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will ensure the quality and function of hinges on a door.
Check the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated on their surface. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you're able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust with a steel wool and wire brush. Then, apply a commercial rust remover or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to sit on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
Retightening screws can restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend money or time on repairing hinges. It might be necessary, however, to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge when the screws have been shaved. Wooden dowels come in round rods of varying lengths and sizes. You can purchase them online, in woodworking supply stores and home improvement centers.
A shim can also be made from plastic or metal, based on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wooden dowel or another sturdy material to the desired size. You can then dip the dowel into a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the stripped hole, allowing the glue to 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 using a soft sponge or a cloth dipped into mild cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime. You can also remove tarnish, dirt, and grime. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight areas.