How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. But, if the screw holes are damaged and won't hold screws you might have to add wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.
Before you do that, however scrub away any surface rust. This will help keep the dowels in place and give them a solid foundation to hold onto.
Eliminating the Hinges
A lot of door hinges are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the next or to take the entire door off of the frame, if needed. The removal of the hinges is simple for anyone with a bit of patience, though you do need to know how to do it properly.
If the hinges are painted you'll need to take off the paint before attempting to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will flake off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. To break the paint seal, place the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to remove.
Once the pins have been removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab screws made of metal and will aid you in getting the job completed much quicker.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is a good idea to spray them with some oil. A simple lubricant can help you speed up the process and remove the screws and pins easier. You can find this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.
You should also keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll require will vary based on the door's type and the configurations. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only need two or three.
Understanding the different types of hinges will help determine which one is best for your needs. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will have to be able to support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time the hinges on doors can loosen and begin to sag or hang crookedly. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually easy. A simple tightening can solve the issue. However when the screw holes are ripped out, it can be more difficult to do. Fortunately, there is a trick to make these holes tight again that uses a wood dowel.
Start by drilling out the old hole using the drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then, use wood glue and dowels made of wood to fill the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Reinstall the screw and tighten it until you are satisfied with the degree of tightness. If the door still has an tendency to get stuck the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Be sure to shut the door slowly to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.
Another option is to just utilize the wood plug instead of dowel. It will work just as well but might take a little longer to put in. You can use the wood piece that has been whittled down to the proper size. If you don't have a woodworking instrument You can use toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.
Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will prevent the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors when they are opened and closed. This will aid in tightening the screw when you are reinstalling the hinge.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to coat it with a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coat and allow it to take around 15 minutes to fully penetrate the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few fixes. Check that the screws that secure the hinge plate in place to the door frame as well as the frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten them using a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten your screws so tight that they begin to create gaps in the trim joints or, even more damagingly remove the threads.
If the problem is that the hinge plates are separated from the door and jamb it is possible to reattach them by gluing wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create a solid foundation for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting when you insert them. Allow the glue time to dry before reattaching the hinge.
Another common cause of loose hinges is that the screws are stripped or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Make sure the drill bit is similar to the size of the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Close the door once you've reattached the hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. It should be about the thickness of a nickel all around, or less if there's a gap that was caused by a previous door that hung improperly. If the hinges were installed correctly, this shouldn't be an issue.
If the hinges are still loose, you could add a thicker hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more room. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and then pounding it with a hammer to make it tighter or use an entirely new hinge pin. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to decrease friction and aid in holding their place. Lubricating your hinges regularly can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction created by the constant movement of a hinge draws dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and build up over time. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will ensure the quality and function of hinges that are attached to doors.
Examine the hinges for signs of the accumulation of rust. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, first brush away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then, apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover be on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
If you do not want to spend cost and time to replace hinges, tightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. If you've stripped the screw holes however, it could be necessary to attach a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods that vary in lengths and sizes. upvc window hinge repair near me can be purchased on the internet, at woodworking supply shops and home improvement centers.
A shim could be made of a piece of plastic or metal, based on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, you need to cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the stripped hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in place.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a towel or a paper towel to shield floors and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After securing the area clean the hinges with an easy sponge or cloth that has been dipped in a mild cleaner to remove dirt and grime. You can also remove tarnish, dirt, and grime. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in tight spaces and crevices.