How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
The majority of 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 put back the hinge.
Brush away any surface corrosion. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid base to rest on.
Eliminating the Hinges
A lot of door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the next or to remove the entire door off the frame, if needed. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges, but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove it prior to trying to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if you don't take off the paint. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Allow the hinges to sit in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.
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, however it is recommended to make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to grab metal screws and aid you in getting the job done much faster.
It is a good idea to spray lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process move along quickly and make it easier to remove the screws and pins. This type of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement stores.
Keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll require will differ based on the door's type and the settings. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three.
repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is also important to understand the different types of hinges to determine which ones will work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are designed to withstand the weight of a door, while hinges for interior use must be able to support heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, the hinges on doors loosen over time and start to hang crookedly or sag. This can be a major issue, but the solution is usually quite simple. Most of the time it's a simple tightening of the screw will resolve the problem. However in the event that the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be more difficult to accomplish. A wood dowel could be used to tighten these holes again.
Begin by drilling the old hole using a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then, you can use a wood glue and a wooden dowel to fill the hole. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired tightness. If the door still has the tendency to be bowed, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are in order.
Another option is to just make use of the wood plug instead of dowel. It works similarly, but it may take a little longer to set up. You can insert 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 matchsticks made of wood.
Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller than 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 aid in tightening the screw prior to you are reinstalling the hinge.
After you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a light coat and allow it to take approximately 15 minutes to reach the barrel of the hinge.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few easy fixes. Check that the screws that hold the hinge plate to the door frame and the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to form at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads.
If the problem is the hinge plates are breaking, you can reattach the plates by putting wood glue on the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. The dowels or toothpicks serve as a solid base for the screws and help keep the plates from moving when you drive them into position. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge.
The screws can also be smashed or gone. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with longer ones. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.
Once you've reattached the hinge shut the door and examine the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be the thickness of a penny all around or less if an older door was not hung correctly. If the hinges were set up correctly, this shouldn't be a problem.
If the hinges seem loose, you could add a stronger hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more room. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and pounding it with a hammer to make it more secure or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to decrease friction and aid in holding their position. Regularly lubricating your hinges will help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The continuous movement of hinges causes friction, which attracts dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and then build up over time. In the end the hinge can become stiff and creaky and its appearance could deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections can maintain the integrity of a hinged door and ensure their proper operation.
Check the hinges for corrosion. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will require replacement of the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, first brush off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solutions like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover remain on the hinge for a few minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.
If you don't wish to spend the cost and time to replace hinges, tightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. It may be necessary, however, to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge when the screws have been shaved. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods of various lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.
A shim can also be made from plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, you need to cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the stripped hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the desired position.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, put down a paper or cloth towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After you have protected the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth that has been dipped in mild cleaner to get rid of dirt and grime. You can also remove tarnish, dirt, and grime. A small or toothbrush can be used to access difficult-to-reach places in crevices and narrow spots.