How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Repairing a broken door hinge can be a manageable task for most homeowners. If the holes for screws are shattered and do not hold screws, you may require wood glue and dowels to put back in the hinge.
Before you do that though scrub away any the surface corrosion. This will help to keep the dowels in their place and provide a solid foundation for them to grip onto.
Removing the Hinges
A lot of door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to another or to take the entire door off the frame if need be. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove it before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will be smashed off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges in the stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off.
After the pins are loosening then you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended to make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is designed to grab screws made of metal and make the task go much faster.
It is a good idea to spray lubricant onto the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will allow you accelerate the process and also remove the pins and screws with ease. This kind of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.
You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll need will vary based on the type of door and the configurations. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors might require just two or three hinges.
Understanding the different kinds of hinges can help you decide which one is the best for your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will have to be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will loosen over time and start to hang out of alignment or slide. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually easy. A simple retightening will usually solve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be difficult to fix. Fortunately, there is a trick to get these holes back to their original size using a wooden dowel.
Start by drilling out the hole you had previously made using the drill bit that is 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. The dowel should be cut to a length that is similar to the screw to ensure a secure fit. Install the screw again and tighten it to the desired degree of tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, you can insert another dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are in order.
Another option is to just utilize an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. This will work as well however it will take some time to put in. You can use the wood piece which has been cut to the right size. If double glazing window hinge repairs don't have a woodworking tool, you can also use toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Make use of a countersink in order 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 edges of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screws after installing hinges.
After reinstalling the hinge, lubricate the hinge with dry lubricant. This will prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can make a few repairs. Verify that the screws that secure the hinge plate to both the door frame and the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, because this could create gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.
If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are breaking away from the jamb and door, you can reattach them by gluing wood glue to the back of the plates, and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks provide a solid base for the screws and keep the plates from moving when you drive them into position. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching your hinge.
The screws may also be stripped or missing. 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 prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and look at the gap between the frame and the door. It should be approximately the thickness of a nickel all around or less if there's an existing gap created by a previous door that hung improperly. If the hinges were set up correctly, this shouldn't be a problem.
If the hinges are still loose, you can add a thicker hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more room. You can also take off the hinge pin and pound it down with a powerful hammer to tighten it up or choose a new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and keep them in position. Lubricating your hinges regularly can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction generated by a hinge's constant movement attracts dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and then build up over time. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance could be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges on doors.
Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has formed on their surface. If the rust is so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, clean any loose rust by using steel wool and wire brush. Then apply a commercial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover be on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.
If you do not want to spend cost and time to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws will restore the hinges' functionality. It might be necessary to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge when the screws have been degraded. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods which are available in varying sizes and lengths. They are available at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.
A shim may also be made from a piece of metal or plastic, depending on the kind 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 then insert it into the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the desired position.
Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a piece of paper cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. After securing the area then clean the hinges using an easy sponge or cloth that has been dipped in mild cleaner to get rid of dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices or tight areas.