How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a loose door hinge is a simple task for most homeowners. If, however, the screw holes are stripped and aren't able to hold screws, you might have to use dowels and wood glue before you can put back the hinge.
Before you do that though scrub away any the surface rust. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid foundation to hold onto.
Eliminating the Hinges
Many hinges for doors can be removed, making it simpler to move the door from one end of the frame to the opposite side or remove the entire door when needed. It is easy for anyone with patience, although you need to know how do it correctly.
If the hinges are painted, you'll need to get rid of the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if don't take off the paint. Place the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint, making it easier to remove.
After the pins are loosening then you can remove the hinges from the door and frame. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver was designed to grab screws made of metal and can make the work speed up.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with a grease. A simple lubricant will allow you accelerate the process and make the removal of pins and screws more easily. This kind of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement shops.
The number of hinges you need will also vary depending on what type of door you have, and how it's set up. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight may only require two or three.
It is also crucial to know the various types of hinges to decide which one will work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight and interior hinges require to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes a door hinge will become looser over time and begin to hang in a crooked manner or sag. It can be a big issue, but the solution is usually quite simple. A simple tightening can solve the issue. However when the screw holes are ripped out, this can be more difficult to accomplish. There is a trick to make the holes back in place using a wooden dowel.
Start by drilling out the hole you had previously made using a drill bit that is close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. Then, you can reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired tightness. If the door still has an tendency to get stuck the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct.
You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a bit longer to install. Simply whittle a chunk of wood to the right size for a snug fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool You can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have installed it. This will prevent the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will aid in tightening the screw prior to installing the hinge.
After installing the hinge, apply lubrication to the hinge using an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will help to prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coating and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can make a few minor repairs. Check that the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door frame and frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them using a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten your screws so much that they create gaps in the trim joints, or even worse remove the threads.
If the problem is that the hinge plates are breaking away from the jamb and door it is possible to reattach 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 an solid foundation for the screws, and prevent the plates from shifting when you push them in. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.
The screws may also be damaged or missing. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Be sure to use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.
Once you've reattached the hinge shut the door and look at 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 hung incorrectly. If the hinges were put in place correctly, this should not be a problem.
If the hinges are still loose, you could add a stronger hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more room. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and pounding it down with a hammer to make it tighter or use an entirely new hinge pin. You can also lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to lessen friction and help them hold their 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 created by the hinge's constant motion attracts dust particles. These particles can become stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not regularly cleaned and lubricated. As a result, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will ensure the functionality and quality of hinges on doors.
Examine the hinges for rust accumulation. If the corrosion has reached the point of damaging the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, first brush away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution sit on the hinges for several minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
If you don't want to spend cost and time to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. It may be necessary, however, to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been stripped. Dowels made of wood come in round rods of various lengths and sizes. Repair My Windows And Doors can purchase them on the internet, at woodworking supply stores and home improvement centers.
A shim may be made of a piece of metal or plastic, depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a piece of wooden dowel or other sturdy material to the size you want. Then, dip a dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and insert it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in place.
Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a paper cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. After the area is secured then clean the hinges using a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in tight spaces and crevices.