How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a loose door hinge can be a manageable task for most homeowners. But, if the holes for screws are smashed and aren't able to hold screws, you might have to add dowels and wood glue before you can reinstall the hinge.
Clean up any surface rust. This will help keep the dowels in their place and provide a solid foundation for them to grip 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 other or remove the entire door when needed. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges, but you must be aware of 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 do not, the paint may peel off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges into a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.
After the pins have been removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to take out screws made of metal and will aid you in getting the job accomplished much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is recommended to spray them with some grease. A simple lubricant can help you to speed up the process and also remove the pins and screws with ease. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.
It is important to keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary depending on the door's type and the setting. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only require two or three hinges.
Understanding the different types of hinges can help you determine which one is best for your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the door's weight and interior hinges need to be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes a door hinge will get looser and eventually begin to hang out of alignment or sag. This can cause problems but is usually easy to fix. A simple tightening can solve the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it can be difficult to do. A wood dowel can be used to tighten the holes once more.
Start by drilling the hole using a drill close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length that is exactly the same as the screw to ensure a snug fit. Install the screw again and tighten it until you are satisfied with the tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, add another dowel to the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are in order.
You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a little longer to set up. 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 an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.
After you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller, so that it doesn't rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws when reinstalling hinges.
After reinstalling the hinge, lubricate the hinge with a dry lubricant. This will help prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great options. Apply a thin coat and wait for approximately 15 minutes to reach the barrel of the hinge.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few simple fixes. The first step is to check that the screws holding the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they are loose, tighten them with a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to appear at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads.
If the problem is the hinge plates are splitting and you want to reattach the plates by putting wood glue to the back of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will serve as a solid base for the screws and to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into place. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge.
The screws can also be damaged or missing. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with larger ones. Use a drill bit that is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the jamb or hinge.
After you've reattached your hinge close the door and check the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be the thickness of a penny or less if an old door was not properly hung. If the hinges were installed correctly, this shouldn't be a problem.
If you notice that the hinges are loose, try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create some extra space. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer to tighten it or use a new hinge. You can also lubricate the hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to reduce 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 hinge's constant motion attracts dust particles. These particles can get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections can maintain the integrity of a hinge on a door and ensure its proper function.
Check upvc window hinges replacement to see how much rust has formed on their surfaces. 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 with a steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust be on the hinges for a few 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 replacing hinges. If you've sanded the screws' holes however, it might be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood in the form of rods, which are available in different sizes and lengths. They can be purchased online, in woodworking supply stores and at home improvement stores.
You can also make an shim out of metal or plastic depending on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a piece made of wooden dowel or other sturdy material to the desired size. You can then dip a dowel into carpenter's adhesive and place it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the position.
Before cleaning the hinges, put down a piece of paper cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After the area is secured then clean the hinges using an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in crevices and tight areas.