How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
The majority of homeowners can fix a loose hinge. If, however, the screw holes are stripped and won't hold screws you might have to use wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.
Clean up any surface corrosion. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid base to hold onto.
Eliminating the Hinges
Many hinges for doors can be removed, making it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the opposite side or remove the entire door if necessary. The removal of the hinges is easy for anyone with a little patience, though you do have to know how to do it right.
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 could peel off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. 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. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off.
Once the pins have been loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the 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 task. This type of screwdriver was designed to pick up screws made of metal and will make the project speed up.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is a good idea to spray them with oil. A simple lubricant will help you to move the process along faster and make the removal of pins and screws more easily. This type of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.
The number of hinges needed will also vary depending on the type of door you have and the way it's installed. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will need more hinges, while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might only require two or three hinges.
Understanding the different types of hinges will help decide which one is the best for your needs. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will need 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. This could be a problem but is usually easy to fix. A simple tightening can resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it can be a challenge to complete. There is a trick to make the holes back in place that utilizes a wood dowel.
Start by drilling out the hole from the previous one using the 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 secure fit, the dowel should be cut to the same length as the screw. Then, you can reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired degree of tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, you can insert another dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Be sure to close the door slowly to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.
Another option is to just make use of an old-fashioned wood plug instead of dowel. It's also possible however it will take a bit longer to install. Simply whittle a piece of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking instrument or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.
Once you have reinstalled the new screw and countersink the screw, you can use a countersink tool to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it does not rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws before replacing hinges.
After reinstalling the hinge, lubricate the hinge with a dry lubricant. This will prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent alternatives. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few fixes. The first step is to check that the screws securing the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to tighten your screws so tight that they start to create gaps in the trim joints or, even more damagingly, strip the threads.
If the problem is that the hinge plates are breaking away from the jamb and door, you can reattach them by applying wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide a solid base for the screws, preventing the plates from shifting when you insert them. Allow the glue to dry before you can reattach your hinge.
The screws could also be stripped or missing. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Use a drill that is similar to the size of the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
After you've reattached your hinge shut the door and check the gap between the door and the frame. It should be around the thickness of one nickel all around or less if there's a gap caused by a previous door that was not properly hung. This shouldn't be a problem if hinges are installed correctly.
If you find that the hinges are still loose, try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add some extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a powerful hammer in order to tighten it up or choose an entirely new hinge. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and help them hold their position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and can also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not regularly cleaned and lubricated. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will maintain the functionality and quality of hinges that are attached to doors.
Check the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated on their surfaces. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will need to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust with a steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or homemade solutions like lemon juice on the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to be on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
If Repair My Windows And Doors don't wish to spend cost and time to replace hinges, tightening the screws can restore the hinges' functionality. If you've sanded the screws, however, it may be necessary to attach an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood in the form of rods, which are available in varying lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.
You can also make an shim using made of plastic or metal depending on the kind of hinge you are using. To make a dowel, cut a piece made of wooden dowel or other sturdy material to the desired size. Then, dip a dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and insert it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in the desired position.
Before you start cleaning the hinges, lay down a towel or a paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After the area is secured and dry, clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to access difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight areas.