How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. But, if the screw holes are stripped and won't hold screws you might need to add wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.
Before you do this, however, brush away surface rust. This will help keep the dowels in place and give them a solid foundation to hold onto.
Take the Hinges off
A lot of door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to another or to remove the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. It is easy for anyone with a little patience, although you need to know how do it properly.
If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove it before you attempt to remove the pins. Repair My Windows And Doors may scratch your door if you don't remove the paint. To break the seal, place the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely 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 get rid of the pins.
After the pins are loosening and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the door and frame. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended that you use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver was created to remove screws made of steel and can make the work speed up.
It is a good idea to spray lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will help you move the process along faster and also remove the screws and pins easier. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges required will also depend on the type of door you have and how it's installed. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors may only require two or three.
Understanding the different types of hinges can help you decide which one is the best for your situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight and interior hinges require to support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, the hinges on doors loosen over time and start to hang crookedly or sag. This can cause problems but is usually easy to solve. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will fix the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it may be difficult to do. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten the holes again.
Begin by drilling out the old hole using an appropriate drill bit close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then, use wood glue and a dowel made of wood to fill in the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length similar to the screw to ensure a tight fit. Install the screw again and tighten it until you are satisfied with the tightness. If the door continues to have the tendency to be bowed the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the perimeter clearances are correct.
You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. This is also a viable option however it may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood that is the proper size to ensure a secure fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool, you can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches.
Once you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it does not rub against the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws after replacing hinges.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to grease it with a dry lubricant in order to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. You should apply a thin coat and wait for about 15 minutes to fully reach the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're unsure whether to replace hinges, you could try a few easy fixes. The first step is to check that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten your screws so much that they create gaps in the trim joints, or even worse, strip the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating, you can reattach the plates by applying wood glue to the side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide a solid base for the screws, preventing the plates from shifting when you insert them. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.
The screws could also be damaged or missing. It is possible to fix this issue by replacing the screws with larger ones. Use a drill bit that is exactly the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the hinge or jamb.
After you've reattached your hinge shut 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 a gap created by a previous door that hung improperly. This shouldn't be a problem if the hinges are installed correctly.
If the hinges still seem loose, you can add a stronger hinge between the hinge plate's surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more room. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer in order to tighten it or use an entirely new hinge. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and aid in holding their place. Lubricating your hinges frequently can prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also extend their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction caused by a hinge's constant movement attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not regularly cleaned and lubricated. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can help preserve the integrity of a hinge on a door and ensure its proper function.
Check the hinges to see how much rust has built up on their surfaces. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will require replacement of the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, begin by brushing away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then, apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust removal solution remain on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.
Retightening screws can restore hinge function in the event that you don't want to spend time or money to replace hinges. If you have stripped the screws however, it could be necessary to add the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods of various lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement centers or woodworking supply shops, or on the internet.
A shim could also be made from metal or plastic, depending on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or another sturdy material to the size you want. 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 place.
Before cleaning the hinges put down a piece of paper cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. After the area has been secured then clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to remove built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or tight places.