How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can repair a loose hinge. If, however, the screw holes are stripped and can't hold screws, you might need to add wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.
Clean up any surface corrosion. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid foundation to grip into.
Remove the Hinges
Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to take the entire door off the frame, if needed. The removal of the hinges is easy for anyone with patience, although you have to know how to do it correctly.
If the hinges are painted, you will need to remove the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will be smashed off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. To break the paint seal put the hinges in a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Allow the hinges to sit in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off.
After how much does it cost to replace window hinges have been loose, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended that you use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver is specially designed to pick up metal screws and will assist you in getting the task completed much quicker.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with some grease. A simple lubricant can make the process to go more quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. You can find this type of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.
It is important to keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will differ based on the door's type and the settings. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight may only require two or three hinges.
Understanding the different kinds of hinges can help you determine which one is best for your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to hold the weight of a door, whereas hinges for interior use must be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time, the hinges of doors may lose its grip and then begin to hang crooked or sag. This can cause problems however, it's usually simple to solve. Retightening the screw will typically solve the problem. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it may be a challenge to complete. However, there is a trick to get these holes tight again using a wooden dowel.
Begin by drilling out the hole you had previously made using the drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then use a wood glue and dowels made of wood to fill in the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length that is the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Then, you can reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired degree of tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, insert a second dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the perimeter clearances are in order.
Another option is to make use of a wood plug instead of dowel. This is also a viable option, but may take some time to put in. You can insert the wood piece that has been whittled down to the right size. If you don't own an instrument for woodworking, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.
After you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it won't touch the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws after replacing hinges.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to lubricate it using a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can use 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 yet ready to replace hinges, you could try a few fixes. Check that the screws that hold the hinge plate in place to the door frame and frame are in good condition. If they are loose, tighten the screws by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws so much that they create gaps in the trim joints, or even worse, strip the threads.
If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separating from the jamb and door and jamb, you can fix the hinges by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create a solid base for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting as you drive them in. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.
The screws could also be stripped or missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Make sure you use a drill bit that is compatible with the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.
Once you've reattached the hinge close the door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if an old door was not hung correctly. This should not be a problem if the hinges are properly installed.
If the hinges seem loose, you could add a stronger hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more room. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a heavy hammer to tighten it or use an entirely new hinge. You can also lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to lessen friction and assist in keeping their place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The continuous movement of hinges creates friction, which attracts dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and then build up over time. As a result the hinge can become stiff and creaky and its appearance could be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection will preserve the integrity and functionality of hinges on doors.
Check the hinges to see how much rust has built up on their surface. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing off any loose rust with steel wool and a wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solutions like 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 wish to spend money and time replacing hinges, simply tightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. If you've stripped the screw holes, however, it may be necessary to add a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood come in round rods of varying lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.
You can also make an shim out of made of plastic or metal depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a piece of wooden dowel or another sturdy material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the right position.
Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a piece of paper cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. After protecting the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth that has been dipped in a mild cleaner to remove dirt and grime. You can also remove tarnish, dirt, and grime. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight areas.