How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Repairing a broken door hinge is a simple task for the majority of homeowners. However, if the screw holes are damaged and won't hold screws you might have to put in wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.
Before you do that though scrub away any the surface corrosion. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid foundation to hold onto.
Eliminating the Hinges
A variety of door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off if necessary. Anyone with a little patience can take the hinges off, but you must be aware of what to do.
If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off it before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will flake off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. 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 about 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.
After the pins are loosening, you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to take out metal screws and will assist you in getting the task done much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with lubricant. A simple lubricant will help the process go by more quickly and aid in the removal of the screws and pins. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.
Keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary depending on the door's type and its configurations. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges whereas lighter and hollow-cored doors may only require two or three hinges.
Understanding the different types of hinges will help you determine which one is best for your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the door's weight, while interior hinges will require to support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will get looser and eventually begin to hang crookedly or sag. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually easy. A simple retightening will usually solve the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it may be difficult to do. A wood dowel could be used to tighten the holes again.
Start by drilling the old hole using a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then, you can use a wood glue and a wooden dowel to fill in the hole. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw and tighten it until you are satisfied with the degree of tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, you can insert another dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Be sure to close the door slowly so that you can examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.
You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. It works equally well, but may take a little longer to install. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking tool, you can also try using 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 won't be able to rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws when replacing hinges.
After 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. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few easy fixes. Make sure the screws that attach the hinge plate to the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them with a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to over tighten the screws as this can cause gaps to form at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating from the door and jamb, you can reattach them by gluing wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks provide a solid base for the screws and keep the plates from moving when you drive them into the holes. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge.
The screws may also be smashed or gone. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Make sure the drill bit is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into 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 or less if an old door was hung incorrectly. If the hinges were set up correctly, this should not be a problem.
If you discover that the hinges are still loose, try putting a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create an extra inch of space. You can also remove the hinge pin, then pound it down with a powerful hammer in order to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to lessen friction and aid in holding their place. Lubricating your hinges periodically can stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and can also prolong their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The continuous movement of hinges causes friction, which attracts dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and build up over time. As a result the hinge can become stiff and creaky, and its appearance can be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections can maintain the quality of door's hinges and ensure their proper operation.
Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has accumulated on their surfaces. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, first brush off any loose rust with steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solutions like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution remain on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
If you do not want to spend the time and money to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. It might be necessary, however, to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge if the screw holes have been stripped. Wooden dowels come in round rods of varying sizes and lengths. You can find them at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.
recommended site may also be made from a piece of plastic or metal, depending on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip a dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and then insert it into the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the position.
Before cleaning the hinges, put down a paper cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After securing the area, clean the hinges using an easy sponge or cloth that has been dipped in mild cleaner to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to access hard-to-reach areas in crevices and difficult areas.