How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can fix a loose hinge. If, however, the screw holes are stripped and aren't able to hold screws, you might have to use dowels and wood glue before you can reinstall the hinge.
Remove any surface corrosion. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and provide a solid foundation for them to grip onto.
Take the Hinges off
Many hinges for doors can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the other or take the entire door off when needed. It is simple for anyone with patience, but you need to know how do it right.
If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove it prior to trying to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could be smashed off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to remove.
After the pins have been loosen then you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver was designed to remove screws made of metal and will make the project go much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is recommended to spray them with a oil. A simple lubricant will allow you speed up the process and also remove the pins and screws with ease. You can find this type of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges you need will also depend on the type of door you have and how it's installed. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three.
It is also important to understand the different types of hinges to determine which ones be the most effective for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door and interior hinges need to be able to handle lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes a door hinge will get looser and eventually begin to hang out of alignment or sag. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually easy. A simple retightening will usually solve the problem. However, if the screw holes have been stripped out, this may be more difficult to do. A wood dowel can be used to tighten these holes again.
Begin by drilling the hole using a drill close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Then, you can use a wood glue and a dowel made of wood to fill in the hole. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel must be cut at the same length as the screw. Then, you can reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door continues to bind up, add another dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are in order.
You could also use a wood plug in place of the dowel. This will work as well, but may take a bit longer to install. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool you could also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
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 rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will aid in tightening the screw when you are reinstalling the hinge.
After you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. You should apply a light coat and allow it to take approximately 15 minutes to get into the barrel of the hinge.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, try a few simple fixes. The first step is to ensure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws as this could create gaps at the trim joints or worse, strip out the threads.
If the problem is the hinge plates are breaking, you can reattach the plates by putting wood glue to the side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will provide a solid base for the screws and help keep the plates from moving when you drive them into place. Allow the glue time to dry before reattaching your hinge.
The screws can also be stripped or missing. You can fix this problem 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 examine the gap between the door and the frame. It should be approximately the thickness of a nickel all the way around, or less if there's a gap created by a previous door that hung improperly. If the hinges were installed correctly, this should not be an issue.
If you find that the hinges are still loose, try adding a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give an extra inch of space. You can also try removing the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and then pounding it using a hammer to make it tighter or using the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and keep them in position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
A hinge's continuous movement causes friction, which attracts dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and accumulate over time. As a result, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will ensure the integrity and functionality of hinges on a door.
Check the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated 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 have to replace them. If you can save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust with a wire brush and steel wool. Then apply an industrial rust remover or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice on the hinge. Allow Repair My Windows And Doors to be on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
The tightening of screws can restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend time or money to replace hinges. If you've stripped the screws' holes however, it could be necessary to attach a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are square pieces made of wood in the shape of rods that are available in varying lengths and diameters. You can purchase them online, at woodworking supply stores and home improvement stores.
You can also make an shim out of either plastic or metal, depending on the kind of hinge you own. To make a dowel, you need to cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the desired position.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, put down a paper or cloth towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After protecting the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth coated with 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 or tight areas.