How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Repairing a broken door hinge is a simple task for the majority of homeowners. If the screws' holes are shattered and do not hold screws, you may require wood glue and dowels in order to reinstall the hinge.

Brush away any surface corrosion. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to grip into.

Removing the Hinges

A lot of door hinges are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the next or take the entire door off the frame should it be needed. The removal of the hinges is easy for anyone with a bit of patience, but you need to know how to do it correctly.

If the hinges are painted, you'll need to take off the paint prior to trying to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will flake off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. To break the paint seal put the hinges in an 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 and make it easier to get rid of the pins.

Once the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and the frame from the double glazing door hinges. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended that you employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this project. This type of screwdriver was created to grab screws made of steel and will make the project run much more quickly.

It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can help you speed up the process and make the removal of pins and screws more easily. You can purchase this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges required will also depend on the type of door you have, and how it is set up. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges whereas hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only need two or three.

It is also important to be aware of the various kinds of hinges to determine which ones best suit your needs. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will require to handle lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes, the hinges on doors get looser and eventually begin to hang out of alignment or slide. This could be a problem however, it's usually simple to fix door hinge. Retightening the screw will typically resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be difficult to fix. There is a method to make these holes back to their original size that uses a wood dowel.

Start by drilling out the hole from the previous one using an appropriate drill bit similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length that is similar to the screw to ensure a secure fit. Reinstall the screw and tighten it until you are satisfied with the level of tightness. If the repair door hinge continues to bind up, you can insert another dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the clearances around the perimeter are correct.

You could also use a wood plug in place of the dowel. This is also a viable option however it may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't own a woodworking instrument You can use toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.

Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will stop the screw from hitting the edge of the doors when they are opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when replacing hinges.

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 good alternatives. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can do a few simple repairs. Check that the screws that hold the hinge plate to both the door frame and the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using an electric drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws so tight that they begin to create gaps at the trim joints, or even worse remove the threads.

If the problem is the hinge plates are splitting, you can reattach the plates by putting wood glue to the back of them and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will provide a solid base for the screws and to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Allow the glue time to dry before reattaching your hinge.

Another reason for loose hinges is that the screws are stripped or missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Be sure to use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.

Close the door after you've reattached your hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. It should be about the thickness of one nickel all around or less if there's an existing gap created by a door hinge repair that was not properly hung. This should not be a problem if hinges are correctly installed.

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 some extra space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and then pounding it with a hammer to make it more secure or using an entirely new hinge pin. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and assist in keeping their place. Lubricating your hinges periodically will help keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

A hinge's continuous movement creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles can get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not cleaned and lubricated regularly. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will ensure the integrity and functionality of hinges on doors.

Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has accumulated on their surfaces. If the corrosion has reached the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will require replacement of the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust by using wire brush and steel wool. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust removal solution be on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

The tightening of screws can restore hinge function in the event that you don't want to spend money or time to replace hinges. If you've stripped the screw holes, however, it may be necessary to attach an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods that are available in varying sizes and lengths. You can find them at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.

A shim can be made of a piece of metal or plastic, depending on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into a carpenter's glue and insert it into the cut hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in place.

Before cleaning the hinges, put down a paper cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. After you have protected the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or a cloth that has been dipped in a mild cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to access difficult-to-reach places in crevices and narrow spots.