How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
The majority of homeowners can fix a loose hinge. However, if the screw holes are stripped and can't hold screws, you may need to use dowels and wood glue before you can reinstall the hinge.
Brush away any surface that has rust. This will allow the dowels to remain in place and provide them a solid base to rest on.
Removing the Hinges
A lot of door hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to remove the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. It is simple for anyone with a bit of patience, but you have to know how to do it right.
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 flake off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges into a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. The hinges should remain 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 removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver is designed to remove screws made of metal and can make the work speed up.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with oil. A simple lubricant will help you move the process along faster and remove the pins and screws with ease. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.
You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll require will vary based on the type of door and the setting. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will require more hinges while hollow-core doors that weigh less might only require two or three.
It is also essential to understand the different types of hinges in order to determine which ones will work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will need to be able to support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time, the hinges of doors may become loose and start to hang crooked or sag. This can cause problems however, it's usually simple to repair. Most of the time, a simple retightening of the screw will resolve the problem. However, if the screw holes are ripped out, this may be more difficult. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten the holes once more.
Begin by drilling the hole with a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Then, use a wood glue and dowels made of wood to fill the hole. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired degree of tightness. If the door has a tendency to bind the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the perimeter clearances are correct.
You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. It works just as well but might take a bit longer to put in. Simply whittle a piece of wood that is the right size for a snug fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.
After you've reinstalled your new screw, use a countersink bit 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's opened and closed. This will allow you to tighten the screw when reinstalling the hinge.
After installing the hinge, make sure to lubricate the hinge using a dry lubricant. This will help prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent options. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to soak into the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could make a few minor repairs. Verify that the screws that attach the hinge plate to the door frame as well as the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten your screws to the point that they begin to create gaps at the trim joints or, even more damagingly cause threads to be stripped.
If the problem is that the hinge plates are separating from the door and jamb it is possible to reattach the hinges by applying 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 help keep the plates from moving when you drive them into the holes. Allow the glue time to dry before reattaching the hinge.
Another reason for loose hinges is that the screws are damaged or gone. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Use a drill that is similar to the size of the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Close the door after you've reattached the hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be approximately the thickness of one nickel all around or less if there's an existing gap caused by a door that was not properly hang. This should not be a problem if hinges are installed correctly.
If you discover that the hinges are loose, try putting an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add an extra inch of space. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and assist in keeping their place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can aid in keeping 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. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and accumulate over time. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance could rapidly diminish. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will maintain the integrity and functionality of hinges that are attached to doors.
Check the hinges for corrosion. If upvc door hinges repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors has corroded to the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll require replacement of the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust with a steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution remain on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
Retightening screws can help restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend time or money on repairing hinges. If you have stripped the screws however, it could be necessary to attach a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods that vary in sizes and lengths. You can find them at home improvement centers or woodworking supply shops, or on the internet.
A shim may also be made from metal or plastic, depending on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the desired position.
Before cleaning the hinges put down a piece of paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected then clean the hinges with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in tight spaces and crevices.