How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a door hinge that is loose can be a manageable task for most homeowners. If the screws' holes have been smashed and will not hold screws, you could need to use dowels and wood glue to fix the door hinge.
Before you do this, however you should clean off any the surface rust. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid base to grip into.
Take the Hinges off
A variety of door hinges can be removed, making it simpler to move the door from one end of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off if necessary. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges, but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges have been painted, you will need to remove the paint before attempting to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if do not remove the paint. To break the paint seal, place the hinges in an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.
After the pins are loosening then you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab screws made of metal and will aid you in getting the job accomplished much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with a oil. A simple lubricant can help you accelerate the process and remove the pins and screws with ease. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in most hardware stores and home improvement shops.
It is important to keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary depending on the door's type and its settings. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges whereas hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only require two or three hinges.
It is also essential to know the various types of hinges so you can decide which one will work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are designed to support the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges need to be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time the hinges on doors can loosen and begin to sag or hang crookedly. Repair My Windows And Doors can be a major issue, but the solution is usually simple. A simple retightening will usually resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be a challenge to complete. However, there is a trick to get these holes back to their original size that uses a wood dowel.
Begin by drilling the old hole using a drill close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Then, use a wood glue as well as dowels made of wood to fill the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length the same as the screw to ensure a snug fit. Reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door 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 perimeter clearances are in order.
Another option is to just use an old-fashioned wood plug instead of dowel. It will work just as well but might take a little 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 own an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.
Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller for the head of the screw after you have reinstalled it. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors as they are opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws before replacing hinges.
After you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. Apply a thin coat and allow it to take around 15 minutes to fully penetrate the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to make a few minor repairs. The first step is to make sure that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten them using a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten your screws to the point that they begin to cause gaps at the trim joints, or even worse cause threads to be stripped.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting and you want to reattach the plates by applying wood glue on the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will serve as a solid base for the screws and keep the plates from moving when you drive them into place. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.
Another common cause of hinges that are loose is that the screws are stripped or are missing. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Make sure the drill bit is exactly the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
After you've reattached your hinge shut the door and look at 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 an existing gap that was caused by a previous door that was not properly hang. If the hinges were put in place properly, this shouldn't be a problem.
If you find that the hinges remain loose, try putting a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give a little extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin, then pound it down with a heavy hammer in order to tighten it or use a new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and help keep them in 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 friction caused by a hinge's constant movement attracts dust particles. These particles can get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. In the end the hinge can become stiff and creaky, and its appearance can deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will maintain the quality and function of hinges on a door.
Examine the hinges for signs of the accumulation of rust. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, remove any loose rust with a steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover remain on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining rust.
If you don't wish to spend time and money to replace hinges, tightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. It is possible to attach dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge in the event that the screws have been stripped. Wooden dowels come in round rods that vary in lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.
A shim may be made of metal or plastic, depending on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel cut a piece made of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in place.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, place down a paper or cloth towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After securing the area then clean the hinges using an easy 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 make use of a small or toothbrush brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in tight spaces and crevices.