How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
The majority of homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. If, however, the screw holes are stripped and aren't able to hold screws, you might 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 foundation to grip into.
Removal of the Hinges
A lot of door hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to another or to remove the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. The removal of the hinges is easy for anyone with a bit of patience, though you do have to know how to do it correctly.
If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if you don't remove the paint. Place the hinges into an stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are 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 get rid of the pins.
Once the pins are removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this job. This type of screwdriver is designed to grab screws made of metal and can make the work run much more quickly.
It is a good practice to spray some lubricant on the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process go by more quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. This kind of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.
Keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll need will differ based on the door's type and its configurations. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors may only require two or three.
It is also essential to understand the different types of hinges to determine which ones be the most effective for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are designed to support the weight of a door, but hinges for interior use must be able support lighter loads.
Reattaching repair window hinges
Over time, the hinges of doors may become loose and start to hang crooked or sag. This can cause problems but is usually easy to solve. Retightening the screw will typically solve the problem. However in the event that the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult to accomplish. However, there is a trick to get the holes back in place that uses a wood dowel.
Start by drilling the hole using a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then, use a wood glue as well as dowels made of wood to fill the hole. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel must be cut at the same length as the screw. Then, you can reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired level of tightness. If the door still has an tendency to get stuck and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Be sure to shut the door slowly to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.
You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. It works 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 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 prevent the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will aid in tightening the screw prior to you are reinstalling the hinge.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent alternatives. You should apply a thin coat and give it approximately 15 minutes to penetrate the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few easy fixes. Make sure the screws that secure the hinge plate to both the door frame and the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not too tighten the screws, because this can cause gaps to form at the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting and you want to reattach the plates by putting wood glue on the back of them and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will serve as a solid base for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting 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 screws are worn out or missing. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Use a drill that is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.
After you've reattached your hinge close the door and check the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if an older door was not properly hung. This shouldn't be a problem as long as the hinges are correctly installed.
If the hinges are still loose, you could add an extra thick hinge between the hinge plate's surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more space. You can also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it down with a hammer in order to make it tighter or using the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. You can also lubricate the hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and help them hold their position. Lubricating your hinges regularly can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also prolong their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
A hinge's continuous movement creates friction, which attracts dust particles. Without regular cleaning and lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and accumulate over time. The hinge will become stiff and creaky, and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges on doors.
Check the hinges for the accumulation of rust. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will require replacement of the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, begin by brushing off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust remain on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
The tightening of screws can restore hinge function if you don't want to spend time or money on replacing hinges. If you've sanded the screws however, it might be necessary to attach a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood come in round rods of varying lengths and sizes. You can purchase them on the internet, at stores selling woodworking supplies and home improvement centers.
A shim could be made of plastic or metal, based on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel in a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the stripped hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in place.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, put down a paper or cloth towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to remove built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to access difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight spots.