How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can fix a loose hinge. If, however, the screw holes are damaged and won't hold screws you might have to put in wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.
Brush away any surface rust. This will help to keep the dowels in place and provide a solid foundation for them to rest on.
Take the Hinges off
Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or take the entire door off the frame if need be. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges, but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges are painted you'll need to take off the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if don't take off the paint. To break the seal put the hinges into a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for about 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 loosened, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver was created to grab screws made of steel and can make the work speed up.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with some oil. A simple lubricant can help the process go by more quickly and help you remove the pins and screws. You can find this type of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.
Keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll need will differ based on the kind of door and the settings. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges, whereas lighter and hollow-cored doors may only require two or three hinges.
It is also essential to know the various types of hinges so you can determine which ones best suit your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges must be able support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time, a door hinge can lose its grip and then begin to slide or hang crookedly. This can be a problem however, it's usually simple to fix. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it can be a challenge to complete. There is a method to make these holes tight again that utilizes a wood dowel.
Begin by drilling out the hole you had previously made using a drill bit that is close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then use a wood glue and a dowel made of wood to fill in the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length exactly the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Reinstall the screw and tighten it until you are satisfied with the level of tightness. If the door still has a tendency to bind and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Make sure to close the door slowly so that you can check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.
You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. This will work just as well but might take a bit longer to install. Simply whittle a piece of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't own an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.
Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have installed it. This will stop the screw from hitting the edge of the doors when they are opened and closed. This will aid in tightening the screw after you are reinstalling the hinge.
After reinstalling the hinge, apply lubrication to the hinge using dry lubricant. This will prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're unsure whether to replace hinges, you could try a few simple fixes. The first step is to check whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using an electric drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so tight that they begin to create gaps at the trim joints, or even worse, strip the threads.
If window hinge repairs is that the hinge plates are breaking away from the jamb and door and jamb, you can fix them by gluing wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide a solid foundation for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting when you insert them. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.
The screws can also be damaged or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with longer ones. Use a drill bit that is exactly the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Close the door once you have reattached your hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be around the thickness of a nickel all around or less if there's an existing gap that was caused by a door that hung improperly. If the hinges were put in place correctly, this shouldn't be an issue.
If you notice that the hinges are loose, try putting an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create an extra inch of space. You can also take off the hinge pin and pound it down with a heavy hammer to tighten it or use an entirely new hinge. You can also lubricate the hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and assist in keeping their place. Lubricating your hinges regularly can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The continuous movement of hinges creates friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. In the end, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections can maintain the integrity of a hinged door and ensure their proper function.
Examine the hinges for rust accumulation. 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're able to save the hinges, clean any loose rust using wire brush and steel wool. Then, apply a commercial rust remover or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust be on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
If you don't want to spend the time and money to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws will bring back the hinge's functionality. It is possible to attach a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been shaved. Dowels made of wood come in round rods that vary in sizes and lengths. You can buy them online, in woodworking supply shops and home improvement stores.
You can also create a shim from a piece metal or plastic depending on the type hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the desired size. You can dip the dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and insert it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the position.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, put down a cloth or paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges using an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight places.