How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can repair hinges that are loose. If the holes for screws have been smashed and will not hold screws, you may need to use dowels and wood glue to fix the hinge.
Clean up any surface rust. This will help keep the dowels in place and provide a solid foundation for them to rest on.
Take the Hinges off
Many hinges for doors can be removed, which makes it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the opposite side or remove the entire door in the event of need. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges, however, you must know what to do.
If the hinges are painted, you'll need to get rid of the paint prior to trying to remove the pins. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors don't, the paint will be smashed off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. Put the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off.
After the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver was designed to pick up screws made of steel and will make the project 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 allow you to move the process along faster and remove the pins and screws more easily. This type of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement stores.
It is important to keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll require will vary based on the door's type and the configurations. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three.
It is also important to understand the different types of hinges in order to determine which ones best suit your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will require to support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time, a door hinge can loosen and begin to slide or hang crookedly. This can cause problems, but it's usually easy to solve. In most cases an easy tightening of the screw will solve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be more difficult to accomplish. However, there is a method to make these holes back to their original size that utilizes a wood dowel.
Begin by drilling out the hole you had previously made using the drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then, use a wood glue as well as a wooden dowel to fill in the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length that is similar to the screw to ensure a snug fit. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door continues to bind up, insert a second dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are correct.
You could also use a wood plug in place of the dowel. It works just as well but might take a bit longer to install. You can insert a piece of wood that has been whittled to the proper size. If you don't have a tool for woodworking you could also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Make use of 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 rubbing against the edge of the doors as they are opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screw after installing the hinge.
Once you've reinstalled your hinge, make sure to grease it with a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a light coat and wait for around 15 minutes to fully reach the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to do a few simple repairs. Verify that the screws that attach the hinge plate in place to the door frame and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to tighten the screws so much that they create gaps in the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.
If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separating from the jamb and door it is possible to reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will provide a solid base for the screws and prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before reattaching your hinge.
The screws can also be damaged or missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.
Close the door after you have reattached your hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if an old door was not hung correctly. If the hinges were installed correctly, this shouldn't be an issue.
If the hinges seem loose, try adding a stronger hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it with a hammer in order to make it tighter or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and help keep them in place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The constant movement of a hinge 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 build up over time. As a result the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance could get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can help preserve the integrity of a hinge on a door and ensure its proper function.
Examine the hinges for signs of the accumulation of rust. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, clean any loose rust using steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution sit on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
If you do not want to spend cost and time to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. It may be necessary to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been shaved. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods, which are available in various lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.
A shim could also be made from plastic or metal, depending on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or other sturdy material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel into a carpenter's glue and insert it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the right position.
Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a piece of paper cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After securing the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth dipped into mild cleaner to get rid of dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices or tight areas.