How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a door hinge that is loose is a simple task for the majority of homeowners. However, if the screw holes are stripped and aren't able to hold screws, you might need to use wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.

Clean up any surface corrosion. This will help keep the dowels in place and provide an adequate base for them to grip onto.

Remove the Hinges

Many hinges for doors can be removed, making it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the other side or take the entire door off in the event of need. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges, but you must be aware of what to do.

If the hinges are painted you'll need to get rid of the paint before attempting to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if you don't 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 completely submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.

Once the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but you should use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver is designed to pick up screws made of steel and make the task go much faster.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with a grease. A simple lubricant can help the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the screws and pins. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges required will also vary depending on the type of door you have, and how it is set up. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more buy upvc window replacement hinges window hinge repair hinges [simply click Telegra] while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors may only require two or three.

It is also essential to understand the different types of hinges in order to determine which ones work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will need to be able to handle lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, a door hinge can loosen and begin to slide or hang crookedly. This could be a problem but is usually easy to fix. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will solve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it may be difficult to fix. Fortunately, there is a trick to make the holes back in place using a wooden dowel.

Start by drilling out the hole you had previously made using an appropriate drill bit close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length that is the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Then, you can reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door continues to have the tendency to be bowed, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are correct.

You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. This will work just as well but might take a bit longer to install. Simply whittle a plug of wood that is the proper size to ensure a secure fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking tool, you can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches.

After you've reinstalled your new screw and countersink the screw, you can use a countersink tool to make the hole for the screw's head smaller, so that it doesn't touch the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws before installing hinges.

Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coat and wait for around 15 minutes to fully reach the barrel of the hinge.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're unsure whether to replace hinges, you could try a few easy fixes. The first step is to ensure that the screws securing the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws to the point that they cause gaps at the trim joints or, even more damagingly cause threads to be stripped.

If the problem is the hinge plates are breaking and you want to reattach the plates by applying wood glue to the back of them and 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 position. Let the glue dry before reattaching your hinge.

The screws could also be damaged or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with larger ones. Make sure you use a drill bit that is compatible with the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.

Close the door after you've reattached your hinge and examine the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an old door was not properly hung. If the hinges were set up correctly, this should not be an issue.

If you find that the upvc window hinges replacement are loose, try adding a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give a little extra space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and then 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 or jojoba oil to decrease friction and aid in holding their place. Lubricating your hinges periodically can keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and can also prolong their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction hinges for timber windows created by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. These particles can get stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. The hinge will get stiff and creaky, and its appearance could rapidly diminish. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the quality of a hinged door and ensure their proper operation.

Examine the hinges for rust accumulation. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, begin by brushing away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust remain on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.

The tightening of screws can restore hinge function If you don't wish to spend time or money to replace hinges. It may be necessary to attach dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge when the screws have been stripped. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods that are available in varying lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.

A shim may be made of plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a piece made of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the desired size. You can then dip the dowel in a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the cut hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the desired position.

Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a towel or a paper towel to shield floors and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After the area is secured, proceed to clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of dirt, grime, and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to access difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or narrow areas.