How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Repairing a broken door hinge can be a manageable task for the majority of homeowners. If the screw holes are shattered and do not hold screws, you could require wood glue and dowels to put back in the hinge.
Remove any surface corrosion. This will help keep the dowels in place and give them an adequate base for them to grip onto.
Eliminating the Hinges
Many standard door hinges are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to take the entire door off the frame, if needed. Removing the hinges is fairly easy for anyone with a bit of patience, but you have to know how to do it correctly.
If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove it before you attempt to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may be smashed off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges into a stainless steel pot and fill it up with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.
After the pins have been loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this job. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab metal screws and will help you get the job done much faster.
It is a good idea to spray lubricant onto the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process go by more quickly and make it easier to remove the screws and pins. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.
Keep in mind that the number of hinges you will need will vary depending on the door's type and its settings. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors that weigh less might only require two or three.
It is also essential to be aware of the various kinds of hinges so you can decide which one will 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, the hinges of doors may lose its grip and then begin to hang crooked or sag. This can be a major problem, but the fix is usually easy. In most cases, a simple retightening of the screw will solve the issue. However, if the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult. However, there is a trick to make the holes back in place that uses a wood dowel.
Start by drilling the hole using a drill close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then use wood glue and dowels made of wood to fill the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Install the screw again and tighten it until you are satisfied with the level of tightness. If the door continues to bind up, insert a second dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Close web link after each adjustment to ensure the perimeter clearances are correct.
You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. It's also possible however it may take a bit longer to install. You can tap in a piece of wood which has been cut to the right size. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.
Once you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the screw's head smaller, so that it doesn't be able to rub against the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws when replacing hinges.
After installing the hinge again, you should apply lubrication to the hinge using dry lubricant. This will prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent alternatives. Apply a thin coat and allow it to take around 15 minutes to fully get into the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not yet ready to replace hinges, you could try a few simple fixes. The first step is to check that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws as this could cause gaps to appear at the trim joints or worse, strip out the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating from the jamb and door it is possible to reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the back of the plates, and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide an solid foundation for the screws, and prevent the plates from shifting as you push them in. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.
The screws could also be damaged or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with larger ones. Make sure the drill bit is similar to the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and examine the gap between the frame and the door. It should be approximately the thickness of a nickel all the way around, or less if there's an existing gap caused by a door that was not properly hang. This shouldn't be a problem if the hinges are installed correctly.
If the hinges still seem loose, you can add a stronger hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more room. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a powerful hammer to tighten it up or choose an entirely new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and hold them in position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
A hinge's continuous movement creates friction, which attracts dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and build up over time. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance could rapidly diminish. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will maintain the functionality and quality of hinges on a door.
Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surface. If the corrosion has reached the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, first brush off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust sit on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
The tightening of screws can restore hinge function if you don't want to spend time or money to replace hinges. It might be necessary, however, to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge if the screw holes have been shaved. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods that vary in sizes and lengths. They can be purchased on the internet, at woodworking supply stores and home improvement stores.
A shim may also be made from a piece of plastic or metal, 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 desired size. 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 the right position.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, put down a paper or cloth towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After the area is secured, proceed to clean the hinges using an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices and tight areas.