How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a loose door hinge can be a doable job for the majority of homeowners. But, if the holes for screws are smashed and can't hold screws, you might have to use wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.
Before you do this, however scrub away any surface corrosion. This will help to keep the dowels in place and provide a solid foundation for them to grip onto.
Take off the Hinges
Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the other side or remove the entire door when needed. Removing the hinges is fairly simple for anyone with a little patience, although you need to know how to do it properly.
If the hinges are painted you'll need to take off the paint prior to trying to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will flake off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. To break the seal, place the hinges in an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Allow the hinges to sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint, making it easier to remove.
Once the pins are loosened and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the door and frame. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this task. This type of screwdriver was designed to grab screws made of metal and will make the project go much faster.
It is a good practice to spray lubricant on the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can help the process go by more quickly and make it easier to remove the pins and screws. You can purchase this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges required will also differ based on what type of door you have and the way it's installed. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors that weigh less may only require two or three.
Understanding the various types of hinges will help you decide which one is the best for your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to hold the weight of a door, but interior hinges must be able to support heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will get looser and eventually begin to hang out of alignment or slide. This can be a problem but is usually easy to fix. Most of the time it's a simple tightening of the screw will solve the issue. However, if the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be more difficult to do. A wood dowel can be used to tighten the holes again.
Begin by drilling the old hole using a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel should be cut to the same length as the screw. Install the screw again and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door still has the tendency to be bowed, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Be sure to shut the door slowly in order to verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.
Another option is to make use of an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. This is also a viable option however it will take some time to put in. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the right size for a snug fit, and then insert it into the hole. If hinged door repairs RepairMyWindowsAndDoors don't have a wooden tool You can also use toothpicks or wooden matches.
Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edge of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screw after installing the hinge.
After you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to lubricate it using a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great options. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to do a few simple repairs. The first step is to ensure 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 careful not too tighten the screws, as this can create gaps at the trim joints or worse, strip the threads.
If the problem is the hinge plates are splitting, you can reattach the plates by applying wood glue on the back of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will give a solid foundation for the screws and help keep the plates from moving when you drive them into position. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge.
The screws can also be smashed or gone. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with longer ones. Be sure to use a drill bit that is compatible with the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.
Close the door after you've reattached your hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an older door was not hung correctly. This should not be a problem if the hinges are installed correctly.
If the hinges are still loose, you can add a stronger hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more room. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it with a hammer to make it more secure or using the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and help them hold their position. Lubricating your hinges periodically will stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also extend their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction caused by the constant movement of a hinge attracts dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and then build up over time. The hinge will get stiff and creaky, and its appearance could rapidly diminish. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections can maintain the integrity of a hinged door and ensure their proper function.
Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has built up on their surface. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will need to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, begin by brushing off any loose rust with steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solutions like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust removal solution remain on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
If you don't wish to spend the cost and time to replace hinges, tightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. If you've stripped the screw holes however, it could be necessary to attach an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods of various lengths and sizes. They can be purchased on the internet, at woodworking supply stores and home improvement stores.
A shim can be made of a piece of metal or plastic, depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a piece of wood dowel or another sturdy material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel in a carpenter's glue and insert it into the cut hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the desired position.
Before cleaning the hinges, put down a cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After the area has been secured, proceed to clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach hard-to-reach areas in crevices and difficult spots.