How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a loose door hinge can be a doable job for most homeowners. But, if the screw holes are stripped and aren't able to hold screws, you might need to put in wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.
Brush away any surface rust. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and provide a solid foundation for them to grip onto.
Removal of the Hinges
A variety of door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move doors from one side of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off if necessary. It is easy for anyone with a bit of patience, but you have to know how to do it right.
If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove it before you attempt to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may be smashed off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. Put the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit 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.
After the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this task. This type of screwdriver was designed to grab screws made of steel and make the task go much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with some lubricant. A simple lubricant can make the process to go more quickly and make it easier to remove the pins and screws. You can find this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges needed will also depend on the type of door you have and how it's installed. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will require more hinges while hollow-core doors that weigh less might require just two or three hinges.
It is also important to understand the different types of hinges to determine which ones work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are designed to hold the weight of a door, while interior hinges need to be able support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, the hinges on doors get looser and eventually begin to hang crookedly or sag. This could be a problem, but it's usually easy to repair. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will fix the issue. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it could be difficult to do. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten these holes once more.
Begin by drilling the 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. The dowel should be cut to a length similar to the screw to ensure a snug fit. Then, you can reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired degree of tightness. If the door has a tendency to bind and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Make sure to close the door slowly in order to verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.
You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. This will work as well, but may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a piece of wood to the proper size to ensure a secure fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a tool for woodworking you could also use toothpicks or wooden matches.
Use how to replace window hinges to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will prevent the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will allow you to tighten the screw after you are reinstalling the hinge.
Once you've reinstalled your hinge, make sure to grease it with a dry lubricant in order to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent options. Apply a thin coating and allow it to penetrate the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're unsure whether to replace hinges, you could try a few easy fixes. Check that the screws that attach the hinge plate to both the door frame as well as the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws, as this could create gaps at the trim joints or more seriously, tear out the threads.
If the problem is the hinge plates are separating and you want to reattach the plates by applying wood glue on the side of them and inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will give a solid foundation for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.
Another reason that causes hinges that are loose is that the screws are damaged or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with longer ones. Make sure the drill bit is exactly the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the hinge or jamb.
After you've reattached your hinge close the door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. It should be approximately the thickness of one nickel all the way around, or less if there's an existing gap that was caused by a previous door that hung improperly. This should not be a problem as long as the hinges are properly installed.
If you find that the hinges are loose, you can try adding a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give some extra space. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a heavy hammer to tighten it, or install an entirely new hinge. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to decrease friction and assist in keeping their position. Regularly lubricating your hinges will aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction caused by the constant movement of a hinge draws dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and then build up over time. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections can maintain the integrity of a door's hinges and ensure their proper operation.
Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has built up on their surface. If the rust is so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace them. If you can save the hinges, you should first clean off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solutions like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution sit on the hinges for several minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
If you do not want to spend the cost and time to replace hinges, tightening the screws will restore the hinges' functionality. It may be necessary to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge if the screw holes have been shaved. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods which are available in different sizes and lengths. You can purchase them online, at woodworking supply stores and home improvement stores.
You can also make a shim from a piece metal or plastic depending on the type of hinge you own. To make a dowel cut a piece of wood dowel or any other durable material to the desired size. You can then dip the dowel into a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the stripped hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the right position.
Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to remove the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in crevices and tight areas.