How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Repairing a broken door hinge is a simple task for most homeowners. But, if the screw holes are stripped and won't hold screws you might have to add dowels and wood glue before you can put back the hinge.

Clean up any surface rust. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid base to rest on.

Take the Hinges off

Many standard composite door hinges hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the next or take the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges, however, you must know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to take off the paint prior to trying to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could flake off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges into a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint making it easier to remove.

Once the pins are loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but you should use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to take out screws made of metal and will assist you in getting the task accomplished much faster.

It is a good idea to spray lubricant on the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant will allow you to accelerate the process and make the removal of pins and screws more easily. You can find this type of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.

You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will differ based on the door's type and the configurations. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will require more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors might require just two or three hinges.

Understanding the various types of hinges will help decide which one is the best for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are designed to withstand the weight of a door, but hinges for interior use must be able to support heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, the hinges of doors may become loose and start to sag or hang crookedly. This can be a major issue, but the solution is usually easy. Most of the time an easy tightening of the screw will fix the issue. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it can be difficult to fix. However, there is a trick glass to glass hinges make these holes tight again that utilizes a wood dowel.

Begin by drilling out the hole from the previous one using a drill bit that is close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then, you can use a wood glue and a dowel made of wood to fill in the hole. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired degree of tightness. If the door still has an tendency to get stuck the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and 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. This will work as well however it may take some time to set up. You can insert a piece of wood which has been cut to the right size. If you don't have a woodworking instrument, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.

Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will stop the screw from hitting the edge of the doors as they are opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws when reinstalling hinges.

Once you have reinstalled the hinge, be 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. Apply a thin coating and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not sure if you're ready to replace hinges on upvc window the hinges on your door, you are able to do a few simple repairs. Check that the screws that hold the hinge plate in place to the door frame as well as the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so much that they start to create gaps at the trim joints or, even more damagingly remove 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 toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will serve as a solid base for the screws and help to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.

The screws could also be damaged or missing. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with longer ones. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.

After you've reattached your hinge, close the door and check the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be the thickness of a penny or less if an older door was hung incorrectly. This should not be a problem as long as the hinges are installed correctly.

If you discover that the hinges are still loose, you can try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create an extra inch of space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and then pounding it with a hammer to make it tighter or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to lessen friction and help them hold their position. Lubricating your hinges regularly will help keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky and also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The continuous movement of hinges creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles can become stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections can maintain the quality of a door's hinges and ensure their proper function.

Check the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surfaces. If the rust is so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll have to replace them. If you can save the hinges, you should first clean away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution be on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.

If you do not want to spend cost and time to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws will make the hinges functional again. It may be necessary, however, to add a wooden shim or dowel to the double glazing hinge repairs near me when the screws have been shaved. Wooden dowels come in round rods of varying lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.

You can also create an shim using made of plastic or metal depending on the type hinge you are using. To make a dowel cut a piece of wooden dowel or another sturdy material to the size you want. Then, dip a dowel into carpenter's adhesive and place it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in the desired position.

Before cleaning the hinges put down a paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in tight spaces and crevices.