How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a door hinge that is loose can be a manageable task for the majority of homeowners. If, however, the holes for screws are smashed and can't hold screws, you may need to add wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.

Remove any surface corrosion. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid foundation to grip into.

Removal of the Hinges

Many standard door hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to remove the entire door off the frame, if needed. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges, but you need to know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off it before you attempt to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if don't take off the paint. To break the paint seal put the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to remove.

Once the pins are removed, take the hinges and the frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however you should use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to take out metal screws and will aid you in getting the job completed much quicker.

It is a good idea to spray lubricant on the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. You can find this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.

It is important to keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll require will vary depending on the door's type and its setting. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors may only require two or three.

It is also crucial to understand the different types of hinges to determine which ones work best in your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a door, while hinges for interior use must be able support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes a door hinge will become looser over time and begin to hang in a crooked manner or slide. This can be a major problem, but the fix is usually quite simple. Retightening the screw will typically resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it can be difficult to do. Fortunately, there is a trick to make the holes back in place that uses a wood dowel.

Start by drilling out the old hole using an appropriate drill bit similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then use a 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 snug fit. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired level of tightness. If the door has a tendency to bind the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Make sure to close the door slowly so that you can check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.

Another option is to make use of an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. It's also possible, but may take some time to set up. Simply whittle a plug of wood that is the right size for a snug fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking tool you could also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches.

Use a countersink to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edges of the doors as they are opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws before installing hinges.

Once you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to lubricate it with a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer and allow it to soak into the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few simple fixes. Make sure the screws that secure the hinge plate to the double glazing door hinges frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they are loose, tighten the screws with a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws to the point that they start to create gaps at the trim joints, or even worse remove the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating from the jamb and door, you can reattach them by gluing wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create a solid foundation for the screws, and prevent the plates from moving as you drive them in. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.

The screws can also be damaged or missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Be sure to use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.

After you've reattached your hinge shut the upvc door hinges replacement and examine 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 hung incorrectly. This shouldn't be a problem if hinges are installed correctly.

If the hinges still seem loose, you can add a stronger hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more room. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a heavy hammer to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and help keep them in their place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The continuous movement of hinges causes friction, which attracts dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and build up over time. In the end the hinge repair plate becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance could deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will maintain the integrity and functionality of hinges on doors.

Examine the hinges for corrosion. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will require upvc window replacement hinges of 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 an industrial rust remover or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover be on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining corrosion.

If you don't wish to spend time and money to replace hinges, tightening the screws can restore the hinges' functionality. If you've stripped the screws however, it might be necessary to attach a wooden dowel or shim to the double glazing hinge Replacement. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood that are in the form of rods that are available in various lengths and diameters. You can purchase them online, in stores selling woodworking supplies and home improvement centers.

You can also make an shim out of either 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 desired size. You can dip the dowel in carpenter's glue and then insert it into the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in place.

Before you start cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or paper towel to shield floors and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After the area is secured then clean the hinges using 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 difficult-to-reach places in tight spaces and crevices.