How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Repairing a broken door hinge is a simple task for the majority of homeowners. If, however, the holes for screws are smashed and won't hold screws you might need to put in wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.
Before you do that though, brush away the surface corrosion. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and give them a solid base for them to grip onto.
Removal of the Hinges
A variety of door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the other or take the entire door off in the event of need. Anyone with a little patience can take the hinges off, but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges are painted, you will need to remove the paint before attempting to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may be smashed off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. Put the hinges in the stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.
After the pins are loosening then you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended that you employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this task. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab screws made of metal and will assist you in getting the task accomplished much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is recommended to spray them with a lubricant. A simple lubricant can make the process to go more quickly and aid in the removal of the screws and pins. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.
It is important to keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll need will differ based on the door's type and its configurations. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges while lighter and hollow-cored doors may only require two or three hinges.
Understanding the various types of hinges will help determine which one is suitable for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will need to be able to handle lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will get looser and eventually begin to hang in a crooked manner or slide. It can be a big problem, but the fix is usually simple. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will resolve the problem. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it may be a challenge to complete. Fortunately, there is a trick to make these holes back to their original size using a wooden dowel.
Start 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"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired degree of tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, add another dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Be sure to close the door slowly to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.
You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. It will work similarly, but it may take a bit longer to put in. You can tap in a piece of wood that has been whittled to the proper size. If you don't have a woodworking tool you could also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
After you have reinstalled the new screw and countersink the screw, you can use a countersink tool to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it does not touch the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws before reinstalling hinges.
Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to lubricate it with a dry lubricant to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent options. Apply a thin coat and wait for around 15 minutes to fully penetrate the barrel of the hinge.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few easy fixes. Verify that the screws that hold the hinge plate to both the door frame and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using an electric drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws to the point that they begin to create gaps at the trim joints or, even more damagingly, strip the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are breaking they can be reattached to the plates by putting wood glue on the side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide an solid foundation for the screws, preventing the plates from shifting when you insert them. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.
The screws may also be damaged or missing. It is possible to fix this issue by replacing the screws with longer ones. Use a drill that 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 frame and the door. It should be approximately the thickness of a nickel all around or less if there's an existing gap created by a door that was not properly hung. This shouldn't be a problem as long as the hinges are properly installed.
If you discover that the hinges are still loose, try putting the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give a little extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin and pound it down with a hammer in order to tighten it or use a new hinge. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to decrease friction and aid in holding their 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 causes friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. In the end, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will ensure the quality and function of hinges on doors.
Check replacement hinges for upvc windows to see how much rust has built up on their surfaces. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will require replacement of the hinges. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing off loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust removal solution remain on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.
If you do not want to spend time and money to replace hinges, tightening the screws can restore the hinges' functionality. It might be necessary to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge if the screw holes have been shaved. Dowels made of wood are square pieces made of wood in the shape of rods, which are available in various lengths and diameters. You can purchase them on the internet, at stores selling woodworking supplies and at home improvement stores.
You can also create an shim out of either plastic or metal, depending on the type hinge you are using. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or other sturdy material to the size you want. You can then dip a dowel in carpenter's glue and insert it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in the desired position.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, place down a cloth or paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After protecting the area then clean the hinges using an easy sponge or cloth that has been dipped in mild cleaner to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight places.