How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a door hinge that is loose is a simple task for most homeowners. If the screw holes are shattered and do not hold screws, you could require wood glue and dowels to put back in the door hinge.
Clean up any surface that has rust. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid base to rest on.
Removing the Hinges
Many hinges for doors can be removed, making it simpler to move
bi-fold doors hinges from one side of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off in the event of need. Removing the
window hinges is fairly easy for anyone with patience, though you do need to know how to do it right.
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 peel off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. To break the seal, place the hinges in a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to get rid of the pins.
After the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but you should use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver was created to remove screws made of steel and can make the work run much more quickly.
It is a good practice to spray lubricant on the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process to go more quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. This kind of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement shops.
The number of hinges you need will also differ based on the kind of door you have and the way it's installed. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges while lighter and hollow-cored doors may only need two or three.
It is also essential to know the various types of hinges in order to determine which ones will be the most effective for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door, while interior hinges will have to be able to handle lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will become looser over time and begin to hang crookedly or slide. This can be a problem, but it's usually easy to solve. In most cases, a simple retightening of the screw will
Fix Door Hinge the issue. However in the event that the screw holes have been stripped out, this can be more difficult to do. A wood dowel could be used to tighten the holes once more.
Begin by drilling the hole using a drill close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel must be cut at the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to desired degree of tightness. If the door continues to have the tendency to be bowed, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Be sure to close the door slowly so that you can verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.
You could also use a wood plug in place of the dowel. It will work similarly, but it may take a little longer to install. Simply whittle a piece of wood that is the right size for a snug fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't own an instrument for woodworking, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.
Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edges of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screw when you are reinstalling the hinge.
After you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to coat it with a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. Apply a thin coat and wait for approximately 15 minutes to get into the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, try a few easy fixes. Verify that the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door frame as well as the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to tighten the screws to the point that they start to create gaps at the trim joints or, even more damagingly, strip the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting they can be reattached to the plates by applying wood glue to the side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide an solid foundation for the screws, and prevent the plates from shifting when you push them in. Allow the glue time to dry before you can reattach your hinge.
The screws may also be smashed or gone. It is possible to fix this issue by replacing the screws with longer ones. Use a drill that is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.
Close the door once you've reattached the hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. It should be about the thickness of a nickel all around, or less if there's a gap caused by a door that hung improperly. This shouldn't be a problem if hinges are properly installed.
If you notice that the hinges are loose, try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give an extra inch of space. You can also remove the hinge pin, then pound it down with a powerful hammer in order to tighten it, or install an entirely new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and help keep them in their place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The
friction hinges caused by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. These particles may get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will get stiff and creaky, and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can preserve the quality of a hinged door and ensure their proper operation.
Examine the hinges for rust accumulation. If the rust has become 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 are able to save the hinges, first brush away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust removal solution be on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
The tightening of screws can restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend money or time on repairing hinges. If you have stripped the screws however, it might be necessary to add a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood in the form of rods which are available in varying lengths and diameters. They are available at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.
You can also make an shim using made of plastic or metal depending on the kind of hinge you are using. To make a dowel cut a piece made of wooden dowel or other sturdy material to the size you want. Then, dip a dowel in carpenter's glue and place it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in place.
Before you start cleaning the hinges, place down a paper or cloth towel to shield floors and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After you have protected the area then clean the hinges using an easy sponge or cloth coated with mild cleaner to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to access difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or narrow areas.
