How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can fix Door hinge [bysee3.com] hinges that are loose. However, if the holes for screws are smashed and won't hold screws you may need to put in wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.

Before you do this, however, brush away surface corrosion. This will help keep the dowels in their place and provide a solid base for them to rest on.

Removal of the Hinges

Many hinges for doors can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off when needed. Anyone who is patient can take the hinges off, but you need to know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if don't remove the paint. To break the paint seal, place the hinges in an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest 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.

Once the pins have been removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this task. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab metal screws and will help you get the job completed much quicker.

It is a good idea to spray lubricant on the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process go by more quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. This type of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement shops.

The number of hinges required will also vary depending on what type of door you have, and how it's set up. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three.

It is also essential to be aware of the various kinds of hinges so you can determine which ones be the most effective for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door and interior hinges have to be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time the hinges on doors can lose its grip and then begin to slide or hang crookedly. It can be a big issue, but the solution is usually quite simple. A simple retightening will usually solve the issue. However, if the screw holes are ripped out, it can be more difficult to accomplish. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten the holes again.

Begin by drilling the old hole using a drill close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel must be cut at the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired degree of tightness. If the door has a tendency to bind the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the clearances around the perimeter are correct.

Another option is to just use a wood plug instead of a dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a bit longer to set up. Simply whittle a chunk of wood that is the proper size to ensure a secure fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking instrument, you can use toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.

Once you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it does not rub against the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when replacing hinges.

After installing the hinge, make sure to lubricate the hinge using a dry lubricant. This will help prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. Apply a thin layer of it 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, try a few fixes. Make sure the screws that hold the hinge plate to both the door frame and the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be cautious not to tighten the screws to the point that they start to create gaps at the trim joints, or even worse cause threads to be stripped.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and upvc door hinges replacement, you can reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide a solid foundation for the screws, which will stop the plates from moving as you insert them. Allow the glue time to dry before reattaching the hinge.

The screws could also be stripped or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with larger ones. Make sure you use a drill bit that is compatible with 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 shut the door and check the gap between the composite door hinges adjustment and the frame. It should be approximately the thickness of one nickel all the way around, or less if there's a gap caused by a previous upvc door hinge removal that was not properly hang. If the hinges were installed properly, this shouldn't be an issue.

If you discover that the hinges remain loose, try putting the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add an extra inch of space. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer to tighten it, or install a new hinge. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and hold them in position. Lubricating your hinges regularly can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction created by the hinge's constant motion draws dust particles. These particles can get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not regularly cleaned and lubricated. The hinge will get stiff and creaky, and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can help preserve the quality of a door's hinges and ensure their proper operation.

Inspect 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 need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, you should first clean away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or homemade solutions like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust removal solution remain on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.

Retightening screws can restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend time or money to replace hinges. It might be necessary, however, to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge in the event that the screws have been stripped. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood in the form of rods that are available in various sizes and lengths. They are available at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.

You can also create an shim out of metal or plastic depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. You can dip the dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and then insert it into the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in place.

Before you start cleaning the hinges, place down a cloth or paper towel to shield floors and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After protecting the area then clean the hinges using an easy sponge or cloth dipped into a mild cleaner to remove dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to access difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or tight places.