How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can repair a loose hinge. If the holes for screws have been smashed and will not hold screws, you could need to use wood glue and dowels in order to reinstall the hinge.

Before you do this, however you should clean off any the surface corrosion. This will help keep the dowels in their place and provide an adequate base for them to rest on.

Removal of the Hinges

Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to another or to remove the entire door off the frame should it be needed. Removing the hinges is fairly simple for anyone with a little patience, although you need to know how do it properly.

If the hinges are painted, you'll need to get rid of the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may peel off and scratch your composite door hinges adjustment when you try to lift it. To break the seal of the paint, place the hinges in a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully 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 then you can remove the hinges from the door and frame. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, however it is recommended that you make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to take out metal screws and aid you in getting the job done much faster.

It is a good practice 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 kind of lubricant is able to be found in most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.

The number of hinges you need will also differ based on what type of door you have, and how it is set up. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will need more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors might require just two or three hinges for upvc doors.

It is also crucial to know the various types of hinges in order to decide which one will work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are designed to withstand the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges must be able to support heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, a door hinge can loosen and begin to slide or hang crookedly. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually simple. A simple tightening can resolve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult to do. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten the holes again.

Begin by drilling out the hole from the previous one using the drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then use 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. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to 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 procedure. Be sure to shut the door slowly to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.

You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. It works just as well but might take a bit longer to put in. You can insert a piece of wood that has been whittled to the proper size. If you don't have a woodworking tool, you can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches.

After you've reinstalled your new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller, so that it doesn't be able to rub against the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws before reinstalling hinges.

After reinstalling the hinge, lubricate the hinge with dry lubricant. This will prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could do a few simple repairs. The first step is to check that the screws holding the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to tighten the screws so much that they cause gaps at the trim joints, or worse remove the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are breaking away from the door and jamb it is possible to reattach them by gluing wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks provide a solid base for the screws and keep the plates from moving when you drive them into position. Allow the glue to dry before you can reattach your hinge.

Another common cause of loose hinges is that the screws are damaged or missing. This can be fixed by replacing Hinges on double glazed windows the screws with longer ones. Make sure the drill bit is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the jamb or hinge.

Close the door once you've reattached the hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be the thickness of a penny or less if an old door was not properly hung. If the hinges were set up correctly, this should not be a problem.

If you notice that the hinges remain loose, try adding a thicker hinge shim between the glass hinge plate and the mounting surface to give some extra space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and pounding it down with a hammer to make it tighter or use an entirely new hinge pin. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and help keep them in position. Lubricating your hinges periodically will stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and can also prolong their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction caused by the hinge's constant motion draws dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and then build up over time. As a result the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will maintain the functionality and quality of hinges on doors.

Examine the hinges for corrosion. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you should first clean away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover sit on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

Retightening screws can help restore hinge functionality If you don't wish to spend time or money to replace hinges. It might be necessary, however, to add an shim of wood or a dowel to the hinge when the screws have been degraded. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods of varying sizes and lengths. They are available at home improvement centers as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.

You can also make an shim out of made of plastic or metal depending on the kind of hinge you own. To make a dowel, cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole and let the glue hold the dowel in place.

Before cleaning the hinges put down a piece of paper cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. After you have protected the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth dipped into mild cleaner to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to access difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or difficult areas.