How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Repairing a broken door hinge can be a manageable task for the majority of homeowners. However, if the screw holes are stripped and can’t hold screws, you might need to use dowels and wood glue before you can install the hinge.
Brush away any surface corrosion. This will help to keep the dowels in place and give them a solid foundation to hold onto.
Removing 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 of the frame, if needed. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges for upvc doors have been painted, you’ll need to remove it before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don’t, the paint could flake off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. To break the seal put the hinges into 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 will soften the paint and make it easier to get rid of the pins.
Once the pins are loose, remove the hinges and frame from the door. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, however it is recommended to make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver was created to grab screws made of steel and can make the work run much more quickly.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with a lubricant. A simple lubricant can make the process to go more quickly and help you remove the pins and screws. This type of lubricant can be found in most hardware stores and home improvement shops.
Keep in mind that the number of hinges you’ll require will vary based on the type of door and the settings. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight may only require two or three hinges.
Understanding the different kinds of hinges can help you decide which one is the best for your situation. Exterior hinges are designed to hold the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges must be able support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time the hinges on doors can lose its grip and then begin to hang crooked or sag. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually quite simple. Most of the time, a simple retightening of the screw will fix the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it could be difficult to fix. A wood dowel can be used to tighten the holes again.
Begin by drilling the old hole with a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8″). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length that is the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired level of tightness. If the door still has an tendency to get stuck and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Make sure to close the door slowly in order to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.
You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. This is also a viable option however it may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a plug of wood that is the right size for a snug fit, then press it into the hole. If you don’t have an instrument for woodworking, you can use toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.
Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of the screw after you have installed it. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edge of the doors when they are opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screw after you are reinstalling the hinge.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to grease it with a dry lubricant in order to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent alternatives. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you’re unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few simple fixes. The first step is to make sure that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten them using a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so much that they begin to create gaps at the trim joints or, even more damagingly remove the threads.
If you’re experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separating from the door and jamb and jamb, you can fix them by gluing wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide a solid foundation for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting when you drive them in. Let the glue dry before you can reattach your hinge.
Another common cause of hinges that are loose is that the screws are damaged or gone. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Make sure the drill bit is similar to the size of the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
After you’ve reattached your hinge, close the door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be the thickness of a penny or less if an older upvc door hinge repair was hung incorrectly. This should not be a problem if hinges are correctly installed.
If the hinges are still loose, try adding an extra thick hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more room. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer in order to tighten it, or install the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to lessen friction hinges for timber windows and help them hold their place. Lubricating your hinges regularly can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction hinges generated by the hinge’s constant motion draws dust particles. These particles can become stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they’re not maintained and cleaned regularly. In the end the hinge can become stiff and creaky, and its appearance can deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will maintain the functionality and quality of hinges on doors.
Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surface. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you’ll need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing off any loose rust with steel wool and a wire brush. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover be on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining corrosion.
If you don’t wish to spend cost and time to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. If you’ve sanded the screw holes however, it could be necessary to add an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are round pieces made of wood in the shape of rods which are available in different lengths and diameters. You can find them at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.
You can also create a shim from a piece metal or plastic depending on the kind of hinge you own. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or any other durable material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel in carpenter’s glue before inserting it into the hole that you have stripped and let the glue hold the dowel in the right position.
Before cleaning the hinges, put down a piece of paper cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After the area is secured, proceed to clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices and tight areas.