How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can fix a loose hinge. But, if the screw holes are damaged and aren't able to hold screws, you might need to use dowels and wood glue before you can install the hinge.
Before you do this, however scrub away any surface rust. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid foundation to rest on.
Take the Hinges off
A lot of door hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to another or take the entire door off of the frame if need be. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges, but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges are painted, you'll need to get rid of the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if don't take off the paint. Put the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.
After the pins have been loosen and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the door and frame. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended to make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to take out screws made of metal and will assist you in getting the task accomplished much faster.
It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can help you to accelerate the process and remove the pins and screws with ease. You can find this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.
You should also keep in mind that the number of hinges you will need will vary based on the kind of door and its configurations. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will need more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors might only require two or three.
Understanding the different kinds of hinges can help you determine which one is suitable for your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door, while interior hinges will require to handle lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time, the hinges of doors may lose its grip and then begin to slide or hang crookedly. It can be a big problem, but the fix is usually easy. In most cases, a simple retightening of the screw will resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it could be difficult to do. A wood dowel could be used to tighten these holes again.
Begin by drilling the hole with a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length that is exactly the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired level of tightness. If the door has the tendency to be bowed, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Be sure to close the door slowly in order to verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.
You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a bit longer to set up. Simply whittle a chunk 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 matchsticks made of wood.
After you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it does not be able to rub against the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screw when you are reinstalling the hinge.
After reinstalling the hinge, make sure to lubricate the hinge using an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will help prevent it from getting 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 hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace your hinges, you can 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 a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten your screws so tight that they begin to create gaps in the trim joints, or even worse, strip the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting, you can reattach the plates by putting wood glue to the side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will serve as a solid base for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.
Another common cause of loose hinges is that screws are worn out or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Use a drill that is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.
Close the door after you've reattached the hinge and check 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 previous door that was not properly hang. This shouldn't be a problem as long as the hinges are correctly installed.
If you find that the hinges remain loose, you can try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add some extra space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it down with a hammer in order to make it more secure or using an entirely new hinge pin. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to lessen friction and assist in keeping their place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.
Cleaning how to replace upvc window hinges generated by a hinge's constant movement attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not regularly cleaned and lubricated. As a result the hinge can become stiff and creaky, and its appearance can get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the quality of hinge on a door and ensure its proper operation.
Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has built up on their surfaces. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you're able to save the hinges, clean any loose rust by using wire brush and steel wool. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust be on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
The tightening of screws can restore hinge function if you don't want to spend time or money to replace hinges. If you've sanded the screw holes however, it might be necessary to add the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood in the form of rods, which are available in various lengths and sizes. They can be purchased on the internet, at woodworking supply stores and at home improvement stores.
You can also make an shim out of made of plastic or metal depending on the type hinge you own. To make a dowel, you need to cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the desired position.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a towel or a paper towel to shield floors and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After the area is secured and dry, clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to remove the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to access difficult-to-reach places in crevices and narrow spots.