How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can fix a loose hinge. If, however, the holes for screws are smashed and can't hold screws, you might need to add wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.
Before you do this, however scrub away any the 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 removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to remove the entire door off the frame, if needed. It is simple for anyone with a bit of patience, though you do have to know how to do it properly.
If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off it before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will be smashed off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. Place the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are completely submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for around 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 use 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 grab metal screws and will help you get the job completed much quicker.
It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process to go more quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in most hardware stores and home improvement shops.
You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll need will differ based on the door's type and the configurations. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three.
Understanding the various types of hinges will help you determine which one is best for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the door's weight and interior hinges 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. This could be a problem, but it's usually easy to solve. Most of the time it's a simple tightening of the screw will fix the problem. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be a challenge to complete. There is a trick to get the holes back in place that uses a wood dowel.
Start by drilling out the old hole using the drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, you can insert another dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Make sure to close the door slowly in order to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.
Another option is to just utilize an old-fashioned wood plug instead of dowel. It works similarly, but it may take a little longer to install. You can use the wood piece that has been whittled down to the proper size. If you don't have a woodworking instrument or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.
After you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it does not rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. door repair hinge will make it easier to tighten the screw after installing the hinge.
Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to coat it using a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coating and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to make a few repairs. Make sure the screws that secure the hinge plate in place to the door frame and the frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten them by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten your screws so much that they start to create gaps in the trim joints or, even more damagingly remove the threads.
If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door and jamb, you can fix the hinges by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create an solid foundation for the screws, preventing the plates from shifting when you drive them in. Let the glue dry before you can reattach your hinge.
Another reason that causes hinges that are loose is that the screws are stripped or gone. It is possible to fix this issue by replacing the screws with longer ones. Make sure you use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.
Close the door once you have reattached your hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. It should be about the thickness of one nickel all the way around or less if there's an existing gap that was caused by a previous door that was not properly hang. This shouldn't be a problem if hinges are correctly installed.
If you discover that the hinges are loose, try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give a little extra space. You can also try removing the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and pounding it down with a hammer to make it more secure or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to decrease friction and assist in keeping their position. Lubricating your hinges periodically can prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also extend their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction created by the constant movement of a hinge 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 will preserve the quality and function of hinges that are attached to doors.
Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has built up on their surfaces. If the corrosion has reached the point of damaging the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you're able to save the hinges, remove any loose rust with a wire brush and steel wool. Then, apply a commercial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover be on the hinge for a few minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.
If you don't want to spend the money and time replacing hinges, simply tightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. If you've sanded the screws, however, it may be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood in the form of rods that are available in varying lengths and diameters. They are available at home improvement centers as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.
You can also make an shim out of either plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you are using. To make a dowel, you need to cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the desired position.
Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. After the area has been secured and dry, clean the hinges with a soft cloth or sponge that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to access hard-to-reach areas in crevices and difficult areas.