How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Repairing a broken door hinge can be a doable job for most homeowners. But, if the holes for screws are smashed and can't hold screws, you may need to use wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.
Clean up any surface corrosion. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and provide an adequate base for them to rest on.
Removing the Hinges
Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move doors from one side of the frame to the other or take the entire door off if necessary. Anyone with a bit of patience can take the hinges off, but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to take off the paint prior to trying to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if don't remove the paint. To break the seal, place the hinges in a 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 should soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.
Once the pins are loosened, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended that you employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this project. This type of screwdriver is designed to remove screws made of metal and can make the work speed up.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with a oil. A simple lubricant will help the process to go more quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. You can find this type of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges required will also vary depending on the kind of door you have and how it's set up. window hinge repair cost with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges while hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only require two or three hinges.
It is also crucial to be aware of the various kinds of hinges in order to decide which one will be the most effective for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a door, while hinges for interior use must be able support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time, the hinges of doors may lose its grip and then begin to hang crooked or sag. It can be a big problem, but the fix is usually quite simple. In most cases an easy tightening of the screw will fix the problem. However when the screw holes are ripped out, this can be more difficult to do. A wood dowel can be used to tighten the holes once more.
Begin by drilling the hole using a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then use a wood glue and a wooden dowel to fill in the hole. 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 it until you are satisfied with the degree of tightness. If the door has the tendency to be bowed the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Be sure to shut the door slowly so that you can check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.
You could also use a wood plug in place of the dowel. This will work as well however it will take some time to set up. You can use a piece of wood that has been whittled to the right size. If you don't have a wooden tool You can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches.
Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will stop the screw from hitting the edge of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screws before replacing hinges.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to coat it using a dry lubricant to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a light coat and allow it to take approximately 15 minutes to reach the barrel of the hinge.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could make a few repairs. The first step is to ensure that the screws holding the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not too tighten the screws, because this could create gaps at the trim joints or worse, strip out the threads.
If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are breaking away from the door and jamb and jamb, you can fix them by gluing wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks 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 attaching the hinge.
The screws can also be stripped or missing. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.
After you've reattached your hinge close the door and examine the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be the thickness of a penny all around or less if an old door was not properly hung. If the hinges were put in place correctly, this should not be a problem.
If you notice that the hinges are loose, you can try adding a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add an extra inch of space. You can also take off the hinge pin, then pound it down with a powerful hammer to tighten it up or choose a new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and help keep them in place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which draws dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors 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 can maintain the integrity of a hinge on a door and ensure its proper function.
Examine the hinges for corrosion. If the rust has become so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace them. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing off loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then, apply an industrial rust remover or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution remain on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
Retightening screws can restore hinge function if you don't want to spend money or time to replace hinges. It might be necessary to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge when the screws have been stripped. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood in the form of rods, which are available in various sizes and lengths. You can find them at home improvement centers as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.
A shim may also be made from a piece of plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or another sturdy material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel into a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the cut hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the right position.
Before you start cleaning the hinges, put down a cloth or paper towel to shield floors and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After the area is secured, proceed to clean the hinges with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight areas.