How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Repairing a broken door hinge can be a manageable task for the majority of homeowners. If the screw holes have been smashed and will not hold screws, you might require dowels and wood glue to put back in the hinge.
Clean up any surface corrosion. This will help to keep the dowels in place and give them a solid foundation for them to grip onto.
Remove the Hinges
Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the other side or take the entire door off in the event of need. It is easy for anyone with patience, though you do need to know how to do it correctly.
If the hinges are painted, you'll need to get rid of the paint before attempting to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if you do not remove the paint. Put the hinges in the stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Allow the hinges to sit 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.
After the pins have been removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this project. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to take out metal screws and will assist you in getting the task accomplished much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with grease. A simple lubricant will allow you speed up the process and make the removal of pins and screws more easily. Repair My Windows And Doors of lubricant is able to be found at most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.
The number of hinges you need will also differ based on the kind of door you have and how it's set up. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges whereas hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only require two or three hinges.
It is also important to be aware of the various kinds of hinges in order to determine which ones will best suit your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will need to be able to handle lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time, a door hinge can lose its grip and then begin to sag or hang crookedly. It can be a big issue, but the solution is usually quite simple. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will fix the issue. However in the event that the screw holes are ripped out, it can be more difficult to do. There is a trick to make these holes tight again that uses a wood dowel.
Start by drilling out the hole from the previous one using an appropriate drill bit 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 secure fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. Install the screw again and tighten it until you are satisfied with the tightness. If the door has the tendency to be bowed the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are correct.
Another option is to use an old-fashioned wood plug instead of dowel. It will work similarly, but it may take a bit longer to install. You can use the wood piece which has been cut to the right size. If you don't own an instrument for woodworking, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.
Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors when they are opened and closed. This will aid in tightening the screw prior to installing the hinge.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. You can apply 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 yet ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few easy fixes. Make sure the screws that hold the hinge plate to the door frame and the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to tighten your screws so much that they start to create gaps in the trim joints, or worse cause threads to be stripped.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating they can be reattached to the plates by applying wood glue on the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will give a solid foundation for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.
The screws may also be smashed or gone. This can be corrected 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 shut the door and check the gap between the door and the frame. It should be about the thickness of one nickel all the way 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 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 create some extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin, then pound it down with a hammer to tighten it or use an entirely new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to decrease friction and assist in keeping their position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The constant movement of a hinge causes friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not cleaned and lubricated regularly. In the end the hinge can become stiff and creaky, and its appearance can get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can help preserve the quality of hinge on a door and ensure its proper operation.
Check the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated on their surface. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then apply a commercial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust sit on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
The tightening of screws can restore hinge functionality if you don't want to spend money or time on repairing hinges. It may be necessary to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been shaved. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods of various lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement centers as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.
You can also make a shim from a piece metal or plastic depending on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. Then, dip a dowel in carpenter's glue and insert it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in place.
Before you start cleaning the hinges, place down a cloth or paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After the area has been secured and dry, clean the hinges using an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight areas.