How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can fix a loose hinge. If the screw holes have been smashed and will not hold screws, you may require wood glue and dowels to fix the door hinge.
Before you do that, however scrub away any the surface rust. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid base to rest on.
Removal of the Hinges
Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off when needed. Anyone with a bit of 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. If you do not, the paint may flake off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. To break the seal of the paint, place the hinges in a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.
Once the pins are loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver was created to remove screws made of metal and can make the work run much more quickly.
It is a good idea to spray lubricant onto the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can help the process to go more quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. This kind of lubricant is able to be found at most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.
The number of hinges required will also vary depending on the type of door you have, and how it's set up. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will need more hinges, while hollow-core doors that weigh less might require just two or three hinges.
Understanding the different types of hinges will help determine which one is suitable for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to hold the weight of a door, while interior hinges need to be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will loosen over time and start to hang in a crooked manner or sag. This can be a problem however, it's usually simple to repair. A simple retightening will usually solve the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it can be a challenge to complete. A wood dowel can be used to tighten the holes again.
Start by drilling out the hole from the previous one using the drill bit that is close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length similar to the screw to ensure a snug fit. Reinstall the screw 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 process. Be sure to close the door slowly so that you can check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.
You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a bit longer to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't own a woodworking instrument You can use toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.
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 rubbing against the edge of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will allow you to tighten the screw when reinstalling the hinge.
Once you've reinstalled your hinge, make sure to grease it using a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer and allow it to soak into the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're unsure whether to replace hinges, you could try a few fixes. The first step is to ensure that the screws holding the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, as this can cause gaps to form at the trim joints or worse, strip out the threads.
If the problem is the hinge plates are breaking and you want to reattach the plates by applying wood glue to the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide a solid base for the screws, which will stop the plates from moving as you drive them in. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.
Another reason for loose hinges is that screws are worn out or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with larger ones. Make sure the drill bit is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.
Close the door once you've reattached the hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an old door was not properly hung. This should not be a problem if the hinges are properly installed.
If the hinges seem loose, you can add an extra thick hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and pounding it with a hammer to make it tighter or use a new hinge pin altogether. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to lessen friction and aid in holding their place. Periodically lubricating upvc door hinge repair near me repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also prolong their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction generated by the constant movement of a hinge draws dust particles. These particles can get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. As a result the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection will preserve the functionality and quality of hinges on doors.
Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated on their surface. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust removal solution remain on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining corrosion.
If you don't wish to spend the time and money to replace hinges, tightening the screws will make the hinges functional again. It may be necessary to attach a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge if the screw holes have been shaved. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood in the form of rods which are available in different lengths and diameters. They are available at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.
You can also make a shim from a piece either plastic or metal, depending on the type hinge you own. To make a dowel cut a piece of wood dowel or other sturdy material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel in a carpenter's glue and insert it into the stripped hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the desired position.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, place down a paper or cloth towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After you have protected the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth that has been dipped in mild cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in tight spaces and crevices.