How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a loose door hinge can be a manageable task for most homeowners. If the screw holes have been smashed and will not hold screws, you might require dowels and wood glue in order to reinstall the door hinge.

Brush away any surface corrosion. This will help keep the dowels in place and give them an adequate base for them to rest on.

Removal of the Hinges

Many standard 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 should it be needed. The removal of the hinges is simple for anyone with a little patience, although you have to know how to do it right.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could peel off tilt and turn window hinge covers scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. Put the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it up with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off.

After the pins have been loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but you should use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up metal screws and will assist you in getting the task done much faster.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with some oil. A simple lubricant can help you speed up the process and remove the pins and screws more easily. This type of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement shops.

You should also keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll require will differ based on the door's type and its configurations. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight may only require two or three.

It is also crucial to be aware of the various kinds of hinges in order to determine which ones will work best in your situation. 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

Sometimes, the hinges on doors get looser and eventually begin to hang out of alignment or slide. It could be a huge problem, but the fix is usually easy. Most of the time, a simple retightening of the screw will fix the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it can be difficult to fix. A wood dowel can be used to tighten these holes again.

Begin by drilling out the old hole using a 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. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel must be cut at the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to desired degree of tightness. If the door continues to bind up, insert a second dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Be sure to close the door slowly in order to verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.

Another option is to make use of a wood plug instead of a dowel. This will work as well, but may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't own a woodworking instrument, you can use toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.

Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edge of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screws before reinstalling hinges.

After reinstalling the hinge, lubricate the hinge with a dry lubricant. This will help to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent alternatives. You should apply a light coat and allow it to take around 15 minutes to fully get into the hinge barrel.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, try a few simple fixes. Make sure the screws that attach the hinge plate to the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them with a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten your screws so much that they begin to create gaps in the trim joints, or worse remove the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating from the door and jamb it is possible to reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create an solid foundation for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting when you drive them in. Allow the glue to dry before you can reattach your hinge.

The screws could also be smashed or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Use a drill bit that is similar to the size of the screw hole to prevent drilling into the hinge or jamb.

After you've reattached your hinge, close the door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. It should be around the thickness of one nickel all around, or less if there's a gap created by a door that was not properly hang. If the hinges were put in place correctly, this should not be a problem.

If the hinges are still loose, try adding an extra thick hinge between the hinge plate's surface and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more room. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer in order to tighten it, or install an entirely new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and keep them in place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and can also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

A casement window hinge replacement's continuous movement creates friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles can become stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will ensure the quality and function of pvc window hinges on doors.

Check the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated on their surfaces. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the casement window hinge parts, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, clean any loose rust using wire brush and steel wool. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust removal solution remain on the hinge for a few minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.

If you don't want to spend the cost and time to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws will make the hinges functional again. If you have stripped the screws, however, it may be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods that vary in sizes and lengths. You can find them at home improvement stores or woodworking supply shops, or on the internet.

You can also create a shim from a piece made of plastic or metal depending on the type of hinge you are using. To make a dowel, you need to cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the stripped hole and let the glue hold the dowel in place.

Before cleaning the hinges put down a cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices and tight areas.