How to fix Door Hinge a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a loose door hinge is a simple task for most homeowners. If, however, the holes for screws are smashed and won't hold screws you may need to use wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.

Before you do that though, brush away the surface corrosion. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and provide a solid foundation for them to rest on.

Take off the Hinges

A variety of bi-fold door hinges hinges can be removed, making it simpler to move a door from one side of the frame to the other or take the entire repair door frame hinge side off in the event of need. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges, but you must be aware of what to do.

If the hinges are painted you will need to remove the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may be smashed off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. To break the paint seal, place the hinges in a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Allow the hinges to sit in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to get rid of the pins.

Once the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however you should use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver is specially designed to pick up metal screws and will assist you in getting the task accomplished much faster.

It is a good practice to spray some lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will help you to move the process along faster and also remove the screws and pins easier. You can find this type of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges needed will also vary depending on what type of door you have and the way it's set up. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might only require two or three.

Understanding the different types of hinges will help you determine which one is suitable for your needs. Exterior hinges are designed to hold the weight of a door, while interior hinges need to be able support lighter loads.

Reattaching the double glazed hinges

Over time the hinges on doors can loosen and begin to hang crooked or sag. It can be a big problem, but the fix is usually easy. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will solve the problem. However, if the screw holes are ripped out, this may be more difficult to accomplish. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten these holes again.

Start by drilling out the old hole using an appropriate drill bit 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 that is similar to the screw to ensure a tight fit. Then, you can reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door has an tendency to get stuck and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the perimeter clearances are correct.

You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. It will work similarly, but it may take a bit longer to put in. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the right size for a snug fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking You can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.

Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have installed it. This will stop the screw from hitting the edges of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screws after replacing hinges.

Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to grease it with a dry lubricant in order to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. Apply a thin coating and allow it to penetrate 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 simple fixes. Check that the screws that secure the hinge plate to both the door frame and the frame are in good condition. If they are loose, tighten them by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws as this could create gaps at the trim joints or worse, strip out the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating from the jamb and door, you can reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the back of the plates, and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels 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 time to dry before reattaching the hinge repair plate.

The screws could also be damaged or missing. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with larger ones. Be sure to use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.

Once you've reattached the hinge close the door and examine the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if an old door was not hung correctly. If the hinges were installed correctly, this shouldn't be an issue.

If you notice that the hinges are loose, try putting a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create some extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer in order to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and keep them in position. Lubricating your hinges frequently will keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky and also extend their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction generated by a hinge's constant movement attracts dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and build up over time. As a result, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges on doors.

Examine the hinges for the accumulation of rust. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need 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-removing solution or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust sit on the hinges for several minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.

If you don't wish to spend time and money to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws will bring back the hinge's functionality. If you've stripped the screws' holes, however, it may be necessary to add the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood that are in the form of rods which are available in varying lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement stores or woodworking supply shops, or on the internet.

You can also make an shim out of metal or plastic depending on the type of hinge you are using. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wooden dowel or another sturdy material to the size you want. Then, dip a dowel into carpenter's adhesive and insert it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in the desired position.

Before you begin cleaning the hinges, place down a paper or cloth towel to shield floors and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After the area is secured then clean the hinges using a soft cloth or sponge that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to remove dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices and tight areas.