How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Repairing a broken door hinge can be a manageable task for most homeowners. If, however, the holes for screws are smashed and can't hold screws, you may need to put in wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.
Before you do this, however you should clean off any surface corrosion. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and provide an adequate base for them to grip onto.
Take the Hinges off
Most hinges on doors are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to take the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges are painted, you'll need to take off the paint before attempting to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will peel off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges into a stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are submerged. Allow the hinges to sit in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off.
Once the pins are loose, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver was designed to pick up screws made of metal and can make the work go much faster.
It is a good idea to spray lubricant onto the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. This kind of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.
Keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll require will differ based on the type of door and its setting. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors that weigh less might require just two or three hinges.
Understanding the various types of hinges can help you determine which one is best for your needs. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the weight of the door, while interior hinges will need to be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time the hinges on doors can become loose and start to hang crooked or sag. It could be a huge problem, but the fix is usually simple. A simple retightening will usually solve the issue. However, if the screw holes have been stripped out, this can be more difficult to do. Fortunately, there is a method to make the holes back in place that utilizes a wood dowel.
Begin by drilling the hole with a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, add another dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Make sure to close the door slowly in order to verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.
You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. It will work similarly, but it may take a little longer to set up. Simply whittle a plug of wood that is the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking instrument, you can use toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.
Once you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it won't touch the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws after reinstalling hinges.
After installing the hinge, make sure to lubricate the hinge using an oil-based lubricant that is dry. window hinge repair will help prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent options. Apply a thin coat and give it around 15 minutes to fully get into the barrel of the hinge.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not yet ready to replace hinges, you could try a few fixes. The first step is to ensure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, because this can cause gaps to appear at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting they can be reattached to the plates by putting wood glue to the side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will give a solid foundation for the screws and prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.
Another reason for loose hinges is that the screws are stripped or are missing. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with longer ones. Use a drill bit that is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.
Close the door after you've reattached the hinge and examine the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an older door was hung incorrectly. This shouldn't be a problem as long as the hinges are correctly installed.
If you notice that the hinges are loose, you can try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create an extra inch of space. You can also try removing the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and pounding it down with a hammer in order to make it more secure or using the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to lessen friction and assist in keeping their position. Regularly lubricating your hinges will help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The continuous movement of hinges creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance could rapidly diminish. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can help preserve the integrity of a hinged door and ensure their proper operation.
Examine the hinges for rust accumulation. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust by using steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust remain on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
Retightening screws can restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend time or money to replace hinges. It might be necessary, however, to add a wooden shim or dowel 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 lengths and diameters. You can find them at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.
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 a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into a carpenter's glue and insert it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the desired position.
Before you start cleaning the hinges, place down a paper or cloth towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After the area has been secured then clean the hinges using a soft cloth or sponge that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and difficult areas.