How to fix door hinge a Loose Door Hinge

Repairing a broken door hinge is a simple task for the majority of homeowners. If the screw holes have been smashed and will not hold screws, you might need to use dowels and wood glue in order to reinstall the door hinge.

Before you do that, however, brush away the surface rust. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid base to grip into.

Removing the Hinges

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 the frame should it be needed. Anyone with a little patience can take the hinges off, but you must be aware of what to do.

If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off it before you attempt to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if you don't take off the paint. Place the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off.

After the pins have been loosen, you can remove the hinges from the door and frame. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this task. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab screws made of metal and will aid you in getting the job completed much quicker.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is a good idea to spray them with some lubricant. A simple lubricant will allow you to move the process along faster and also remove the pins and screws with ease. This type of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement shops.

The number of hinges you need will also depend on what type of upvc door hinges repair you have and how it's installed. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will need more hinges, while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might only require two or three.

It is also essential to understand the different types of hinges in order to determine which ones be the most effective for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a bi-fold door hinges, but interior hinges must be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes a door hinge will loosen over time and start to hang out of alignment or slide. This can cause problems however, it's usually simple to repair door frame hinge side. Retightening the screw will typically resolve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes are stripped out, this can be more difficult. Fortunately, there is a trick to make these holes back to their original size that uses a wood dowel.

Begin by drilling out the hole from the previous one using a drill bit that is similar 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 snug fit. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to desired level of tightness. If the door continues to bind up, add another dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Be sure to shut 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. This is also a viable option, but may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a piece of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.

Once you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it does not rub against the edge of the door hinges repair when it is opened and closed. This will aid in tightening the screw prior to installing the hinge.

Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to grease it using a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. You should apply a light coat and give it approximately 15 minutes to reach the hinge barrel.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could make a few minor repairs. Verify that the screws that hold the hinge plate to both the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they are loose, tighten the screws using a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so much that they begin to cause gaps at the trim joints, or even worse, strip the threads.

If the problem is the hinge plates are splitting they can be reattached to the plates by putting wood glue on the side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide an solid foundation for the screws, preventing the plates from moving as you drive them in. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge.

The screws may also be damaged or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with longer ones. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.

Close the door once you have reattached your hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if an older door was not hung correctly. If the hinges were set up correctly, this should not be an issue.

If you find that the hinges are loose, you can try adding a thicker hinge shim 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 problem hinge and then pounding it with a hammer to make it more secure or using the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and keep them in place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and can also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The constant movement of a hinge causes friction, which attracts dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and then build up over time. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will ensure the integrity and functionality of hinges on a door.

Examine the hinges for signs of corrosion. If the corrosion has reached the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll require replacement of the hinges. If you can save the hinges, you should first clean off any loose rust with steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover sit on the hinge for a few minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining rust.

Retightening screws can restore hinge function in the event that you don't want to spend money or time on replacing hinges. If you have stripped the screws however, it might be necessary to attach a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods that vary in lengths and sizes. You can purchase them on the internet, at woodworking supply shops and home improvement stores.

A shim could also be made from a piece of plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. You can then dip a dowel into carpenter's adhesive and place it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the desired position.

Before cleaning the hinges, put down a piece of paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. After protecting the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth dipped into mild cleaner to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices or tight areas.