how to replace upvc window hinges 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 could need to use dowels and wood glue in order to reinstall the door hinge.

Remove any surface that has rust. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid foundation to grip into.

Take off the Hinges

Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off if necessary. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges, however, you must know 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 peel off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges into an stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are completely submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to remove.

After the pins have been loosen then you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended that you make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is specially designed to pick up screws made of metal and will help you get the job completed much quicker.

It is a good idea to spray lubricant on the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process to go more quickly and make it easier to remove the screws and pins. You can find this type of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges required will also vary depending on what type of door you have and how it's set up. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only need two or three.

Understanding the various types of hinges will help you determine which one is best for your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to hold the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges must be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time the hinges on doors can lose its grip and then begin to hang crooked or sag. It can be a big issue, but the solution is usually simple. Retightening the screw will typically resolve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes have been stripped out, this may be more difficult. There is a trick to make these holes back to their original size that utilizes a wood dowel.

Start by drilling the old hole with a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then use a wood glue and a wooden dowel to fill the hole. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel should be cut to the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, you can insert another dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the perimeter clearances are in order.

You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. It works just as well but might take a bit longer to put in. Simply whittle a piece of wood to the right size for a snug fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking tool, you can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

Once you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it won't be able to rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws after installing replacement hinges for double glazed windows.

After installing the hinge again, you should make sure to lubricate the hinge using dry lubricant. This will help to prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent alternatives. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the window hinge replacement cost barrel for around 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can make a few minor repairs. Check that the screws that hold the hinge plate to the door frame and the frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws using a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws to the point that they create gaps in the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.

If the problem is the hinge plates are splitting they can be reattached to the plates by putting wood glue to the back of them and inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks serve as a solid base for the screws and to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.

Another reason that causes loose hinges is that the screws are stripped or are missing. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Be sure to use a drill bit that matches 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 shut the door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if the old door was not properly hung. This should not be a problem if hinges are installed correctly.

If you notice that the hinges remain loose, try adding a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add an extra inch of space. You can also take off the hinge pin and pound it down with a hammer to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to decrease friction and aid in holding their place. Lubricating your hinges regularly can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The continuous movement of hinges creates friction, which draws dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and build up over time. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges that are attached to doors.

Examine the hinges for corrosion. If the rust has become so severe 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're able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust by using wire brush and steel wool. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or homemade solution like lemon juice on the window hinge repair. Let the solution that removes rust sit on the hinges for a few minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

Retightening screws can restore hinge function in the event that you don't want to spend money or time on repairing hinges. If you've stripped the screws however, it could be necessary to add an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods of varying lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.

A shim may be made of a piece of plastic or metal, based on the kind of hinge you've got. 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 into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the hole that you have stripped and let the glue hold the dowel in the right position.

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