How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Repairing a broken door hinge is a simple task for most homeowners. However, if the holes for screws are smashed and won't hold screws you might need to use wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.

Before you do that, however scrub away any surface rust. This will help keep the dowels in place and provide a solid base to hold onto.

Remove the Hinges

Most hinges on doors are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to another or to remove the entire door off the frame should it be needed. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges but you need to know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will 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 dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.

Once the pins are loosened and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the frame and door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab metal screws and will aid you in getting the job completed much quicker.

It is a good practice to spray some lubricant on the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will allow you to move the process along faster and remove the pins and screws more easily. You can find this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.

Keep in mind that the number of hinges for upvc doors you will need will vary based on the type of door and the setting. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors that weigh less may only require two or three hinges.

Understanding the different kinds of hinges will help decide which one is the best for your needs. The hinges locks on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a upvc door hinge, while hinges for interior use must be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes, a hinge on a door will get looser and eventually begin to hang out of alignment or sag. It could be a huge problem, but the fix door hinge (linked here) is usually easy. A simple tightening can solve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes are ripped out, Fix door hinge it can be more difficult. There is a trick to get these holes back to their original size that utilizes a wood dowel.

Begin by drilling the old hole using a drill close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length that is the same as the screw to ensure a snug fit. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired degree of tightness. If the door has an tendency to get stuck, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Make sure to close the door slowly in order to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.

Another option is to just utilize an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. It's also possible however it may take a bit longer to install. Simply whittle a chunk of wood that is the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking tool You can also use toothpicks or wooden matches.

After 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 when it's open and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when replacing hinges.

After you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to grease it with a dry lubricant in order to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. Apply a thin layer and allow it to soak into 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 fixes. The first step is to check whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. 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 create gaps in the trim joints, or even worse cause threads to be stripped.

If the problem is the hinge plates are separating, you can reattach the plates by putting wood glue to the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will give a solid foundation for the screws and help to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.

The screws may also be damaged or missing. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with larger ones. Use a drill that is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the jamb or hinge.

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

If you find that the hinges are still loose, try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give some extra space. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer in order to tighten it or use an entirely new hinge. You can also lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to lessen friction and help them hold their place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction created by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and build up over time. In the end, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance could be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections can maintain the quality of a door's hinges and ensure their proper function.

Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has built up on their surfaces. If the rust has corroded to the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, first brush away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover sit on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

If you don't wish to spend cost and time to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. It is possible, however, to add an shim of wood or a dowel to the hinge when the screws have been degraded. Wooden dowels come in round rods that vary in sizes and lengths. They are available at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.

You can also create a shim from a piece either plastic or metal, depending on the type hinge you are using. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel into a carpenter's glue and insert it into the stripped hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the desired position.

Before cleaning the aluminium window hinges put down a piece of paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. After the area is secured and dry, clean the hinges with a soft cloth or sponge coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in tight spaces and crevices.