How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can repair door hinge a loose hinge. But, if the screw holes are damaged and can't hold screws, you might need to put in wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.

Before you do that, however, brush away surface corrosion. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to grip into.

Eliminating the Hinges

Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to another or take the entire door off of the frame, if needed. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges but you must be aware of what to do.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to get rid of the paint before attempting to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will flake off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges into the stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.

Once the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and frame from the upvc patio door hinges. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended that you use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver was created to grab screws made of steel and will make the project run much more quickly.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with oil. A simple lubricant will allow you to move the process along faster and make the removal of pins and screws with ease. This kind of lubricant can be found in most hardware stores and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges required will also differ based on the type of door you have and how it's set up. Heavier doors and solid-core bifold doors hinges will need more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors might require just two or three.

It is also essential to understand the different types of hinges so you can determine which ones will work best in your situation. Exterior friction hinges for timber windows hinges are designed to withstand the weight of a door, while hinges for interior use must be able to support heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time the hinges on doors can loosen and begin to sag or hang crookedly. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually quite simple. A simple tightening can solve the problem. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it could be a challenge to complete. A wood dowel could be used to tighten these holes again.

Begin by drilling the old hole with a drill bit 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. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired degree of tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, you can insert another dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Make sure to close the door slowly so that you can check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.

Another option is to use a wood plug instead of a dowel. It will work similarly, but it may take a bit longer to put in. You can tap in the wood piece which has been cut to the proper size. If you don't have a woodworking tool you could also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches.

Use a countersink to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will prevent the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screws before reinstalling hinges.

After you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to lubricate it with a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coating and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, try a few simple fixes. The first step is to check that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten your screws so much that they begin to create gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.

If the problem is that the hinge plates are breaking away from the jamb and door and jamb, you can fix 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 prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.

Another reason for hinges that are loose is that screws are worn out or missing. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with larger ones. Use a drill bit that is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.

After you've reattached your hinge close the door and check the gap between the door and the frame. It should be around the thickness of one nickel all the way around, or less if there's an existing gap caused by a previous door that was not properly hang. This should not be a problem if the hinges are correctly installed.

If the hinges seem loose, you could add a stronger hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more room. You can also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it with a hammer in order to make it more secure or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction hinges for Timber windows and aid in holding their place. Lubricating your hinges frequently will help keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also extend their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The constant movement of a hinge creates friction hinges for timber windows, which draws dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for upvc doors hinges and then build up over time. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can help preserve the quality of hinge on a door and ensure its proper function.

Examine the hinges for corrosion. 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're able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust using steel wool and wire brush. Then, apply an industrial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to sit 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 money or time on replacing hinges. If you've stripped the screws however, it might be necessary to attach a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods that vary in lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement stores or woodworking supply shops, or on the internet.

A shim could also be made from metal or plastic, depending on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the desired size. You can dip the dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and place it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in place.

Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a piece of paper cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected, proceed to clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach hard-to-reach areas in crevices and narrow spots.