How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can repair door frame hinge side - see it here, hinges that are loose. But, if the screw holes are stripped and can't hold screws, you may need to add dowels and wood glue before you can install the hinge.

Before you do that though you should clean off any surface corrosion. This will help keep the dowels in their place and provide a solid base for them to grip onto.

Remove the Hinges

Many hinges for doors can be removed, which makes it easier to move doors from one side of the frame to the other side or remove the entire door in the event of need. Anyone who is patient can take the hinges off, but you need to know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to take off the paint prior to trying to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if don't remove the paint. Put the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to get rid of 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 make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended that you employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this task. This type of screwdriver is designed to pick up screws made of metal and will make the project speed up.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with lubricant. A simple lubricant can help the process move along quickly and help you remove the pins and screws. You can find this type of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.

Keep in mind that the number of hinges you will need will vary based on the type of door and its configurations. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight may only require two or three hinges.

Understanding the different kinds of hinges will help you determine which one is best for your needs. Exterior hinges for upvc doors are generally designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will have to be able to handle lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes a door double glazing hinge replacement will become looser over time and begin to hang crookedly or sag. It can be a big issue, but the solution is usually easy. In most cases an easy tightening of the screw will resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it may be difficult to do. There is a trick to get the holes back in place using a wooden dowel.

Start by drilling the hole using a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Then, you can use a wood glue as well as a wooden dowel to fill the hole. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw and tighten it until you are satisfied with the tightness. If the door does not stop bind 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 correct.

You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. This will work equally well, but may take a little longer to set up. You can tap in a piece of wood which has been cut to the proper size. If you don't have a woodworking instrument, you can use toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.

After you've reinstalled your new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller, so that it doesn'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 before replacing hinges.

After you have reinstalled the double glazing window hinge repairs, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few fixes. Make sure the screws that attach the hinge plate to the door frame and frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them using the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not to tighten your screws so tight that they create gaps in the trim joints, or even worse cause threads to be stripped.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting they can be reattached to the plates by applying wood glue to the back of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will serve as a solid base for the screws and help keep the plates from moving when you drive them into the holes. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.

Another reason for hinges that are loose is that the screws are stripped or gone. You can fix loose door hinge this problem by replacing the screws with longer ones. Be sure to use a drill bit that is compatible with the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.

Close the door after you have reattached your hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. It should be about 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 hung. This shouldn't be a problem if the hinges are installed correctly.

If you discover that the hinges are loose, try putting an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add a little extra space. You can also remove the hinge pin and pound it down with a hammer in order 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 lessen friction and aid in holding their place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and can 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 regularly cleaned and lubricated. The hinge will become stiff and creaky, and its appearance could rapidly diminish. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the integrity of a hinged door and ensure their proper operation.

Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has accumulated on their surfaces. 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 them. If you are able to save the hinges, you should first clean away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then apply an industrial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust sit on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

Retightening screws can restore hinge functionality if you don't want to spend time or money on repairing hinges. It might be necessary, however, to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge if the screw holes have been stripped. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods that vary in lengths and sizes. You can purchase them online, at woodworking supply stores and home improvement centers.

You can also make an shim out of metal or plastic depending on the type hinge you are using. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wooden dowel or other sturdy material to the desired size. You can then dip a dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and insert it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the position.

Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After the area has been secured and dry, clean the hinges with a soft cloth or sponge that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices or tight areas.