How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a loose door hinge can be a doable job for most homeowners. If the screw holes have been smashed and will not hold screws, you may require dowels and wood glue in order to reinstall the hinge.

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

Take off the Hinges

Most hinges on doors are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to remove the entire door off the frame, if needed. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges however, you must know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove it before you attempt to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if do not remove the paint. Put the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are submerged. Let the repair window hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to remove.

After the pins have been loosened, remove the upvc hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this project. This type of screwdriver is designed to grab screws made of metal and will make the project run much more quickly.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is recommended to spray them with grease. A simple lubricant can make the process go by more quickly and help you remove the pins and screws. This kind of lubricant can be found in most hardware stores and home improvement shops.

Keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll require will vary based on the kind of door and the settings. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors might only require two or three hinges.

It is also crucial to know the various types of hinges in order to decide which one will be the most effective for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will require to support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, the hinges of doors may loosen and begin to sag or hang crookedly. This can be a major problem, but the fix door hinge is usually simple. A simple retightening will usually solve the problem. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it could be difficult to do. Fortunately, there is a trick to make these holes tight again that uses a wood dowel.

Start 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 using wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length exactly the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired level of tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, insert a second dowel to the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct.

Another option is to utilize the wood plug instead of a dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a little longer to set up. Simply whittle a piece of wood that is the proper size to ensure a secure fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking tool You can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will stop the screw from hitting the edges of the doors as they are opened and closed. This will aid in tightening the screw prior to reinstalling the hinge.

Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to coat it using a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good options. Apply a thin coating and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, try a few simple fixes. The first step is to ensure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws with 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 worse, strip the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting, you can reattach the plates by putting wood glue on the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide a solid foundation for the screws, preventing the plates from moving as you drive them in. Allow the glue time to dry before you can reattach your hinge.

The screws could also be smashed or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Be sure to use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.

Close the replacement upvc door hinges after you've reattached your hinge and check the gap between the frame and the composite door hinges adjustment. The gap should be the thickness of a penny or less if an old door was not properly hung. If the hinges were set up correctly, this shouldn't be an issue.

If you find that the window hinges are still loose, you can try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create a little extra space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it with a hammer in order to make it tighter or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and keep them in their place. Lubricating your hinges regularly can keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky and can also prolong their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles can become stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection will preserve the integrity and functionality of hinges on doors.

Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surface. If the rust has corroded to the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to be on the hinges for several minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

If you don't want to spend the money and time replacing hinges, tightening the screws will make the hinges functional again. If you've stripped the screws' holes however, it could be necessary to add a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods of various sizes and lengths. You can find them at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.

You can also make an shim using metal or plastic depending on the type hinge you are using. To make a dowel, cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the desired position.

Before you begin cleaning the hinges, put down a paper or cloth towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After the area has been secured and dry, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices or tight areas.