How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
The majority of homeowners can fix a loose hinge. If the screws' holes have been stripped and will not hold screws, you could need to use dowels and wood glue to put back in the door hinge.
Before you do that though you should clean off any surface corrosion. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to grip into.
Removal of the Hinges
A lot of door hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to another or take the entire door off the frame, if needed. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges, but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges have been painted, you will need to remove the paint before attempting to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if don't take off the paint. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges into an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to remove.
Once the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and frame from the door. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended that you use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up metal screws and assist you in getting the task done much faster.
It is a good practice to spray some lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will allow you speed up the process and also remove the screws and pins easier. This kind of lubricant can be found in most hardware stores and home improvement shops.
You should also keep in mind that the number of hinges you will need will differ based on the kind of door and its setting. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will need more hinges, while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might require just two or three hinges.
Understanding the different types of hinges will help you decide which one is the best for your situation. Exterior hinges are designed to hold the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges need to be able support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time the hinges on doors can lose its grip and then begin to slide or hang crookedly. This can be a major problem, but the fix is usually easy. A simple tightening can resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it may be difficult to fix. Fortunately, there is a trick to make these holes back to their original size using a wooden dowel.
Begin by drilling the old hole using a drill close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. Reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door continues to bind up, insert a second dowel to the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the perimeter clearances are correct.
Another option is to make use of an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. It works similarly, but it may take a little longer to install. You can tap in the wood piece which has been cut to the proper size. If you don't have a woodworking tool, you can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Once you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it won't touch the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when replacing hinges.
Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to coat it using a dry lubricant to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. Apply a thin coat and wait for approximately 15 minutes to penetrate the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can do a few simple repairs. The first step is to make sure that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to tighten your screws so much that they begin to create gaps at the trim joints or, even more damagingly, strip the threads.
If the problem is that the hinge plates are separated from the door and jamb, you can reattach them by gluing wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide a solid foundation for the screws, preventing the plates from moving as you push them in. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.
hinged door repairs for loose hinges is that the screws are stripped or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Use a drill that is exactly the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Once you've reattached the hinge close the door and check the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be the thickness of a penny or less if the old door was not hung correctly. If the hinges were installed correctly, this should not be an issue.
If the hinges seem loose, you could add an extra thick hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more room. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and then pounding it with a hammer to make it more secure or using the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and hold them in place. Lubricating your hinges regularly will help prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky and also prolong their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction generated by a hinge's constant movement attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not cleaned and lubricated regularly. In the end, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will maintain the quality and function of hinges that are attached to doors.
Check the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surfaces. If the rust is so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace them. If you are able to save the hinges, first brush off loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to sit on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
Retightening screws can help restore hinge function If you don't wish to spend money or time to replace hinges. It might be necessary to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge when the screws have been stripped. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood in the form of rods, which are available in different lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.
A shim can also be made from a piece of plastic or metal, based on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in a carpenter's glue and insert it into the stripped hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in place.
Before you start cleaning the hinges, put down a towel or a paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After the area is secured then clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to remove the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or difficult spots.