How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can fix a loose hinge. If the screws' holes have been stripped and will not hold screws, you may need to use wood glue and dowels to fix the hinge.
Remove any surface that has rust. This will aid in keeping the dowels in their place and provide a solid base for them to rest on.
Take the Hinges off
Most hinges on doors are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to another or to remove the entire door off the frame, if needed. It is simple for anyone with a bit of patience, but you need to know how do it properly.
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 could peel off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. Put the hinges in the stainless steel pot and fill it up with water to the point that the hinges are completely submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off.
Once the pins have been removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but you should use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab screws made of metal and will assist you in getting the task done much faster.
It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can help the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the screws and pins. This kind of lubricant can be found in most hardware stores and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges needed will also differ based on what type of door you have, and how it's set up. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors may only require two or three hinges.
Understanding the different types of hinges will help determine which one is suitable for your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a door, but interior hinges need to be able to support heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will get looser and eventually begin to hang in a crooked manner or sag. It can be a big issue, but the solution is usually simple. In most cases, a simple retightening of the screw will solve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it could be difficult to do. There is a trick to get these holes back to their original size that uses a wood dowel.
Begin by drilling out the hole from the previous one using an appropriate drill bit similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then use a wood glue and a wooden dowel to fill the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length exactly the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Then, reinstall door hinge repairs and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door continues to bind up, add another dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the clearances around the perimeter are correct.
You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. It's also possible however it may take some time to set up. You can insert 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.
Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of the screw after you have reinstalled it. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edge of the doors as they are opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws after installing hinges.
After reinstalling the hinge, apply lubrication to the hinge using dry lubricant. This will prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a thin coat and wait for approximately 15 minutes to penetrate the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to make a few minor repairs. 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 them with a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws as this could cause gaps to form at the trim joints or more seriously, tear out the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting and you want to reattach the plates by applying wood glue on the side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide a solid foundation for the screws, and prevent the plates from shifting as you drive them in. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.
Another reason for loose hinges is that the screws are 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 prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Close the door after you've reattached your hinge and examine the gap between the frame and the door. It should be approximately the thickness of a nickel all around, or less if there's an existing gap caused by a previous door that was not properly hang. If the hinges were set up correctly, this shouldn't be an issue.
If the hinges are still loose, try adding a stronger hinge between the hinge plate's surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it with a hammer in order to make it tighter or use the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to reduce friction and help them hold their position. 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 the hinge's constant motion draws dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and then build up over time. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection will preserve the functionality and quality of hinges on a door.
Check the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated on their surfaces. If the rust has become so severe 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 are able to save the hinges, first brush off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust remover to sit on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
If you don't want to spend cost and time to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. It may be necessary to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge if the screw holes have been stripped. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods, which are available in different lengths and diameters. They can be purchased online, at woodworking supply shops and home improvement stores.
You can also make an shim out of either plastic or metal, 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 a dowel into carpenter's adhesive and place it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in place.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After securing the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth dipped into mild cleaner to get rid of dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in crevices and tight areas.