How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a loose door hinge can be a doable job for most homeowners. However, if the screw holes are damaged and won't hold screws you might need to use wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.
Brush away any surface corrosion. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid foundation to grip into.
Removal of the Hinges
Most hinges on doors can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to take the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove it prior to trying to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could peel off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. Place the hinges into the stainless steel pot and fill it up with water to the point that the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.
After the pins are loosening and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to grab screws made of metal and will aid you in getting the job completed much quicker.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with some grease. A simple lubricant will help the process go by more quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. This type of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.
The number of hinges you need will also differ based on the type of door you have and how it's set up. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will need more hinges, while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight may only require two or three.
Understanding the different kinds of hinges will help you decide which one is the best for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the door's weight and interior hinges have to be able to handle lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time, a door hinge can become loose and start to slide or hang crookedly. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually easy. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will fix the problem. However, if the screw holes are ripped out, it can be more difficult to do. There is a method to make the holes back in place that utilizes a wood dowel.
Begin by drilling out the hole you had previously made using a drill bit that is close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw and tighten it until you are satisfied with the 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 ensure that the perimeter clearances are in order.
You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. It's also possible however it will take some time to put in. You can use a piece of wood that has been whittled down to the right size. If you don't have a wooden tool you could also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have installed it. 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 installing the hinge again, you should lubricate the hinge with a dry lubricant. This will help to prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent options. Apply a thin coating and allow it to penetrate the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few easy fixes. The first step is to make sure that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using an electric drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to appear at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads.
If the problem is the hinge plates are splitting, you can reattach the plates by applying wood glue to the back of them and inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks provide a solid base for the screws and keep the plates from moving when you drive them into position. Allow cost of replacing window hinges to dry before attaching the hinge.
The screws may also be stripped or missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Use a drill bit that is exactly the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the hinge or jamb.
Close the door once you've reattached the hinge and examine the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an older door was not hung correctly. If the hinges were set up properly, this shouldn't be an issue.
If you discover that the hinges are still loose, you can try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give some extra space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and pounding it using a hammer 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 assist in keeping their position. Lubricating your hinges frequently will keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and can also prolong their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction created by the hinge's constant motion attracts dust particles. These particles can become stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not regularly cleaned and lubricated. As a result the hinge can become stiff and creaky and its appearance may get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will ensure the integrity and functionality of hinges on doors.
Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has built up on their surface. 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 need to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you should first clean off loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or homemade solutions like lemon juice on the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to sit on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
The tightening of screws can restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend time or money on repairing hinges. It is possible, however, to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge when the screws have been shaved. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods that are available in different lengths and diameters. They are available at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.
You can also make an shim out of metal or plastic depending on the type hinge you own. 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 hole that you have stripped and let the glue hold the dowel in the right position.
Before you start cleaning the hinges, place down a towel or a paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After the area is secured then clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to access difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or tight areas.