How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a loose door hinge can be a doable job for most homeowners. If, however, the holes for screws are smashed and won't hold screws you might need to put in wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.

Before you do that, however, brush away surface rust. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid base to hold onto.

Take off 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 remove the entire door off of the frame, if needed. It is simple for anyone with a bit of patience, though you do need to know how do it correctly.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to take off the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could be smashed off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. Place the hinges into a stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.

Once the pins have been loosened, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to grab metal screws and will help you get the job completed much quicker.

It is a good practice to spray some lubricant on the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will allow you to move the process along faster and make the removal of screws and pins easier. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in most hardware stores and home improvement shops.

The number of hinges required will also vary depending on what type of door you have and the way it is set up. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might only require two or three hinges.

Understanding the different types of hinges will help you determine which one is best for your needs. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the door's weight, while interior hinges will have to be able to support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes, the hinges on doors get looser and eventually begin to hang out of alignment or slide. This can be a major 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 ripped out, it can be a challenge to complete. There is a method to make these holes back to their original size using a wooden dowel.

Start by drilling out the hole you had previously made using a drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then use a wood glue as well as a wooden dowel to fill the hole. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel must 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 have an tendency to get stuck, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the perimeter clearances are in order.

You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. It's also possible however it may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a piece of wood that is the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a tool for woodworking, you can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

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

Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to grease it with a dry lubricant to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent alternatives. You should apply a light coat and give it around 15 minutes to fully get into the barrel of the hinge.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, try a few easy fixes. Make sure the screws that attach the hinge plate in place to the door frame and frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws as this could create gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads.

If the problem is the hinge plates are breaking, you can reattach the plates by putting wood glue to the side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will provide a solid base for the screws and help keep the plates from moving when you drive them into place. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge.

The screws may also be smashed or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing hinges on double glazed windows the screws. Make sure you use a drill bit that matches 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 examine the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be the thickness of a penny all around or less if an old door was hung incorrectly. This should not be a problem if hinges are properly installed.

If the hinges are still loose, try adding a stronger hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more space. You can also take off the hinge pin, then pound it down with a heavy hammer in order to tighten it, or install an entirely new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction tilt And turn windows hinges help keep them in their place. Lubricating your hinges regularly can stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction created by the hinge's constant motion attracts 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. The upvc window hinge problems will get stiff and creaky, and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection will preserve the functionality and quality of hinges on doors.

Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has accumulated 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 have to replace them. If you are able to save the hinges, first brush off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then, apply an industrial rust remover or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover be on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining corrosion.

Retightening screws can restore hinge function If you don't wish to spend time or money on replacing hinges. If you have stripped the screws however, it could be necessary to add the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods of various sizes and lengths. You can find them 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 type of window hinge broken you've got. To make a dowel, cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the right position.

Before you start cleaning the hinges, place down a cloth or paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After protecting the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or a cloth coated with mild cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and narrow areas.