How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can repair hinges that are loose. If the holes for screws have been smashed and will not hold screws, you may need to use dowels and wood glue to fix the door hinge.

Before you do this, however, brush away the surface corrosion. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to rest on.

Take the Hinges off

A variety of door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the opposite side or remove the entire door if necessary. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges however, you must know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove it prior to trying to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if don't take off the paint. To break the seal of the paint, place the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to remove.

Once the pins are loosened then you can remove the hinges from the door and frame. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, but it is recommended that you employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this task. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to grab metal screws and will help you get the job completed much quicker.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is a good idea to spray them with a oil. A simple lubricant can help the process move along quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. This kind of lubricant can be found in most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.

It is important to keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll need will differ based on the kind of door and its configurations. Heavy 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 so you can decide which one will best suit your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a door, but interior hinges must be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes, the hinges on doors become looser over time and begin to hang in a crooked manner or sag. This can cause problems but is usually easy to fix. In most cases an easy tightening of the screw will fix the issue. However, if the screw holes are stripped out, this may be more difficult to accomplish. Fortunately, there is a method to make these holes back to their original size that uses a wood dowel.

Begin by drilling the hole with a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then, use a wood glue as well as a wooden dowel to fill in the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length exactly the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. Reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired degree of tightness. If the door continues to have an tendency to get stuck and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Be sure to shut the door slowly so that you can verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.

You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. It works equally well, but may take a bit longer to put in. You can insert the wood piece that has been whittled down to the proper size. If you don't own a woodworking instrument or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.

Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller for the head of the screw after you have installed it. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws after reinstalling hinges.

After installing the hinge again, you should lubricate the hinge with dry lubricant. This will help prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a light coat and give it about 15 minutes to fully get into the barrel of the hinge.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few easy fixes. Make sure the screws that attach the hinge plate to both the door frame and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to over tighten the screws as this can cause gaps to appear at the trim joints or more seriously, tear out the threads.

If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separating from the jamb and door, you can reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide a solid foundation for the screws, preventing the plates from shifting when you drive them in. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.

Another reason that causes loose hinges is that the screws are stripped or are missing. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Make sure you use a drill bit that is compatible with the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or window hinge replacement service.

Close the door after you've reattached your double glazed window hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if the old door was hung incorrectly. If the hinges were put in place properly, this shouldn't be a problem.

If the hinges are still loose, you could add a stronger hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and then pounding it using a hammer to make it tighter or use a new hinge pin altogether. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to decrease friction and assist in keeping their place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which attracts dust particles. Without regular cleaning and lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and build up over time. The hinge will become stiff and creaky, and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the quality of a hinge on a door and ensure its proper function.

Inspect the hinges to see how to replace a hinge on a double glazed window much rust has accumulated 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 can save the upvc window hinges types, first brush away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then apply a commercial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to be on the hinges for a few minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

If you don't want to spend the time and money to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. It is possible to attach a wooden shim or dowel to the upvc window hinge adjustment if the screw holes have been degraded. Wooden dowels are round pieces made of wood in the shape of rods which are available in varying lengths and diameters. They are available at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.

You can also make a shim from a piece made of plastic or metal depending on the type hinge you own. To make a dowel cut a piece of wooden dowel or another sturdy material to the desired size. You can dip the dowel into carpenter's adhesive and place it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in place.

Before cleaning the hinges put down a towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. After the area has been secured and dry, clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices or tight areas.