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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
The majority of homeowners can fix a loose hinge. But, if the screw holes are stripped and can't hold screws, you may need to use wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.
Before you do this, however, brush away surface rust. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid base to grip into.
Take the Hinges off
Many standard door hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to remove the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. Removing the hinges is fairly easy for anyone with a little patience, but you need to know how to do it right.
If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if you don't take off the paint. To break the paint seal put the hinges into an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Allow the hinges to sit in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.
After the pins have been loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver was designed to grab screws made of steel and will make the project run much more quickly.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with a oil. A simple lubricant can help the process to go more quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. You can find this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.
You should also keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll require will vary based on the type of door and the settings. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might require just two or three.
Understanding the various types of hinges will help determine which one is suitable for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door and interior hinges have to be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes a door hinge will become looser over time and begin to hang out of alignment or slide. This can be a major issue, but the solution is usually easy. Most of the time it's a simple tightening of the screw will resolve the issue. However when the screw holes are ripped out, this may be more difficult to accomplish. Fortunately, there is a trick to get these holes back to their original size that uses a wood dowel.
Start 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"). Then use wood glue and a wooden dowel to fill in the hole. To ensure door hinges repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors , the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw and tighten it until you are satisfied with the degree of tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, you can insert another dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Make sure to close the door slowly so that you can verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.
You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. This will work as well, but may take some time to set up. Simply whittle a piece of wood to the proper size to ensure a secure fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool You can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edges of the doors when they are opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when installing hinges.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to grease it with a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. Apply a thin coat and give it approximately 15 minutes to penetrate the barrel of the hinge.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not yet ready to replace hinges, you could try a few easy fixes. The first step is to check whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws with a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws, because this can cause gaps to form at the trim joints or more seriously, tear out the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating and you want to reattach the plates by applying 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 attaching the hinge.
Another reason for hinges that are loose is that screws are worn out or missing. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with longer ones. Be sure to 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 once you've reattached your hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be approximately the thickness of a nickel all the way around or less if there's an existing gap caused by a door that was not properly hang. This should not be a problem if the hinges are correctly installed.
If the hinges seem loose, you can add a thicker hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and pounding it down with a hammer to make it tighter or use a new hinge pin altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and hold them in their place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The continuous movement of hinges creates friction, which attracts dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles get 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 will preserve the integrity and functionality of hinges on doors.
Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surfaces. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, clean any loose rust by using steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust removal solution be on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.
If you don't wish to spend the cost and time to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws can restore the hinges' functionality. It is possible, however, to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge when the screws have been stripped. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods that vary in lengths and sizes. You can buy them on the internet, at woodworking supply shops and at home improvement stores.
A shim could also be made from a piece of plastic or metal, depending on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel cut a piece made of wooden dowel or other sturdy material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel in a carpenter's glue and insert it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in place.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, put down a paper or cloth towel to shield floors and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After you have protected the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or a cloth that has been dipped in mild cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime. You can also remove tarnish, dirt, and grime. A small or toothbrush can be used to access hard-to-reach areas in crevices and tight places.