How to fix Door hinge a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. If the screw holes have been stripped and will not hold screws, you may require dowels and wood glue in order to reinstall the door hinge.

Before you do that though, brush away surface rust. This will help to keep the dowels in place and give them a solid foundation for them to grip onto.

Take the Hinges off

A lot of 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. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges, but you must be aware of what to do.

If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove it prior to trying to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will flake off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are completely submerged. Allow the hinges to sit in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off.

Once the pins are loose, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver was designed to grab screws made of metal and can make the work run much more quickly.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is recommended to spray them with a grease. A simple lubricant will help you to move the process along faster and make the removal of screws and pins easier. You can purchase this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges required will also depend on the kind of door you have and how it's set up. Heavy doors and solid-core bifold doors hinges will require more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors might only require two or three hinges.

Understanding the different types of hinges will help you determine which one is best for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are designed to withstand the weight of a door, but hinges for interior use must be able to support heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time the hinges on doors can become loose and start to sag or hang crookedly. This could be a problem however, it's usually simple to repair door frame hinge side. A simple retightening will usually solve the problem. However, if the screw holes are stripped out, this can be more difficult to do. There is a trick to make these holes back to their original size using a wooden dowel.

Start by drilling the hole using a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel must be cut at the same length as the screw. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired degree of tightness. If the door has a tendency to bind and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Be sure to shut the door slowly to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.

Another option is to use a wood plug instead of a dowel. This is also a viable option however it may take some time glass to glass hinges set up. You can use a piece of wood which has been cut to the right size. If you don't have a wooden tool, you can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches.

Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edges of the doors when they are opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screw when installing the hinge.

After you have reinstalled the double glazing hinge repairs, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could do a few simple repairs. The first step is to make sure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door and 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 can create gaps at the trim joints or worse, strip out the threads.

If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separating from the double glazing door hinges and jamb it is possible to reattach them by gluing wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will serve as a solid base for the screws and help keep the plates from moving when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.

The screws may also be smashed or gone. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with larger ones. Make sure the drill bit is exactly the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.

Close the door once you've reattached the hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be about the thickness of a nickel all around or less if there's a gap caused by a door that hung improperly. If the hinges were installed correctly, this should not be a problem.

If the hinges are still loose, you can add an extra thick hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more room. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and pounding it with a hammer to make it tighter or use the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. You can also lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to reduce friction and help them hold their position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The continuous movement of hinges causes friction, which attracts dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and build up over time. As a result the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection will preserve the integrity and functionality of hinges on a door.

Check the hinges for the accumulation of rust. If the rust is so bad 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're able to save the hinges, clean any loose rust with a wire brush and steel wool. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to remain on the hinges for several minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.

Retightening screws can help restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend money or time on replacing hinges. If you have stripped the screws however, it could be necessary to attach an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood that are in the form of rods that are available in various sizes and lengths. They can be purchased online, in woodworking supply stores and at home improvement stores.

You can also create an shim using either plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you are using. To make a dowel cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. Then, dip a dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and insert it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in the desired position.

Before cleaning the hinges, put down a piece of paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. After securing the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or a cloth dipped into mild cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime. You can also remove tarnish, dirt, and grime. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in tight spaces and crevices.