How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a loose door hinge can be a doable job for most homeowners. If the screws' holes have been stripped and will not hold screws, you might need to use wood glue and dowels to put back in the hinge.

Clean up any surface that has rust. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid base to rest on.

Eliminating the Hinges

A lot of door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the next 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 must be aware of what to do.

If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off it before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will flake off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. Place the hinges into a stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off.

After the pins are loosening then you can remove the hinges from the door and frame. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended that you use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver was designed to remove screws made of metal and make the task go much faster.

It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process go by more quickly and make it easier to remove the pins and screws. You can find this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges needed will also depend on what type of door you have, and how it's installed. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will need more hinges, while hollow-core doors that weigh less might only require two or three hinges.

Understanding the different kinds of hinges can help you determine which one is best for your situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the door's weight, while interior hinges will require to handle lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes a door hinge will become looser over time and begin to hang out of alignment or sag. This can be a problem but is usually easy to repair. A simple retightening will usually resolve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes are ripped out, it can 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 old hole with a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then, you can use wood glue and a wooden dowel to fill in the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length that is exactly the same as the screw to ensure a snug fit. Install the screw again and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, insert a second dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Make sure to close the door slowly in order to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.

Another option is to just utilize the wood plug instead of a dowel. It works equally well, but may take a bit longer to put in. You can tap in the wood piece that has been whittled to the right size. If you don't have a woodworking tool, you can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

Once you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it does not be able to rub against the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will allow you to tighten the screw prior to installing the hinge.

After you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to lubricate it with a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer of it 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 are able to do a few simple repairs. Check that the screws that secure the hinge plate in place to the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them with a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, because this can cause gaps to form at the trim joints or worse, strip the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating, you can reattach the plates by putting wood glue to the back of them and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks give a solid foundation for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into place. Let the glue dry before reattaching the double glazing window Hinge repairs.

The screws can also be smashed or gone. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Use a drill that is the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the hinge or jamb.

After you've reattached your hinge shut the door and check the gap between the door and the frame. It should be approximately the thickness of a nickel all the way around, or less if there's a gap created by a previous door that was not properly hung. If the hinges were installed correctly, this should not be a problem.

If the hinges seem loose, you can add a stronger hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more space. You can also try removing the double glazed window hinge repair pin from the troublesome hinge and then pounding it using a hammer to make it tighter or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to decrease friction and assist in keeping their place. Lubricating your hinges regularly can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The continuous movement of hinges creates friction hinges, which attracts dust particles. These particles can get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will become stiff and creaky, and its appearance could rapidly diminish. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will ensure the functionality and quality of hinges on doors.

Check the hinges for the accumulation of rust. 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 have to replace window hinges the hinges. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to be on the hinges for several minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

If you don't wish to spend money and time replacing hinges, tightening the screws will restore the hinges' functionality. If you've stripped the screws, however, it may be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood come in round rods that vary in sizes and lengths. You can buy them on the internet, at woodworking supply stores and at home improvement stores.

A shim can be made of a piece of plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can dip the dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and place it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in the position.

Before you start cleaning the hinges, place down a paper or cloth towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After the area has been secured and dry, clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to reach hard-to-reach areas in crevices and tight places.