Be On The Lookout For: How Fix Door Hinge Is Taking Over And How To Stop It

How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a door hinge that is loose is a simple task for most homeowners. However, if the holes for screws are smashed and won't hold screws you might need to put in wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.

Remove any surface rust. This will help to keep the dowels in their place and provide a solid base to hold onto.

Removal of 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 take the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. It is easy for anyone with patience, although you need to know how do it properly.

If the hinges are painted, you'll need to get rid of the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could be smashed off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges into a stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to get rid of the pins.

After the pins have been removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended that you use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab screws made of metal and will help you get the job done much faster.

It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant can help the process to go more quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.

Keep in mind that the number of hinges you will need will differ based on the door's type and the configurations. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges while lighter and hollow-cored doors may only need two or three.

It is also essential to be aware of the various kinds of hinges to determine which ones work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the weight of the door and interior hinges require to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, a door hinge can become loose and start to sag or hang crookedly. This could be a problem but is usually easy to solve. In most cases an easy tightening of the screw will solve the issue. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it could be difficult to do. A wood dowel can be used to tighten the holes once more.

Start by drilling out the old hole using the drill bit that is close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then use a wood glue and a dowel made of wood to fill in the hole. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel should be cut to the same length as the screw. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired level of tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, add another dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Be sure to close the door slowly so that you can check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.

You could also use a wood plug in place of the dowel. This will work similarly, but it may take a little longer to set up. You can tap in a piece of wood that has been whittled down to the right size. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.

Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors when they are opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws after installing hinges.

After reinstalling the hinge, make sure to lubricate the hinge using an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a thin coat and allow it to take approximately 15 minutes to get into the hinge barrel.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few simple fixes. The first step is to check that the screws holding the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they are loose, tighten them by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws so much that they create gaps in the trim joints, or even worse remove the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are separated from the door and jamb it is possible to reattach them by gluing wood glue to the back of the plates, and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes.  www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk  or dowels will give a solid foundation for the screws and keep the plates from moving when you drive them into position. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.

Another reason for loose hinges is that the screws are damaged or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with larger ones. Be sure to use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.

Close the door once you've reattached the hinge and examine the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be the thickness of a penny or less if an old door was not hung correctly. This shouldn't be a problem as long as the hinges are installed correctly.

If you notice that the hinges are still loose, you can try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give some extra space. You can also remove the hinge pin and pound it down with a powerful hammer to tighten it up or choose a new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to lessen friction and help them hold their position. Lubricating your hinges frequently will help stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky and can also prolong their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The continuous movement of hinges creates friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges that are attached to doors.

Check the hinges for corrosion. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will require replacement of the hinges. If you can save the hinges, remove any loose rust with a steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover remain on the hinge for a few minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.

If you don't wish to spend the time and money to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. It may be necessary to attach an shim of wood or a dowel to the hinge if the screw holes have been stripped. Dowels made of wood come in round rods of varying lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.

You can also create a shim from a piece made of plastic or metal depending on the type hinge you are using. To make a dowel cut a piece of wood dowel or other sturdy material to the size you want. You can then dip a dowel in carpenter's glue and place it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in the position.

Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. After the area is secured, proceed to clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to remove built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices or tight areas.