Why We Love Fix Door Hinge (And You Should Also!)

How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a door hinge that is loose can be a doable job for the majority of homeowners. But, if the screw holes are stripped and aren't able to hold screws, you might have to add wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.

Brush away any surface that has rust. This will help keep the dowels in place and give them a solid base for them to rest on.

Removal of the Hinges

Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move doors from one side of the frame to the other side or take the entire door off in the event of need. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges, but you need to know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove it before you attempt to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may peel off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. To break the seal put the hinges in a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges locks are fully submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.

Once the pins are removed, take the hinges and the frame from the door. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, however it is recommended that you make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to take out metal screws and will aid you in getting the job done much faster.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is recommended to spray them with a oil. A simple lubricant can make the process to go more quickly and make it easier to remove the screws and pins. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.

Keep in mind that the number of door casement windows hinges you will need will differ based on the kind of door and its setting. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will need more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors may only require two or three hinges.

Understanding the different kinds of hinges will help you decide which one is the best for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the door's weight and interior hinges need to be able to support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes a door hinge will get looser and eventually begin to hang crookedly or slide. This can be a major problem, but the fix is usually easy. A simple retightening will usually solve the problem. However in the event that the screw holes are ripped out, this may be more difficult to do. A wood dowel can be used to tighten the holes once more.

Begin by drilling the old hole with a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length the same as the screw to ensure a snug fit. Then, you can reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, add another dowel to the gap. Repeat the procedure. Be sure to shut the door slowly in order to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.

You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. This will work equally well, but may take a little longer to put in. You can tap in a piece of wood that has been whittled to the right size. If you don't have a woodworking instrument, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.

After you've reinstalled your new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it does not touch the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will allow you to tighten the screw prior to reinstalling the hinge.

Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to grease it using a dry lubricant to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent options. Apply a thin coat and give it around 15 minutes to fully reach the hinge barrel.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not yet ready to replace hinges, you could try a few fixes. The first step is to check that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to appear at the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.

If the problem is the hinge plates are breaking they can be reattached to the plates by putting wood glue on the side of them and inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will give a solid foundation for the screws and help to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Allow the glue time to dry before reattaching your hinge.

The screws can also be smashed or gone. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with larger ones. 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 hinge or jamb.

After you've reattached your hinge shut the door and look at 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 an existing gap that was caused by a previous door that hung improperly. This should not be a problem if hinges are installed correctly.

If the hinges are still loose, you can add an extra thick hinge between the hinge plate's surface and the mounting surface. This will give the window hinges replacement a little more room. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and then pounding it with a hammer in order to make it tighter or using the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and help them hold their place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction stay hinges created by a hinge's constant movement attracts dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and then build up over time. As a result, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance could be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can help preserve the integrity of a hinge on a door handles and hinges ensure its proper function.

Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has built up on their surfaces. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, clean any loose rust using wire brush and steel wool. Then apply a commercial rust remover or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover sit on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

If you do not want to spend time and money to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. It might be necessary to attach a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge when the screws have been stripped. Dowels made of wood are round pieces made of wood in the shape of rods that are available in different sizes and lengths. You can purchase them on the internet, at woodworking supply shops and home improvement centers.

A shim can be made of a piece of plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, you need to cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. You can dip the dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and insert it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in place.

Before you start cleaning the hinges, place down a cloth or paper towel to shield floors and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After you have protected the area then clean the hinges using a soft sponge or 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 narrow spots.