How to Fix Door hinge a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a door Fix door hinge hinge that is loose can be a doable job for most homeowners. If, however, the holes for screws are smashed and won't hold screws you may need to use wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.

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

Take off the Hinges

Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door hinge repair from one side to the other or to remove the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges, however, you must know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off it prior to trying to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if you do not remove the paint. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges into a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until 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.

After the pins are loosening and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the door and frame. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended that you employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab metal screws and will aid you in getting the job accomplished much faster.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with lubricant. A simple lubricant will help the process go by more quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. You can find this type of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.

Keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll need will vary depending on the type of door and its setting. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only need two or three.

It is also important to be aware of the various kinds of hinges so you can determine which ones will best suit your needs. Exterior hinges are designed to hold the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges need to be able support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time the hinges on doors can become loose and start to hang crooked or sag. This could be a problem but is usually easy to fix. A simple retightening will usually solve the problem. However in the event that the screw holes are stripped out, this may be more difficult to do. A wood dowel could be used to tighten the holes once more.

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"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the double glazed door hinges does not stop bind up, you can insert another dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Make sure to close the door slowly to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.

Another option is to use an old-fashioned wood plug instead of dowel. It will work similarly, but it may take a bit longer to install. You can use a piece of wood that has been whittled to the proper size. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of 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's open and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when installing hinges.

After you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer and allow it to soak into the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few easy fixes. The first step is to check whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten the screws with a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws so tight that they start to create gaps in the trim joints or, even more damagingly remove the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are breaking they can be reattached to the plates by applying wood glue to the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in 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 the holes. Allow the glue to dry before you can reattach your hinge.

The screws could also be damaged or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with longer ones. Be sure to use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.

Close the door after you've reattached the hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an old door was hung incorrectly. If the hinges were put in place correctly, this shouldn't be an issue.

If you discover that the hinges are still loose, try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give some extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin and pound it down with a heavy hammer in order to tighten it, or install the hinge of a different type. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and keep them in their place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction created by the constant movement of a hinge draws dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of upvc door hinge types hinges if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will become stiff and creaky, and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will ensure the quality and function of hinges on a door.

Examine the hinges for corrosion. If the rust has corroded to the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust by using wire brush and steel wool. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Allow the rust remover to sit on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

If you don't wish to spend money and time replacing hinges, tightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. It is possible to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge when the screws have been shaved. Dowels made of wood come in round rods that vary in sizes and lengths. They are available at home improvement stores or woodworking supply shops, or online.

A shim can be made of a piece of plastic or metal, depending on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel, you need to cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. Then, dip a dowel in carpenter's glue and insert it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in place.

Before you start cleaning the hinges, put down a cloth or paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to remove built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices and tight areas.