How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

The majority of homeowners can fix a loose hinge. If the screw holes are shattered and do not hold screws, you could need to use dowels and wood glue to put back in the hinge.

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

Removal of the Hinges

Many standard pvc door hinges hinges can be removed, making it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the other side or remove the entire door in the event of need. Removing the hinges is fairly simple for anyone with a little patience, but you need to know how to do it correctly.

If the hinges are painted, you will need to remove the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may peel off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. Put the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.

After the pins are loosening, you can remove the hinges from the frame and 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 task. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up screws made of metal and will help you get the job completed much quicker.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with some grease. A simple lubricant can help you move the process along faster and make the removal of screws and pins easier. You can find this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges you need will also depend on the kind of door you have and how it's installed. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will require more hinges while hollow-core doors that weigh less might only require two or three hinges.

It is also important to know the various types of hinges to determine which ones be the most effective for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the door's weight and interior hinges have to be able to support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time the hinges on doors can become loose and start to slide or hang crookedly. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually quite simple. Most of the time it's a simple tightening of the screw will resolve the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it may be difficult to fix. Fortunately, there is a method to make these holes back to their original size that uses a wood dowel.

Start by drilling out the old hole using a drill bit that is close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to desired tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, add another dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are in order.

You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. This is also a viable option, but may take some time to set up. You can use the wood piece that has been whittled to the right size. If you don't have a wooden tool you could also try using toothpicks or wooden matches.

Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of the screw after you have reinstalled it. This will prevent the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors when they are opened and closed. This will allow you to tighten the screw when reinstalling the hinge.

Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to lubricate it using a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good options. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to do a few simple repairs. The first step is to make sure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the frame and double glazing door hinges are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten your screws so tight that they cause gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.

If the problem is that the hinge plates are separating from the door and jamb it is possible to reattach them by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will give a solid foundation for the screws and keep the plates from moving when you drive them into place. Let the glue dry before reattaching your hinge.

The screws may also be smashed or gone. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or upvc window hinge replacement.

Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an old door was hung incorrectly. If the hinges were set up properly, this shouldn't be an issue.

If the hinges still seem loose, you can add a stronger window hinge repairs between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more room. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer to tighten it or use the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and help them hold their position. Lubricating your hinges frequently will help prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also extend their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

A hinge's continuous movement creates friction, which draws dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and accumulate over time. As a result the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections can maintain the integrity of a hinged door and ensure their proper function.

Examine the hinges for rust accumulation. If the rust has corroded to the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll require replacement of the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust with a wire brush and steel wool. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover sit on the hinge for a few minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining rust.

The tightening of screws can restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend time or money on repairing hinges. It is possible to attach an shim of wood or a dowel to the upvc window Hinge replacement cost when the screws have been degraded. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods that vary in lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement centers or woodworking supply shops, or online.

A shim can be made of plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a piece of wooden dowel or other sturdy material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the right position.

Before cleaning the hinges, put down a cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After you have protected the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth dipped into mild cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime. You can also remove tarnish, dirt, and grime. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices and tight areas.