How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
The majority of homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. If the screws' holes have been smashed and will not hold screws, you could need to use dowels and wood glue in order to reinstall the hinge.
Before you do this, however, brush away the surface corrosion. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid base to grip into.
Take off the Hinges
Many hinges for doors can be removed, making it simpler to move the door from one end of the frame to the other or remove the entire door when needed. Removing the hinges is fairly simple for anyone with patience, though you do need to know how do it properly.
If the hinges are painted you'll need to take off the paint before attempting to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will peel off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. To break the paint seal put the hinges in an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.
After the pins are loosening then you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this project. This type of screwdriver is specially designed to pick up metal screws and will assist you in getting the task completed much quicker.
It is a good practice to spray lubricant onto the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process to go more quickly and make it easier to remove the screws and pins. This type of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement stores.
It is important to keep in mind that the number of hinges you will need will differ based on the door's type and its settings. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors may only require two or three.
Understanding the various types of hinges can help you determine which one is suitable for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the weight of the door and interior hinges need to be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, the hinges on doors become looser over time and begin to hang crookedly or slide. This could be a problem, but it's usually easy to repair. A simple retightening will usually resolve the issue. However in door hinge repair wokingham that the screw holes have been stripped out, this may be more difficult to accomplish. A wood dowel can be used to tighten these holes again.
Start by drilling out the old hole using an appropriate drill bit close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length similar to the screw to ensure a tight fit. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired level of tightness. If the door continues to have the tendency to be bowed the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Be sure to shut the door slowly to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.
Another option is to utilize an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. This is also a viable option however it may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a piece of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool you could also use toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will stop the screw from hitting the edges of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will allow you to tighten the screw prior to you are reinstalling the hinge.
After you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent alternatives. You should apply a thin coat and allow it to take about 15 minutes to fully get into the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could make a few minor repairs. Check that the screws that secure the hinge plate to both the door frame as well as the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not too tighten the screws, as this can create gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip 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 inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will give a solid foundation for the screws and to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge.
The screws may also be smashed or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Use a drill bit that is similar to the size of the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
After you've reattached your hinge, close the door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be the thickness of a penny all around or less if an older door was hung incorrectly. This should not be a problem as long as the hinges are installed correctly.
If you discover that the hinges remain 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 try removing the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and then pounding it using a hammer to make it more secure or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba to reduce 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
A hinge's continuous movement creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles can become stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. As a result the hinge can become stiff and creaky, and its appearance can be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can preserve the quality of a hinged door and ensure their proper function.
Examine the hinges for signs of the accumulation of rust. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, clean any loose rust with a steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust removal solution remain on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.
If you don't want to spend the time and money to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. It may be necessary, however, to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge in the event that the screws have been degraded. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods of varying lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.
A shim may 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 wooden dowel to the desired length. You can dip the dowel in carpenter's glue and insert it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in place.
Before cleaning the hinges put down a paper cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. After the area is secured and dry, clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices or tight areas.