How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a loose door hinge can be a manageable task for most homeowners. If, however, the holes for screws are smashed and won't hold screws you might need to use wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.
Before you do this, however, brush away surface rust. This will aid in keeping the dowels in their place and provide an adequate base for them to grip onto.
Eliminating the Hinges
Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it simpler to move the door from one end of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off in the event of need. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges are painted you will need to remove the paint before attempting to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if don't remove the paint. Place the hinges into the stainless steel pot and fill it up with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.
Once the pins have been loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the door. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, but it is recommended to employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to take out metal screws and assist you in getting the task accomplished much faster.
It is a good idea to spray lubricant onto the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process go by more quickly and help you remove the pins and screws. This kind of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement shops.
The number of hinges required will also vary depending on the kind of door you have and the way it's installed. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three.
Understanding the different kinds of hinges will help decide which one is the best for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are designed to hold the weight of a door, while hinges for interior use must be able to support heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time, the hinges of doors may lose its grip and then begin to slide or hang crookedly. This can cause problems, but it's usually easy to repair. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will resolve the problem. However in the event that the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be more difficult to do. However, there is a method to make the holes back in place that uses a wood dowel.
Start by drilling out the hole from the previous one using an appropriate drill bit similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then, use a wood glue as well as a wooden dowel to fill in the hole. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to desired tightness. If the door continues to bind up, insert a second dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are correct.
You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. It's also possible, but may take some time to set up. You can use a piece of wood that has been whittled down to the proper size. If you don't have a wooden tool, you can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches.
Once you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller, so that it doesn't be able to rub against the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when replacing hinges.
After installing the hinge, lubricate the hinge with a dry lubricant. This will help to prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to soak into the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace hinges, you could try a few fixes. Make sure the screws that secure the hinge plate in place to the door frame and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws as this can cause gaps to form at the trim joints or worse, strip the threads.
If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door and jamb, you can fix them by applying wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide an solid foundation for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting as you push them in. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.
The screws could also be damaged or missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with longer ones. Make sure you use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.
Close the door after you've reattached your hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be around the thickness of one nickel all around, or less if there's an existing gap that was caused by a door that hung improperly. This should not be a problem as long as the hinges are installed correctly.
If you discover that the hinges are loose, try putting an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add an extra inch of space. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to decrease friction and aid in holding their place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also prolong their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
The constant movement of a hinge causes friction, which attracts dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and accumulate over time. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the quality of hinge on a door and ensure its proper operation.
Examine upvc window hinge repair repairmywindowsanddoors to determine how much rust has formed on their surfaces. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will require replacement of the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, begin by brushing away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then, apply an industrial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution be on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
If you do not want to spend money and time replacing hinges, tightening the screws will bring back the hinge's functionality. If you've stripped the screws' holes however, it could be necessary to add an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are square pieces made of wood in the shape of rods that are available in varying sizes and lengths. You can purchase them on the internet, at woodworking supply stores and home improvement centers.
You can also make an shim out of either plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you own. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the stripped hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the right position.
Before cleaning the hinges, put down a piece of paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. After the area is secured then clean the hinges with a soft cloth or sponge coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to remove built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in crevices or tight areas.