How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
The majority of homeowners can fix a loose hinge. But, if the screw holes are damaged and aren't able to hold screws, you may need to use wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.
Brush away any surface corrosion. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid foundation to grip into.
Removing the Hinges
Many hinges for doors can be removed, which makes it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off if necessary. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges however, you must know what to do.
If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will flake off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges in an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to remove.
Once the pins are loosened, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is specially designed to pick up metal screws and will help you get the job done much faster.
It is a good practice to spray lubricant on the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process to go more quickly and aid in the removal of the screws and pins. This kind of lubricant can be found in most hardware stores and home improvement shops.
Keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll need will vary based on the type of door and its settings. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will need more hinges, while hollow-core doors that weigh less might only require two or three hinges.
It is also essential to know the various types of hinges to determine which ones work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are designed to hold the weight of a door, whereas hinges for interior use must be able support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time, the hinges of doors may lose its grip and then begin to slide or hang crookedly. It can be a big issue, but the solution is usually quite simple. Most of the time it's a simple tightening of the screw will resolve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult to do. A wood dowel can be used to tighten these holes again.
Begin by drilling out the hole from the previous one using a drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. upvc door hinge repair should be cut to a length the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to desired level of tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, you can insert another dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the clearances around the perimeter are correct.
You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. This is also a viable option however it may take some time to put in. You can tap in a piece of wood that has been whittled to the proper size. If you don't have a wooden tool, you can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Make use of 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 edges of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will allow you to tighten the screw prior to you are reinstalling the hinge.
After installing the hinge again, you should apply lubrication to the hinge using dry lubricant. This will prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. 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 easy fixes. Make sure the screws that hold the hinge plate to both the door frame and the frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten them using a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so tight that they begin to create gaps at the trim joints or, even more damagingly, strip the threads.
If the problem is the hinge plates are separating they can be reattached to the plates by applying wood glue to the side of them and inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create a solid foundation for the screws, and prevent the plates from shifting as you insert them. Allow the glue to dry before you can reattach your hinge.
Another common cause of loose hinges is that screws are worn out or are missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. 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 jamb or hinge.
After you've reattached your hinge, close the door and check the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about 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 properly installed.
If you discover that the hinges remain loose, try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give a little extra space. You can also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it down using a hammer to make it more secure or using the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and hold them in place. Lubricating your hinges regularly will prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and can also prolong their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction caused by the hinge's constant motion draws dust particles. Without regular cleaning and lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and build up over time. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will maintain the quality and function of hinges on a door.
Check the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surfaces. If the rust has corroded to the point of damaging 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 with a steel wool and wire brush. Then, apply a commercial rust remover or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust removal solution be on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
If you do not want to spend cost and time to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws can restore the hinges' functionality. If you have stripped the screw holes, however, it may be necessary to add the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods which are available in different lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.
A shim could also be made from plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can dip the dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and then insert it into the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in the desired position.
Before cleaning the hinges, put down a cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected then clean the hinges with a soft sponge or 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.