How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a loose door hinge can be a manageable task for the majority of homeowners. If the screw holes have been stripped and will not hold screws, you could require dowels and wood glue to Fix Door Hinge the door hinge.

Before you do this, however scrub away any the surface corrosion. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid base to rest on.

Remove the Hinges

A variety of door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the other side or take the entire door off if necessary. Anyone with a little 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 do not remove the paint. To break the seal put the hinges into a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to remove.

After the pins have been removed, take the hinges and the frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this project. This type of screwdriver was created to remove screws made of metal and will make the project speed up.

It is a good practice to spray some lubricant on the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process go by more quickly and aid in the removal of the screws and pins. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in most hardware stores and home improvement stores.

The number of repair window hinges you need will also vary depending on what type of door you have and how it's set up. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might only require two or three.

Understanding the different types of hinges will help you decide which one is the best for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to hold the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges need to be able support lighter loads.

Reattaching the aluminium window hinges

Over time, a door hinge can loosen and begin to slide or hang crookedly. This can be a major problem, but the fix is usually quite simple. In most cases an easy tightening of the screw will fix the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it could be difficult to fix. A wood dowel could be used to tighten these holes once more.

Begin by drilling out the old hole using the 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. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw and tighten it until you are satisfied with the tightness. If the door still has an tendency to get stuck the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct.

Another option is to utilize the wood plug instead of dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a bit longer to put in. You can use a piece of wood that has been whittled down to the right size. If you don't own an instrument for woodworking, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.

Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of the screw after you have reinstalled it. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors as they are opened and closed. This will aid in tightening the screw prior to reinstalling the hinge.

Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coat and give it about 15 minutes to fully get into the hinge barrel.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few simple fixes. Check that the screws that attach the hinge plate to the door frame and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to tighten the screws so much that they start to create gaps in the trim joints, or even worse, strip the threads.

If the problem is the hinge plates are splitting and you want to reattach the plates by putting wood glue on the side of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will serve as a solid base for the screws and help to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Allow the glue time to dry before you can reattach your hinge.

The screws could also be smashed or gone. This problem can be fixed 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 hinge or jamb.

Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and examine the gap between the frame and the door. It should be around the thickness of one nickel all the way around or less if there's a gap caused by a previous composite door hinge replacement that was not properly hung. If the hinges were put in place properly, this shouldn't be a problem.

If you find that the hinges are loose, try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create a little extra space. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer in order to tighten it or use the hinge of a different type. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to decrease friction and help them hold their position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.

Cleaning the window hinges replacement

The friction created by the hinge's constant motion attracts dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and then build up over time. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will maintain the quality and function of hinges that are attached to doors.

Examine the hinges for signs of the accumulation of rust. If the rust has become so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace them. If you are able to save the hinges, first brush away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then apply a commercial 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 any remaining rust.

Retightening screws can help restore hinge function If you don't wish to spend time or money on replacing hinges. If you've sanded the screws' holes however, it might be necessary to add a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood come in round rods of various sizes and lengths. They are available at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.

A shim can be made of metal or plastic, depending on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the hole that you have stripped and let the glue hold the dowel in the desired position.

Before cleaning the hinges put down a paper cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After protecting the area then clean the hinges using a soft sponge or a cloth dipped into mild cleaner to get rid of dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach hard-to-reach areas in crevices and difficult spots.