How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a door hinge that is loose is a simple task for most homeowners. But, if the screw holes are stripped and aren't able to hold screws, you may need to use wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.
Clean up any surface rust. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and give them a solid base for them to grip onto.
Remove the Hinges
Most hinges on doors are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the next or to remove the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. Removing the hinges is fairly easy for anyone with a little patience, although you need to know how do it correctly.
If the hinges are painted, you'll need to get rid of the paint prior to trying to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if don't take off the paint. Put the hinges in the 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 about 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.
Once the pins have been loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this job. This type of screwdriver is designed to grab screws made of steel and make the task speed up.
It is a good practice to spray lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the screws and pins. You can find this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.
You should also keep in mind that the number of hinges you will need will differ based on the door's type and the configurations. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges whereas lighter and hollow-cored doors may only need two or three.
It is also important to be aware of the various kinds of hinges so you can decide which one will work best in your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door and interior hinges need to be able to support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes a door hinge will become looser over time and begin to hang in a crooked manner or sag. This can be a major issue, but the solution is usually easy. Most of the time an easy 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 accomplish. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten these holes once more.
Start by drilling out the hole you had previously made using a drill bit that is similar 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 exactly the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Install the screw again and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door continues to have 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 ensure the clearances around the perimeter are correct.
Another option is to just make use of an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. This will work as well however it will take a bit longer to install. You can tap in a piece of wood that has been whittled to the proper size. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking You can use toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.
Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edges of the doors when they are opened and closed. This will allow you to tighten the screw prior to installing the hinge.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to coat it using a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can make a few repairs. Make sure the screws that hold the hinge plate to the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them using a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to over tighten the screws as this can create gaps at the trim joints or worse, strip the threads.
If the problem is the hinge plates are breaking, you can reattach the plates by putting wood glue to the back of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. The dowels or toothpicks provide a solid base for the screws and help keep the plates from moving when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.
Another common cause of loose hinges is that screws are worn out or gone. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Make sure repair window hinges use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.
Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and check the gap between the door and the frame. It should be around the thickness of a nickel all the way around or less if there's a gap created by a previous door that hung improperly. If the hinges were set up properly, this shouldn't be a problem.
If you discover that the hinges are loose, try putting 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 troublesome hinge and pounding it with a hammer in order to make it tighter or using an entirely new hinge pin. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to decrease friction and assist in keeping their place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction generated by a hinge's constant movement attracts dust particles. These particles may get 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 may get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections can maintain the quality of hinge on a door and ensure its proper function.
Check the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surface. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace them. If you're able to save the hinges, clean any loose rust using steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution be on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
If you don't want to spend time and money to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws will restore the hinges' functionality. It is possible, however, to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge when the screws have been degraded. Wooden dowels are round pieces made of wood in the shape of rods, which are available in various lengths and sizes. You can buy them on the internet, at woodworking supply stores and home improvement stores.
A shim may also be made from a piece of metal or plastic, depending on the kind of hinge you've got. 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 in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the hole that you have stripped and let the glue hold the dowel in place.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After securing the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth that has been dipped in mild cleaner to get rid of dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and difficult areas.