How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

The majority of homeowners can fix a loose hinge. But, if the screw holes are stripped and can't hold screws, you may need to put in dowels and wood glue before you can reinstall the hinge.

Clean up any surface that has rust. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to grip into.

Remove the Hinges

Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to another or take the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges, but you must be aware of what to do.

If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if you do not remove the paint. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges into a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off.

Once the pins have been loosened, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up metal screws and help you get the job accomplished much faster.

It is a good practice to spray lubricant on the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant can help you accelerate the process and make the removal of pins and screws with ease. 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'll require will vary based on the door's type and its settings. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges while hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only need two or three.

Understanding the different types of hinges will help you determine which one is best for your needs. Exterior hinges are designed to withstand the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges must be able support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, the hinges of doors may become loose and start to hang crooked or sag. This can be a major issue, but the solution is usually simple. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will solve the problem. However in the event that the screw holes are ripped out, this can be more difficult to do. A wood dowel could be used to tighten the holes once more.

Start by drilling out the hole you had previously made using the drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then, use a wood glue as well as a wooden dowel to fill the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length that is the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Install the screw again and tighten it until you are satisfied with the level of tightness. If the door continues to have an tendency to get stuck, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct.

You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a bit longer to install. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.

After you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it does not rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws when reinstalling replacement hinges for upvc windows.

After reinstalling the hinge, make sure to lubricate the window hinge repairs using a dry lubricant. This will prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a thin coat and wait for approximately 15 minutes to penetrate the hinge barrel.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few fixes. Verify that the screws that hold the hinge plate in place to the door frame and the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not to over tighten the screws as this could create gaps at the trim joints or worse, strip the threads.

If the problem is that the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door, you can reattach them by gluing wood glue to the back of the plates, and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide a solid base for the screws, preventing the plates from moving as you insert them. Allow the glue to dry before you can reattach your hinge.

Another reason for hinges that are loose is that screws are worn out or 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 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 door and the frame. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an old door was not hung correctly. This should not be a problem if the hinges are properly installed.

If you discover that the hinges are still loose, try putting the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add a little extra space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it with a hammer to make it tighter or use the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. You can also lubricate the awning window hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to decrease friction and aid in holding their position. Lubricating your hinges frequently will keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also extend their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

A hinge's continuous movement creates friction, which attracts dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles become 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 can maintain the quality of a hinge on a door and ensure its proper operation.

Check the hinges for corrosion. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will need to replace upvc window hinge the hinges. If you can save the hinges, you should first clean away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to sit on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

Retightening screws can help restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend time or money on repairing hinges. It may be necessary, however, to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge when the screws have been degraded. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood in the form of rods, which are available in varying sizes and lengths. They can be purchased online, at woodworking supply stores and home improvement centers.

A shim can be made of plastic or metal, depending on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, you need to cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the cut 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 has been secured and dry, clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to remove built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and difficult spots.