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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Repairing a broken door hinge is a simple task for the majority of homeowners. If, however, the screw holes are damaged and aren't able to hold screws, you may need to add dowels and wood glue before you can put back the hinge.

Before you do this, however you should clean off any surface corrosion. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid foundation to grip into.

Remove the Hinges

Most hinges on doors are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to take the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges but you must be aware of what to do.

If the hinges are painted, you'll need to get rid of the paint before attempting to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if don't remove the paint. Put the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off.

After the pins are loosening then you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this task. This type of screwdriver is specially designed to pick up screws made of metal and will assist you in getting the task done much faster.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with oil. A simple lubricant can help you to move the process along faster and make the removal of pins and screws more easily. This type of lubricant can be found in most hardware stores and home improvement shops.

The number of hinges needed will also depend on the kind of door you have, and how it's set up. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors might require just two or three.

Understanding the various types of hinges can help you decide which one is the best for your needs. Exterior hinges are designed to hold the weight of a door, but interior hinges must be able support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time the hinges on doors can loosen and begin to hang crooked or sag. This can be a problem however, it's usually simple to solve. Retightening the screw will typically resolve the issue. However, if the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult to do. A wood dowel can be used to tighten the holes once more.

Start by drilling the old hole using a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then, you can use wood glue and a dowel made of wood to fill the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length that is similar to the screw to ensure a snug fit. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired tightness. If the door still has the tendency to be bowed and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the perimeter clearances are correct.

You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. It works equally well, but may take a bit longer to set up. Simply whittle a piece of wood that is the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a tool for woodworking You can also use toothpicks or wooden matches.

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 edge of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screws after reinstalling hinges.

Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to grease it with a dry lubricant in order to prevent 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 penetrate the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few fixes. Make sure the screws that hold the hinge plate to both the door frame and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, as this can cause gaps to appear at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads.





If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating from the jamb and door, you can reattach them by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will give a solid foundation for the screws and prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching your hinge.

door hinge repairs filton Repair My Windows And Doors could also be smashed or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Use a drill bit that is similar to the size of the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.

After you've reattached your hinge close the door and check the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an older door was not properly hung. If the hinges were put in place properly, this shouldn't be an issue.

If you find that the hinges remain loose, try putting an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give some extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin and pound it down with a heavy hammer in order to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and assist in keeping their position. Lubricating your hinges periodically will help stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky and also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction caused by a hinge's constant movement attracts 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 become stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection will preserve the functionality and quality of hinges on a door.

Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surface. If the rust is so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, clean any loose rust with a steel wool and wire brush. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust remover to sit on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

Retightening screws can restore hinge function If you don't wish to spend time or money on replacing hinges. If you've stripped the screws however, it could be necessary to add an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood come in round rods of various lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement centers or woodworking supply shops, or on the internet.

You can also create an shim using metal or plastic depending on the type hinge you have. To make a dowel, you need to 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 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 then clean the hinges using a soft cloth or sponge coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in crevices and tight areas.