How to Fix door Hinge a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can fix a loose hinge. If, however, the screw holes are stripped and won't hold screws you may need to add wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.

Brush away any surface corrosion. This will help to keep the dowels in their place and provide a solid foundation for them to rest on.

Removal of the Hinges

Many standard door hinges are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the next or take the entire door off the frame should it be needed. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges, however, you must know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove it before you attempt to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may peel off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges into a stainless steel dish 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 and make it easier to remove the pins.

Once the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but you should use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver was created to remove screws made of metal and can make the work run much more quickly.

It is a good practice to spray lubricant onto the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will allow you move the process along faster and remove the pins and screws more easily. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in most hardware stores and home improvement stores.

You should also keep in mind that the number of hinges you will need will vary based on the kind of door and the configurations. Heavier bifold doors hinges and solid-core bi-fold doors hinges will require more hinges while hollow-core doors that weigh less may only require two or three hinges.

It is also crucial to understand the different types of hinges in order to determine which ones best suit your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a door, but interior hinges need to be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes a door hinge will loosen over time and start to hang out of alignment or slide. This can cause problems but is usually easy to solve. Most of the time it's a simple tightening of the screw will resolve the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it could be difficult to do. A wood dowel can be used to tighten the holes once more.

Start by drilling out the old hole using an appropriate drill bit close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then, you can use a wood glue as well as a wooden dowel to fill in the hole. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired level of tightness. If the door still has an tendency to get stuck and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Be sure to close the door slowly in order to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.

Another option is to use the wood plug instead of a dowel. This will work just as well but might take a little longer to install. 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 could also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

After you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it does not rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screw after reinstalling the hinge.

After installing the hinge, lubricate the upvc window hinge problems with a dry lubricant. This will prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. You should apply a thin coat and allow it to take about 15 minutes to fully get into the hinge barrel.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could make a few repairs. Check that the screws that hold the hinge plate to the door frame as well as the frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws using a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws so tight that they begin to create gaps in the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.

If the problem is that the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door and jamb, you can fix them by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks give a solid foundation for the screws and help keep the plates from moving when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.

The screws may also be smashed or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Make sure you use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.

Close the door after you've reattached the hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be the thickness of a penny all around or less if an old door was not hung correctly. If the hinges were put in place correctly, this shouldn't be an issue.

If the hinges seem loose, try adding a stronger hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problem upvc window hinge replacement and then pounding it with a hammer to make it more secure or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to reduce friction and assist in keeping their position. Lubricating your hinges periodically will prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and can also prolong their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

A hinge's continuous movement causes friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles can get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection will preserve the integrity and functionality of hinges that are attached to doors.

Check the hinges for rust accumulation. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you should first clean off loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or homemade solutions like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution sit on the hinges for a few minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

Retightening screws can help restore hinge function if you don't want to spend money or time on repairing hinges. If you've stripped the screws' holes however, it could be necessary to add a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood in the form of rods which are available in varying lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement centers or woodworking supply shops, or online.

You can also create an shim out of either plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or any other durable material to the desired size. Then, dip a dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and insert it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in the desired position.

Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a towel or a paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After you have protected the area then clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth coated with mild cleaner to get rid of dirt, grime, and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to access difficult-to-reach places in crevices and difficult places.