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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

The majority of homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. But, if the screw holes are damaged and aren't able to hold screws, you might need to use dowels and wood glue before you can put back the hinge.

Brush away any surface rust. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to rest on.

Take the Hinges off

Many hinges for doors can be removed, making it easier to move doors from one side of the frame to the other or remove the entire door in the event of need. Removing the hinges is fairly easy for anyone with a little patience, though you do need to know how to do it properly.

If the hinges are painted, you will need to remove the paint prior to trying to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if you don't remove the paint. Put the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.

After the pins have been loosen, you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but you should use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver was designed to remove screws made of steel and can make the work run much more quickly.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is recommended to spray them with lubricant. A simple lubricant can make the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. You can find this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges required will also vary depending on what type of door you have and how it's installed. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three.

Understanding the different types of hinges will help you determine which one is best for your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to hold the weight of a door, but interior hinges must be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes a door hinge will get looser and eventually begin to hang crookedly or slide. This can cause problems, but it's usually easy to solve. Most of the time, a simple retightening of the screw will solve the problem. However when the screw holes are ripped out, this may be more difficult. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten the holes again.

Begin by drilling the old hole using a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Then, use a wood glue as well as a wooden dowel to fill the hole. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel should be cut to the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, insert a second dowel to the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are correct.

You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. This will work as well however it 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 own an instrument for woodworking You can use toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.

Once you have reinstalled the new screw and countersink the screw, you can use a countersink tool to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it won't be able to rub against the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws after installing hinges.

After installing the hinge again, you should make sure to lubricate the hinge using a dry lubricant. This will help to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer and allow it to soak into the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, try a few fixes. The first step is to ensure that the screws holding the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws so tight that they begin to create gaps in the trim joints, or worse remove the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are breaking they can be reattached to the plates by putting wood glue on the back of them and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks serve as a solid base for the screws and keep the plates from moving when you drive them into the holes. Allow the glue time to dry before you can reattach your hinge.

The screws could also be stripped or missing. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Make sure the drill bit is similar to the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.

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

If you discover that the hinges are still loose, you can try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create a little extra space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and pounding it with a hammer in order to make it tighter or use a new hinge pin altogether. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and keep them in place. Lubricating your hinges frequently will keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky and also extend their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction created by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not regularly cleaned and lubricated. As a result the hinge can become stiff and creaky, and its appearance can get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will ensure the integrity and functionality of hinges that are attached to doors.


Examine the hinges for the accumulation of rust. If www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk has reached the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, clean any loose rust by using 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. Let the rust remover remain on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining rust.

The tightening of screws can restore hinge functionality if you don't want to spend money or time on replacing hinges. If you have stripped the screws' holes however, it could be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood that are in the form of rods which are available in different lengths and diameters. You can find them at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.

You can also create an shim using either plastic or metal, depending on the type hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a piece of wooden dowel or another sturdy material to the desired size. You can then dip the dowel in a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the stripped hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the desired position.

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 the area has been secured then clean the hinges using an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight places.

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