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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can repair a loose hinge. If, however, the screw holes are stripped and can't hold screws, you might have to use wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.

Clean up any surface corrosion. This will help to keep the dowels in place and provide an adequate base for them to grip onto.

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 opposite side or take the entire door off when needed. It is simple for anyone with a bit of patience, although you need to know how do it right.

If the hinges are painted, you'll need to get rid of the paint before attempting to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could be smashed off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges into an stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.

After the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this project. This type of screwdriver was designed to remove screws made of metal and can make the work speed up.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is recommended to spray them with a oil. A simple lubricant can help the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. This kind of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement shops.

The number of hinges required will also vary depending on the kind of door you have, and how it's installed. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight may only require two or three hinges.

It is also important to know the various types of hinges to determine which ones will work best in your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to hold the weight of a door, while interior hinges need to be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges


Over time, a door hinge can become loose and start to sag or hang crookedly. This could be a problem but is usually easy to solve. Most of the time it's a simple tightening of the screw will solve the problem. However in the event that the screw holes are stripped out, this can be more difficult to do. Fortunately, there is a method to make these holes tight again that uses a wood dowel.

Start by drilling out the old hole using the 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 tight fit. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the 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. Make sure to close the door slowly so that you can verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.

Another option is to utilize the wood plug instead of dowel. This is also a viable option however it may take some time to put in. You can tap in the wood piece that has been whittled down to the proper size. If you don't have a tool for woodworking you could also use toothpicks or wooden matches.

After you've reinstalled your new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller, so that it doesn't touch the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screw after installing the hinge.

After you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to lubricate it with a dry lubricant in order to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coat and give it about 15 minutes to fully reach the barrel of the hinge.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not ready to replace your hinges, try a few simple fixes. Check that the screws that hold the hinge plate in place to the door frame and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using an electric drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws to the point that they begin to cause gaps at the trim joints, or even worse, strip the threads.

If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door, you can reattach them by applying wood glue to the back of the plates, and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks provide a solid base for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Allow the glue time to dry before you can reattach your hinge.

The screws could also be smashed or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Be sure to 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.

After you've reattached your hinge, close the door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if the old door was not hung correctly. This should not be a problem as long as the hinges are installed correctly.

If you discover that the hinges are loose, try adding a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add a little extra space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and pounding it with a hammer in order to make it tighter or use an entirely new hinge pin. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and help keep them in place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

A hinge's continuous movement creates friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles can become stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not regularly cleaned and lubricated. As a result the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance could get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the integrity of a hinged door and ensure their proper function.

Examine the hinges for corrosion. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you should first clean off any loose rust with steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust remain on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

If upvc door hinge replacement dartford do not want to spend time and money to replace hinges, tightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. If you have stripped the screws, however, it may be necessary to add a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are square pieces made of wood in the shape of rods which are available in varying lengths and diameters. You can purchase them on the internet, at woodworking supply stores and at home improvement stores.

A shim could be made of a piece of metal or plastic, depending on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or other sturdy material to the size you want. You can dip the dowel into carpenter's adhesive and place it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in the position.

Before you start cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and difficult places.

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