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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Repairing a broken door hinge can be a manageable task for most homeowners. If the screws' holes have been smashed and will not hold screws, you could require wood glue and dowels to put back in the hinge.

Brush away any surface rust. This will allow the dowels to remain in place and provide them a solid base to grip into.

Take off the Hinges

Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the other or remove the entire door when needed. It is simple for anyone with a bit of patience, although you need to know how do it right.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could peel off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off.

After the pins have been removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver is 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 a good idea to spray them with a lubricant. A simple lubricant can help you to move the process along faster and remove the pins and screws more easily. eastleigh door hinge repairs can purchase this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.


Keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll require will vary depending on the type of door and the configurations. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors that weigh less might only require two or three.

Understanding the various types of hinges will help you decide which one is the best for your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of a door, while interior hinges must be able to support heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, the hinges of doors may loosen and begin to hang crooked or sag. This can be a problem but is usually easy to solve. In most cases, a simple retightening of the screw will solve the issue. However, if the screw holes have been stripped out, this may be more difficult to do. Fortunately, there is a method to make the holes back in place using a wooden dowel.

Start by drilling the hole with a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then use a wood glue as well as dowels made of wood to fill the hole. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel must be cut at the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired degree 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 shut the door slowly to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.

Another option is to just make use of the wood plug instead of a dowel. It's also possible, but may take some time to set up. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the right size for a snug fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking tool You can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of the screw after you have installed it. This will prevent the screw from rubbing against the edges of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will allow you to tighten the screw after installing the hinge.

After installing the hinge again, you should apply lubrication to the hinge using dry lubricant. This will help prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a light coat and wait for around 15 minutes to fully penetrate the barrel of the hinge.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could make a few minor repairs. Make sure the screws that attach the hinge plate in place to the door frame and the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them using an electric drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to appear at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting they can be reattached to the plates by applying wood glue to the back of them and inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create a solid foundation for the screws, preventing the plates from shifting when you insert them. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.

Another common cause of hinges that are loose is that the screws are damaged or are missing. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Be sure to use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.

Close the door after you have reattached your hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be the thickness of a penny all around or less if an older door was not properly hung. This shouldn't be a problem if the hinges are installed correctly.

If you discover that the hinges are still loose, you can try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give some extra space. You can also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it down using a hammer to make it more secure or using the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. You can also lubricate the hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to decrease friction and help them hold their place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction created by the hinge's constant motion 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. In the end, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can preserve the integrity of a hinged door and ensure their proper function.

Examine the hinges for signs of corrosion. If the rust has corroded to the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll require replacement of the hinges. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then apply a commercial rust remover 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 you don't wish to spend time and money to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws can restore the hinges' functionality. If you've sanded the screws however, it might be necessary to add an 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. They are available at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.

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

Before cleaning the hinges, put down a paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to access difficult-to-reach places in crevices and narrow spots.

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