Leonard User

How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can fix a loose hinge. If, however, the holes for screws are smashed and aren't able to hold screws, you might have to add wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.

Brush away any surface corrosion. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid base to grip into.

Removing the Hinges

A lot of door hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to another or to take the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. Anyone with a little patience can take the hinges off, however, you must know what to do.

If the hinges are painted you'll need to take off the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if you do not remove the paint. To break Repair My Windows And Doors , place the hinges in an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off.

After the pins have been loosen, you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this project. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to take out metal screws and will assist you in getting the task done much faster.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with some grease. A simple lubricant can help the process to go more quickly and help you remove the pins and screws. You can find this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.


You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary based on the kind of door and the settings. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors that weigh less might require just two or three hinges.

It is also important to understand the different types of hinges to decide which one will be the most effective for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will have to be able to support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, the hinges of doors may lose its grip and then begin to hang crooked or sag. This could be a problem but is usually easy to solve. Retightening the screw will typically solve the issue. However, if the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be more difficult to accomplish. A wood dowel could be used to tighten the holes again.

Begin by drilling out the hole you had previously made using the drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length that is exactly the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired tightness. If the door still has a tendency to bind the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Be sure to shut the door slowly to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.

Another option is to just utilize a wood plug instead of a dowel. It works similarly, but it may take a little longer to set up. You can use the wood piece that has been whittled down to the proper size. If you don't have a woodworking instrument You can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.

After you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it does not be able to rub against the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when replacing hinges.

After you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to coat it using a dry lubricant to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. Apply a thin layer and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not ready to replace your hinges, try a few simple fixes. The first step is to make sure that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten the screws with a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, because this could cause gaps to appear at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads.

If the problem is the hinge plates are splitting they can be reattached to the plates by applying wood glue on the back of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks provide a solid base for the screws and help to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.

The screws may also be smashed or gone. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Make sure the drill bit is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.

Close the door once you've reattached the hinge and examine 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. This shouldn't be a problem as long as the hinges are correctly installed.

If you discover that the hinges remain loose, try putting a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add a little extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin, then pound it down with a powerful hammer in order to tighten it up or choose a new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to lessen friction and aid in holding their position. Lubricating your hinges frequently will help keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky and also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not cleaned and lubricated regularly. As a result, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can help preserve the integrity of a door's hinges and ensure their proper function.

Check the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated on their surface. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll require replacement of the hinges. If you can 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 solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution remain on the hinges for several minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

If you don't want to spend the money and time replacing hinges, simply tightening the screws will bring back the hinge's functionality. It may be necessary to attach a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been degraded. Wooden dowels are round pieces made of wood in the shape of rods that are available in various lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.

A shim may also be made from a piece of plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in place.

Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected then clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to reach hard-to-reach areas in crevices and narrow areas.

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