How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. However, if the screw holes are damaged and won't hold screws you might have to add dowels and wood glue before you can put back the hinge.
Remove any surface that has rust. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid base to hold onto.
Eliminating the Hinges
Most hinges on doors can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to remove the entire door off of the frame, if needed. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges, however, you must know what to do.
If the hinges are painted you'll need to get rid of the paint before attempting to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if you don't take off the paint. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off.
After the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and frame from the door. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended that you use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver was created to grab screws made of steel and make the task speed up.
It is a good practice to spray some lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will allow you to speed up the process and make the removal of pins and screws more easily. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges required will also vary depending on the type of door you have and how it's installed. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges while lighter and hollow-cored doors may only need two or three.
Understanding the different kinds of hinges will help you decide which one is the best for your situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will have to be able to support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, the hinges on doors get looser and eventually begin to hang crookedly or sag. This could be a problem however, it's usually simple to repair. Retightening the screw will typically solve the problem. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it could be a challenge to complete. There is a method to make these holes tight again that uses a wood dowel.
Begin by drilling the old hole with a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then use a wood glue and dowels made of wood to fill in the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length similar to the screw to ensure a secure fit. Install the screw again and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door still has the tendency to be bowed and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are in order.
You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. This will work similarly, but it may take a bit longer to put in. You can insert the wood piece that has been whittled down to the right size. If you don't own an instrument for woodworking You can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.
Once you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller, so that it doesn't be able to rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will aid in tightening the screw after installing the hinge.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to grease it using a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good options. You should apply a light coat and wait for around 15 minutes to fully get into the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can make a few minor repairs. 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 them with the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not to tighten your screws so much that they start to create gaps at the trim joints, or worse remove the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are breaking and you want to reattach the plates by applying wood glue on the back of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create a solid base for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting as you drive them in. Allow the glue time to dry before reattaching your hinge.
Another reason that causes hinges that are loose is that the screws are stripped or are missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with larger ones. Use a drill bit that is similar to the size of the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Close the door after you've reattached the hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be around the thickness of a nickel all the way around, or less if there's a gap created by a previous door that was not properly hung. This shouldn't be a problem if the hinges are correctly installed.
If the hinges are still loose, you could add a thicker hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more room. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a powerful hammer in order to tighten it up or choose an entirely new hinge. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and help keep them in their place. Lubricating your hinges regularly can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction caused by the constant movement of a hinge draws dust particles. These particles can get stuck and accumulate over time 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 could deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the quality of a door's hinges and ensure their proper operation.
Examine the hinges for signs of the accumulation of rust. If the rust is so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, first brush off loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then apply a commercial rust remover or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover remain on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.
If you don't want to spend cost and time to replace hinges, tightening the screws will bring back the hinge's functionality. If you've sanded the screws' holes however, it might be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. More Bonuses made of wood come in round rods of various lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement stores or woodworking supply shops, or online.
A shim could also be made from plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or other sturdy material to the desired size. Then, dip a dowel into carpenter's adhesive and place it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in place.
Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a piece of paper cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After you have protected the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or a cloth dipped into mild cleaner to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to access hard-to-reach areas in crevices and tight areas.