How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

The majority of homeowners can fix a loose hinge. But, if the holes for screws are smashed and can't hold screws, you might need to add dowels and wood glue before you can put back the hinge.

Before you do that, however, brush away surface rust. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid base to rest on.

Eliminating the Hinges

Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the opposite side or remove the entire door when needed. Anyone with a little patience can take the hinges off, but you need to know what to do.

If the hinges are painted you'll need to get rid of the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if you don't remove the paint. To break the seal, place the hinges in an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off.

Once the pins are loosened, you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however you should use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up metal screws and help you get the job completed much quicker.

It is a good idea to spray lubricant onto the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant can help the process to go more quickly and make it easier to remove the pins and screws. This type of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement shops.

The number of hinges needed will also depend on the kind of door you have, and how it's set up. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges while hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only require two or three hinges.

Understanding the various types of hinges will help you determine which one is best for your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will require to handle lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, the hinges of bi-fold Doors hinges may loosen and begin to hang crooked or sag. This could be a problem but is usually easy to repair window hinges. Retightening the screw will typically resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it may be difficult to do. However, there is a method to make the holes back in place that utilizes a wood dowel.

Start by drilling the hole using a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole using 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 tight fit. Reinstall the screw and tighten it until you are satisfied with the degree of tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, add another dowel to the gap. Repeat the procedure. Make sure to close the door slowly so that you can check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.

Another option is to utilize an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. This will work just as well but might take a bit longer to install. You can insert the wood piece that has been whittled down to the proper size. If you don't have a tool for woodworking, you can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have put it back in place. 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 prior to installing the hinge.

After you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. You should apply a light coat and give it about 15 minutes to fully get into the hinge barrel.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can do a few simple repairs. The first step is to make sure that the screws holding the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws to the point that they create gaps at the trim joints, or even worse cause threads to be stripped.

If the issue is that the double glazing hinge replacement plates are breaking, you can reattach the plates by applying wood glue on the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will provide a solid base for the screws and to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into place. Allow the glue time to dry before reattaching your hinge.

Another reason that causes loose hinges is that the screws are damaged or missing. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with longer ones. Use a drill bit that is similar to the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.

After you've reattached your hinge shut the door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be the thickness of a penny or less if an old door was hung incorrectly. If the hinges were set up correctly, this shouldn't be an issue.

If you notice that the hinges remain loose, try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give an extra inch of space. You can also take off the hinge pin, then pound it down with a heavy hammer in order to tighten it or use an entirely new hinge. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to lessen window friction hinges and help them hold their position. Lubricating your hinges regularly can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction created by the hinge's constant motion attracts dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and build up over time. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection will preserve the integrity and functionality of hinges on doors.

Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has accumulated on their surfaces. If the corrosion has reached the point of damaging the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will need to replace the hinges. If you're able to save the hinges, remove any loose rust by using steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust removal solution remain on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

If you don't wish to spend the cost and time to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws will restore the hinges' functionality. If you have stripped the screws' holes, however, it may be necessary to add a wooden dowel or shim to the double glazing hinge replacement. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood in the form of rods that are available in various sizes and lengths. You can buy them online, in woodworking supply stores and at home improvement stores.

You can also create an shim using either plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you own. To make a dowel cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the cut hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the right position.

Before cleaning the hinges, put down a piece of paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. After the area has been secured then clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to remove the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices or tight areas.