How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a loose door hinge is a simple task for the majority of homeowners. If, however, the screw holes are damaged and can't hold screws, you might need to use wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.

Before you do that though, brush away surface corrosion. This will help keep the dowels in place and give them an adequate base for them to rest on.

Remove the Hinges

A lot of door hinges are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the next or take the entire door off of the frame if need be. Removing the hinges is fairly simple for anyone with a bit of patience, but you have to know how to do it right.

If the awning window hinges have been 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 do not remove the paint. Place the hinges into an stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. Allow the hinges to sit in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to remove.

After the pins have been loosen, you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, however it is recommended that you make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up metal screws and will assist you in getting the task accomplished much faster.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is a good idea to spray them with oil. A simple lubricant can help you to accelerate the process and remove the pins and screws with ease. This type of lubricant can be found in most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.

It is important to keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll need will differ based on the door's type and its setting. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only need two or three.

It is also important to understand the different types of hinges in order to determine which ones will be the most effective for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges need to be able support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes a door hinge will loosen over time and start to hang out of alignment or slide. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually easy. In most cases an easy tightening of the screw will resolve the issue. However, if the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be more difficult to do. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten these holes again.

Start by drilling out the hole you had previously made using a drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then, use wood glue and a wooden dowel to fill in the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length that is similar to the screw to ensure a secure fit. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired tightness. If the door still has an tendency to get stuck the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the perimeter clearances are in order.

You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. It's also possible, but may take a bit longer to install. You can insert a piece of wood that has been whittled down to the proper size. If you don't have a tool for woodworking, you can also use toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

Make use of a countersink in order 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 make it much easier to tighten the screws after reinstalling hinges.

Once you've reinstalled your hinge, make sure to grease it with a dry lubricant in order to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. Apply a thin coat and give it about 15 minutes to fully penetrate the hinge barrel.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to make a few repairs. The first step is to ensure that the screws holding 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 too tighten the screws as this can create gaps at the trim joints or worse, strip the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are separated from the door and jamb it is possible to reattach them by applying wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide a solid base for the screws, preventing the plates from moving as you insert them. Let the glue dry before you can reattach your hinge.

The screws may also be stripped or missing. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Use a drill that is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.

Once you've reattached the hinge close the door and examine the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if an older door was not hung correctly. If the hinges were put in place correctly, this should not be a problem.

If the hinges seem loose, you can add a thicker upvc window hinge repair between the hinge plate's surface and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more room. You can also take off the hinge pin, then pound it down with a hammer in order to tighten it up or choose a new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to lessen friction and aid in holding their position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The continuous movement of hinges creates friction, which attracts dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a upvc window hinge for doors and build up over time. In the end, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will ensure the functionality and quality of window hinges replacement on a door.

Check the changing upvc window hinges for the accumulation of rust. If the rust has corroded to the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you're able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust by using steel wool and wire brush. Then, apply an industrial rust remover or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to sit on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

Retightening screws can restore window hinge repair costs functionality in the event that you don't want to spend time or money on repairing hinges. It might be necessary, however, to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge in the event that the screws have been degraded. Dowels made of wood are round pieces made of wood in the shape of rods which are available in different lengths and sizes. They can be purchased online, in woodworking supply shops and home improvement centers.

A shim can be made of metal or plastic, depending on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. Then, dip a dowel into carpenter's adhesive and place it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in the desired position.

Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or paper towel to shield floors and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After the area is secured then clean the hinges using a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in tight spaces and crevices.