How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Repairing a broken door hinge is a simple task for most homeowners. However, if replace hinges on upvc window are stripped and can't hold screws, you might have to use wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.
Before you do this, however you should clean off any surface rust. This will help keep the dowels in place and give them a solid foundation for them to rest on.
Take the Hinges off
Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move doors from one side of the frame to the other or remove the entire door when needed. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges, but you need to know what to do.
If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to take off the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may flake off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. To break the paint seal put the hinges into an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off.
After the pins are loosening, you can remove the hinges from the frame and 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 specifically designed to grab screws made of metal and will aid you in getting the job done much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is a good idea to spray them with a lubricant. A simple lubricant will help you move the process along faster and also remove the pins and screws with ease. You can find this type of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges you need will also vary depending on the type of door you have and the way it's set up. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors may only require two or three hinges.
Understanding the various types of hinges will help determine which one is best for your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of a door, while interior hinges need to be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will get looser and eventually begin to hang in a crooked manner or slide. This can be a problem, but it's usually easy to solve. Retightening the screw will typically resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it may be difficult to do. There is a trick to get these holes tight again that utilizes a wood dowel.
Begin by drilling out the hole from the previous one using a drill bit that is close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length the same as the screw to ensure a snug fit. Reinstall the screw and tighten it until you are satisfied with the tightness. If the door has the tendency to be bowed and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the perimeter clearances are in order.
Another option is to make use of an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. It works similarly, but it may take a bit longer to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood to the proper size to ensure a secure fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking instrument or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.
Once you have reinstalled the new screw and countersink the screw, you can use a countersink tool to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it won't be able to rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screw prior to installing the hinge.
After reinstalling the hinge, make sure to lubricate the hinge using an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will help to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coating and allow it to penetrate the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could make a few repairs. The first step is to make sure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws using a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten your screws so much that they start to cause gaps at the trim joints or, even more damagingly cause threads to be stripped.
If the problem is that the hinge plates are breaking away from the door and jamb it is possible to reattach them by gluing wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide an solid foundation for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting when you drive them in. Allow the glue to dry before you can reattach your hinge.
The screws could also be smashed or gone. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Make sure you use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.
Once you've reattached the hinge close the door and examine the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an older door was not hung correctly. If the hinges were set up properly, this shouldn't be a problem.
If the hinges still seem loose, try adding a thicker hinge between the hinge plate's surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more room. You can also remove the hinge pin, then pound it down with a heavy hammer in order to tighten it, or install an entirely new hinge. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and aid in holding their position. Lubricating your hinges regularly can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and can also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
A hinge's continuous movement causes friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles can get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. The hinge will become stiff and creaky, and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will ensure the quality and function of hinges on doors.
Check the hinges for corrosion. 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 are able to save the hinges, clean any loose rust using steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust remover to remain on the hinge for a few minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining rust.
If you do not want to spend cost and time to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws can restore the hinges' functionality. It is possible, however, to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge if the screw holes have been stripped. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods which are available in various lengths and sizes. You can purchase them on the internet, at stores selling woodworking supplies and home improvement stores.
A shim could also be made from plastic or metal, based on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or another sturdy material to the desired size. You can then dip the dowel into a carpenter's glue and insert it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the right position.
Before cleaning the hinges put down a towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to remove built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight places.