Notes

Why We Love Fix Door Hinge (And You Should Too!)
How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Repairing a broken door hinge can be a manageable task for most homeowners. If the holes for screws have been stripped and will not hold screws, you may need to use dowels and wood glue to fix the hinge.

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

Removing the Hinges

A variety of door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move doors from one side of the frame to the other side or remove the entire door in the event of need. Anyone with a little patience can take the hinges off, however, you must know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may peel off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. To break the seal, place the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.

Once the pins are loosened, you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended that you employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this project. This type of screwdriver is specially designed to pick up metal screws and will help you get the job done much faster.

It is a good idea to spray lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process move along quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. This kind of lubricant is able to be found at most hardware stores and home improvement shops.

The number of hinges you need will also vary depending on the type of door you have and the way it's installed. window hinges repair near me -cored and heavier doors will require more hinges whereas lighter and hollow-cored doors may only require two or three hinges.

It is also important to know the various types of hinges in order to decide which one will be the most effective for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the weight of the door, while interior hinges will need to be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, the hinges of doors may become loose and start to hang crooked or sag. This could be a problem but is usually easy to repair. A simple retightening will usually solve the issue. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it could be a challenge to complete. There is a trick to get these holes tight again using a wooden dowel.

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"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired level of tightness. If the door continues to bind up, add another dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the clearances around the perimeter are correct.

Another option is to use the wood plug instead of a dowel. This will work as well however it may take some time to put in. You can tap in a piece of wood that has been whittled to the right size. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking You can use toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.

Use a countersink to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edges of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws after installing hinges.

After installing the hinge, lubricate the hinge with an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will help prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. Apply a thin coat and allow it to take approximately 15 minutes to penetrate the barrel of the hinge.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to make a few repairs. The first step is to make sure that the screws securing the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, because this can cause gaps to form at the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting they can be reattached to the plates by putting wood glue to the back of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will give a solid foundation for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Allow the glue time to dry before reattaching the hinge.

The screws may also be smashed or gone. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with larger ones. Make sure the drill bit is similar to the size of the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.

After you've reattached your hinge close the door and examine the gap between the door and the frame. It should be approximately the thickness of one nickel all around, or less if there's an existing gap caused by a door that was not properly hung. This should not be a problem as long as the hinges are installed correctly.

If you find that the hinges are still loose, try putting a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create an extra inch of space. You can also take off the hinge pin and pound it down with a heavy hammer to tighten it up or choose an entirely new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and hold them in their place. Lubricating your hinges periodically can stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky and also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges


The friction generated by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. In the end the hinge can become stiff and creaky, and its appearance can deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections can maintain the integrity of a door's hinges and ensure their proper operation.

Check the hinges for the accumulation of rust. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace them. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then, apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution sit on the hinges for a few minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.

If you don't want to spend the money and time replacing your hinges, simply retightening the screws will make the hinges functional again. If you've stripped the screws' holes however, it could be necessary to add the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood that are in the form of rods, which are available in different sizes and lengths. You can find them at home improvement centers as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.

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

Before you start cleaning the hinges, place down a towel or a paper towel to shield floors and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges using an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in tight spaces and crevices.

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