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Fix Door Hinge Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a loose door hinge can be a doable job for most homeowners. If the screw holes have been smashed and will not hold screws, you may require dowels and wood glue to fix the door hinge.

Before you do that though, brush away surface corrosion. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and provide a solid foundation for them to rest on.

Removing the Hinges

Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to another or to remove the entire door off of the frame, if needed. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges, but you must be aware of what to do.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to take off the paint before attempting to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if you do not remove the paint. Place the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off.

Once the pins are removed, take the hinges and the frame from the door. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended that you make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to take out screws made of metal and will assist you in getting the task completed much quicker.

It is a good idea to spray lubricant onto the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant will allow you move the process along faster and remove the screws and pins easier. This type of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement shops.

The number of hinges required will also vary depending on what type of door you have and how it's set up. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only require two or three hinges.

It is also important to understand the different types of hinges so you can decide which one will work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the door's weight, while interior hinges will need to be able to support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes, the hinges on doors get looser and eventually begin to hang crookedly or slide. This can be a major issue, but the solution is usually simple. A simple retightening will usually solve the issue. However when the screw holes are ripped out, it can be more difficult to do. However, there is a method to make these holes tight again that uses a wood dowel.

Start by drilling the old hole using a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel must be cut at the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door continues to bind up, insert a second dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the perimeter clearances are in order.

You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. It will work similarly, but it may take a bit longer to put in. You can insert the wood piece 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.

After Window Hinge Repairs hull Repair My Windows And Doors 've reinstalled your new screw and countersink the screw, you can use a countersink tool to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it won't touch the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws before reinstalling hinges.

Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to grease it with a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not ready to replace hinges, you could try a few simple fixes. Make sure the screws that hold the hinge plate to both the door frame as well as the frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten them with a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so much that they create gaps in the trim joints or, even more damagingly cause threads to be stripped.

If the problem is that the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door, you can 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, preventing the plates from shifting as you drive them in. Let the glue dry before you can reattach your hinge.

Another reason for hinges that are loose is that the screws are stripped or missing. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Be sure to use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.

Close the door once you've reattached the hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be approximately the thickness of a nickel all the way around, or less if there's a gap that was caused by a door that was not properly hang. This shouldn't be a problem as long as the hinges are correctly installed.

If you notice that the hinges remain loose, try putting an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give some extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin and pound it down with a heavy hammer in order to tighten it or use an entirely new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to lessen friction and assist in keeping their position. Lubricating your hinges regularly can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction generated by a hinge's constant movement attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. As a result, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can help preserve the quality of hinged door and ensure their proper function.

Check the hinges to see how much rust has built up on their surface. If the rust has become so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace them. If you're able to save the hinges, remove any loose rust with a steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust removal solution sit on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

Retightening screws can help restore hinge function If you don't wish to spend money or time to replace hinges. If you have stripped the screws' holes however, it might be necessary to attach a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods that are available in different sizes and lengths. You can purchase them online, in woodworking supply stores and home improvement centers.


A shim may also be made from metal or plastic, depending on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel cut a piece made of wooden dowel or other sturdy material to the desired size. You can then dip the dowel in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the desired position.

Before you begin cleaning the hinges, put down a paper or cloth towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After securing the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or cloth that has been dipped in mild cleaner to get rid of dirt and grime. You can also remove tarnish, dirt, and grime. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or difficult areas.

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