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Fix Door Hinge: A Simple Definition
How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can repair hinges that are loose. However, if the screw holes are stripped and won't hold screws you might have to add dowels and wood glue before you can put back the hinge.

Before you do this, however you should clean off any surface corrosion. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid foundation to rest on.

Take off the Hinges

A lot of door hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the other or take the entire door off the frame if need be. Removing the hinges is fairly simple for anyone with a bit of patience, although you need to know how do it right.

If the hinges are painted you will need to remove the paint prior to trying to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if don't take off the paint. Put the hinges in the stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.

After the pins have been loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this job. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to take out screws made of metal and will aid you in getting the job done much faster.


It is a good practice to spray lubricant on 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 screws and pins. You can find this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges needed will also differ based on the kind of door you have, and how it's installed. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors that weigh less might require just two or three hinges.

It is also important to be aware of the various kinds of hinges in order to decide which one will best suit your needs. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight, while interior hinges will have to be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, the hinges of doors may become loose and start to sag or hang crookedly. This can cause problems but is usually easy to repair. A simple retightening will usually solve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be difficult to fix. Fortunately, there is a method to make the holes back in place using a wooden dowel.

Begin by drilling out the hole from the previous one using an appropriate drill bit close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired tightness. If the door continues to have the tendency to be bowed the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Make sure to close the door slowly so that you can examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.

Window Hinge Repair Specialists rickmansworth Repair My Windows And Doors is to just use a wood plug instead of a dowel. This will work just as well but might take a bit longer to put in. Simply whittle a piece of wood that is the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.

Once you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller, so that it doesn't be able to rub against the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws after replacing hinges.

After installing the hinge again, you should lubricate the hinge with an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will help prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coat and allow it to take around 15 minutes to fully penetrate the hinge barrel.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not yet ready to replace hinges, you could try a few easy fixes. 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 the screws by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws as this could cause gaps to appear at the trim joints, or more seriously, tear out the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting and you want to reattach the plates by putting wood glue on the back of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will provide a solid base for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the 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 to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.

Close the door once you have reattached your hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be around the thickness of one nickel all around or less if there's a gap created by a door that was not properly hung. If the hinges were set up correctly, this should not be a problem.

If the hinges still seem loose, you can add an extra thick hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more room. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a powerful hammer to tighten it up or choose a new hinge. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to decrease friction and aid in holding their position. Lubricating your hinges frequently can stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also extend their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. As a result, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance could get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can preserve the quality of a hinged door and ensure their proper operation.

Check the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surface. If the rust is so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, remove any loose rust by using steel wool and wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Allow the rust remover to remain on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.

If you do not want to spend the time and money to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. It is possible to attach a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been degraded. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood in the form of rods that are available in varying sizes and lengths. You can buy them online, in woodworking supply stores and home improvement centers.

A shim may be made of a piece of plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, you need to cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. Then, dip a dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and then insert it into the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in place.

Before cleaning the hinges put down a cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to eliminate built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in crevices and tight areas.

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