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The Fix Door Hinge Case Study You'll Never Forget
How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. However, if the screw holes are damaged and won't hold screws you might have to use dowels and wood glue before you can reinstall the hinge.

Before you do that though, brush away surface rust. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid base to hold onto.

Eliminating the Hinges

Most hinges on doors are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the next or take the entire door off the frame, if needed. The removal of the hinges is easy for anyone with a little patience, but you have to know how to do it right.

If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will be smashed off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges in an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.

After the pins are loosening and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the door and frame. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver was created to pick up screws made of steel and will make the project run much more quickly.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is a good idea to spray them with a grease. A simple lubricant can help you to speed up the process and also remove the screws and pins easier. This type of lubricant can be found in most hardware stores and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges required will also differ based on the 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 and lighter doors might only require two or three hinges.

Understanding the various types of hinges can help you determine which one is suitable for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are designed to hold the weight of a door, while interior hinges must be able to support heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges


Sometimes a door hinge will loosen over time and start to hang in a crooked manner or sag. This can be a major issue, but the solution is usually simple. A simple tightening can solve the problem. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it may be a challenge to complete. There is a trick to get these holes back to their original size that utilizes a wood dowel.

Begin by drilling the old hole using a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Then use a wood glue as well as dowels made of wood to fill in the hole. 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 degree of tightness. If the door does not stop 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's also possible however it will take some time to set up. Simply whittle a chunk of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't own 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 installed it. This will stop the screw from hitting the edge of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when reinstalling hinges.

After you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to grease it using a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent options. Apply a thin coat and give it 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. Check that the screws that secure the hinge plate in place to the door frame and the frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten them by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to appear at the trim joints or worse, strip out the threads.

If the problem is that the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door it is possible to reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create a solid base for the screws, and prevent the plates from shifting when you insert them. Let Repair My Windows And Doors before reattaching the hinge.

The screws can also be damaged or missing. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with larger ones. Make sure the drill bit is exactly the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.

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 all around or less if the old door was not hung correctly. This shouldn't be a problem as long as the hinges are correctly installed.

If you find that the hinges remain loose, try putting a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give a little extra space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and pounding it with a hammer to make it more secure or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and hold them in place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will aid in keeping 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 door hinge and build up over time. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance could rapidly diminish. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can help preserve the integrity of a hinged door and ensure their proper function.

Check the hinges for the accumulation of rust. If the rust is 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 are able to save the hinges, remove any loose rust by using steel wool and wire brush. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Allow the rust remover to sit on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining rust.

Retightening screws can restore hinge function if you don't want to spend time or money on replacing hinges. It is possible to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge when the screws have been stripped. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods that vary in sizes and lengths. You can buy them online, at stores selling woodworking supplies and home improvement centers.

A shim can also be made from plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or any other durable material to the desired size. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the stripped hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the desired position.

Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a paper or cloth towel to shield floors and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After securing the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or a cloth coated with mild cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime. You can also remove tarnish, dirt, and grime. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in crevices or tight areas.

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