How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can fix a loose hinge. If the screw holes have been stripped and will not hold screws, you may need to use wood glue and dowels in order to reinstall the hinge.

Remove any surface that has rust. This will aid in keeping the dowels in their place and provide a solid base for them to rest on.

Take the Hinges off

Many standard pvc door hinges hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to another or take the entire door off the frame, if needed. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges but you must be aware of what to do.

If the hinges are painted, you'll need to take off the paint before attempting to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if do not remove the paint. Put the hinges in the stainless steel pot and fill it up with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. The Replacement hinges for upvc windows should rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off.

Once the pins are loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the door. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, however it is recommended that you make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up metal screws and will assist you in getting the task completed much quicker.

It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant can help you accelerate the process and also remove the screws and pins easier. You can find this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.

It is important to keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary based on the door's type and the settings. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors may only require two or three hinges.

It is also important to be aware of the various kinds of casement windows hinges in order to determine which ones will be the most effective for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a door, but interior hinges must be able to support heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time the hinges on doors can loosen and begin to hang crooked or sag. This can be a problem, but it's usually easy to fix. In most cases an easy tightening of the screw will fix the problem. However, if the screw holes are stripped out, this can be more difficult. Fortunately, there is a method to make these holes tight again that uses a wood dowel.

Begin by drilling the hole using a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Then, use a wood glue and a dowel made of wood to fill in the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length similar to the screw to ensure a tight fit. Reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door continues to bind up, you can insert another dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Be sure to shut the door slowly to verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.

You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. This will work equally well, but may take a bit longer to install. You can use a piece of wood that has been whittled to the right size. If you don't have a wooden tool, you can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches.

After you've reinstalled your new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it does not touch the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws after installing hinges.

Once you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to grease it with a dry lubricant to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent alternatives. 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 sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could do a few simple repairs. Verify that the screws that attach the hinge plate to both the door frame and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be careful not too tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to form at the trim joints or worse, strip the threads.

If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are breaking away from the door and jamb it is possible to reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the back of the plates, and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide a solid base for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting as you drive them in. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge.

Another reason that causes loose hinges is that screws are worn out or gone. It is possible to fix this issue by replacing the screws with longer ones. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.

Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and check the gap between the door and the frame. It should be approximately the thickness of a nickel all the way around, or less if there's a gap caused by a previous door that was not properly hung. This should not be a problem if hinges are installed correctly.

If you discover that the hinges are still loose, try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add some extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin, then pound it down with a hammer to tighten it or use a new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and keep them in their place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles can become stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of composite door hinge replacement hinges, if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the quality of door's hinges and ensure their proper function.

Examine the hinges for corrosion. If the corrosion has reached the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust using wire brush and steel wool. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover remain on the hinge for a few minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.

Retightening screws can help restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend money or time on repairing hinges. It is possible to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge if the screw holes have been degraded. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods which are available in different lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.

A shim may be made of plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel cut a piece made of wooden dowel or other sturdy material to the desired size. Then, dip a dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and then insert it into the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in the position.

Before cleaning the hinges, put down a paper cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After protecting the area, clean the hinges using 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 difficult-to-reach places in tight spaces and crevices.