A Fix Door Hinge Success Story You'll Never Believe

How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

The majority of homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. However, if the holes for screws are smashed and can't hold screws, you might need to use wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.

Clean up any surface that has rust. This will help keep the dowels in their place and provide a solid foundation to hold onto.

Removal of the Hinges

Most changing upvc window hinges on doors are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or take the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. It is easy for anyone with a bit of patience, although you have to know how to measure upvc window hinges to do it right.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if you don't remove the paint. To break the paint seal put the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.

Once the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up metal screws and will help you get the job done much faster.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with some grease. A simple lubricant will help the process go by more quickly and aid in the removal of the screws and pins. You can find this type of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.

You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll need will differ based on the type of door and its settings. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only require two or three hinges.

Understanding the different types of hinges will help you decide which one is the best for your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of a door, but interior hinges must be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time the hinges on doors can loosen and begin to slide or hang crookedly. This can be a major issue, but the solution is usually simple. Most of the time it's a simple tightening of the screw will solve the issue. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it may be a challenge to complete. A wood dowel can be used to tighten the holes again.

Start by drilling the old hole using a drill close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length that is the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. Install the screw again and tighten it until you are satisfied with the level of tightness. If the door continues to bind up, insert a second dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are in order.

You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. This will work just as well but might take a little longer to put in. You can tap in the wood piece which has been cut to the right size. If you don't have a tool for woodworking, you can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches.

After you've reinstalled your new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller, so that it doesn't be able to rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will aid in tightening the screw after reinstalling the hinge.

After reinstalling the hinge, lubricate the hinge with dry lubricant. This will help to prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. You should apply a light coat and wait for around 15 minutes to fully penetrate the hinge barrel.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, try a few easy fixes. Make sure the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door frame and the frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws using a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws to the point that they cause gaps at the trim joints, or even worse remove the threads.

If the problem is the hinge plates are splitting they can be reattached to the plates by applying wood glue on the back of them and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide a solid base for the screws, preventing the plates from moving as you drive them in. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.

Another reason for loose hinges is that the screws are stripped or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Use a drill that is similar to the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into the jamb or hinge.

Once you've reattached the hinge shut the door and check the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if the old door was hung incorrectly. This shouldn't be a problem if the hinges are installed correctly.

If you find that the hinges are loose, try putting the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give an extra inch of space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and pounding it with a hammer in order to make it more secure or using an entirely new double glazed window hinge pin. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to decrease friction and assist in keeping their position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction created by the hinge's constant motion draws dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and build up over time. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will ensure the integrity and functionality of hinges on a door.

Examine the hinges for signs of the accumulation of rust. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will need to replace the changing upvc window hinges. If you're able to save the hinges, you can remove any loose rust using steel wool and wire brush. Then apply a commercial rust remover or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust remover to remain on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining corrosion.

If you do not want to spend the time and money to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws will bring back the hinge's functionality. If you've stripped the screw holes however, it could be necessary to add an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods that vary in lengths and sizes. They can be purchased on the internet, at woodworking supply shops and at home improvement stores.

You can also make a shim from a piece either plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can dip the dowel into carpenter's adhesive and then insert it into the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in the position.

Before you start cleaning the hinges, place down a paper or cloth towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After securing the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or a cloth dipped into mild cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime. You can also remove tarnish, dirt, and grime. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight areas.