How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can repair hinges that are loose. If the holes for screws have been stripped and will not hold screws, you could need to use dowels and wood glue to fix the door hinge.
Clean up any surface that has rust. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid base to grip into.
Take off the Hinges
A variety of door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the other or remove the entire door when needed. Removing the hinges is fairly simple for anyone with patience, although you have to know how to do it correctly.
If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if do not remove the paint. Place the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it up 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.
After the pins are loosening, you can remove the hinges from the door and frame. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, however it is recommended to make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is specially designed to pick up screws made of metal and will aid you in getting the job done much faster.
It is a good practice to spray some lubricant on the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process to go more quickly and help you remove the pins and screws. This kind of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement shops.
It is important to keep in mind that the number of hinges you will need will vary based on the door's type and the settings. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will need more hinges, while hollow-core doors that weigh less may only require two or three hinges.
It is also important to understand the different types of hinges in order to determine which ones be the most effective for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight, while interior hinges will have to be able to support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes a door hinge will become looser over time and begin to hang crookedly or sag. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually quite simple. Most of the time an easy tightening of the screw will resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it could be a challenge to complete. A wood dowel can be used to tighten these holes once more.
Start by drilling the hole using a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length that is exactly the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Install the screw again, and tighten to desired 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 the clearances around the perimeter are correct.
Another option is to just utilize an old-fashioned wood plug instead of dowel. It's also possible however it may take some time to set up. You can tap in the wood piece which has been cut to the right size. If door hinge repairs don't have a woodworking tool you could also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will stop the screw from hitting the edges of the doors as they are opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws before reinstalling hinges.
Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few easy fixes. Verify that the screws that attach the hinge plate to the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws to the point that they begin to cause gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.
If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separated from the door and jamb it is possible to reattach them by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks serve as a solid base for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into place. Allow the glue to dry before you can reattach your hinge.
The screws can also be stripped or missing. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Be sure to use a drill bit that is compatible with the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.
Close the door once you've reattached your hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. It should be approximately the thickness of one nickel all the way around or less if there's an existing gap created by a previous door that hung improperly. If the hinges were put in place correctly, this should not be an issue.
If the hinges are still loose, you can add a stronger hinge between the hinge plate surface and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it down with a hammer to make it tighter or use an entirely new hinge pin. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and keep them in place. Lubricating your hinges regularly will stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also prolong their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction created by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. These particles can get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not cleaned and lubricated regularly. In the end the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can help preserve the quality of hinge on a door and ensure its proper operation.
Check the hinges for the accumulation of rust. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace them. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then, apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution remain on the hinges for several minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
If you do not want to spend the time and money to replace hinges, tightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. If you have stripped the screw holes, however, it may be necessary to add the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood come in round rods of various lengths and sizes. You can purchase them online, at stores selling woodworking supplies and at home improvement stores.
You can also make an shim out of metal or plastic depending on the type hinge you own. To make a dowel cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into a carpenter's glue and insert it into the cut hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the right position.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, put down a paper or cloth towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. Once the area is protected and dry, clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or narrow places.