How to fix door hinge a Loose Door Hinge

The majority of homeowners can fix door hinge hinges that are loose. But, if the screw holes are damaged and can't hold screws, you may need to add wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.

Before you do that, however you should clean off any the surface corrosion. This will help keep the dowels in place and provide a solid foundation for them to rest on.

Take the Hinges off

Most hinges on doors are able to be removed, making it easier to move the patio door hinges from one side to the next or take the entire door off of the frame, if needed. Anyone who is patient can take the hinges off, but you must be aware of what to do.

If the hinges are painted you will need to remove the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if don't take off the paint. Place the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to take off.

After the pins have been loosen, you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to grab metal screws and will assist you in getting the task accomplished much faster.

It is a good idea to spray lubricant onto the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process go by more quickly and help you remove the pins and screws. You can find this type of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.

You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will differ based on the type of pvc door hinges and its setting. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges whereas lighter and hollow-cored doors may only need two or three.

It is also crucial to know the various types of hinges so you can determine which ones work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight, while interior hinges will need to be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes, a hinge on a door will get looser and eventually begin to hang in a crooked manner or sag. This can be a problem however, it's usually simple to repair. Most of the time an easy tightening of the screw will solve the problem. However, if the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult to do. Fortunately, there is a method to make these holes tight again that utilizes a wood dowel.

Begin by drilling out the hole you had previously made 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 should be cut to the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired degree of tightness. If the hinged door repairs does not stop bind up, add another dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Make sure to close the door slowly in order to verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.

You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. This will work as well, but may take some time to put in. You can use the wood piece that has been whittled to the right size. If you don't have a woodworking tool, you can also use toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

After you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it does not be able to rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws before replacing hinges.

After installing the hinge again, you should apply lubrication to the hinge using an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. Apply a thin layer and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few fixes. The first step is to ensure that the screws holding the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using an electric drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, as this could cause gaps to form at the trim joints or worse, strip out the threads.

If the problem is the hinge plates are breaking and you want to reattach the plates by applying wood glue on the side of them and inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will give a solid foundation for the screws and prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.

Another reason for hinges that are loose is that the screws are stripped or gone. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Use a drill that is the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the hinge or jamb.

Close the door once you've reattached your hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an older door was not hung correctly. If the hinges were installed correctly, this shouldn't be an issue.

If the hinges are still 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 in order to tighten it, or install a new hinge. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges using 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 constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles can become stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not regularly cleaned and lubricated. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges on a door.

Examine the hinges for corrosion. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will need to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, you should first clean off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust removal solution sit on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

Retightening screws can restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend time or money on repairing hinges. It might be necessary to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge in the event that the screws have been stripped. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood in the form of rods, which are available in different lengths and sizes. They can be purchased online, at stores selling woodworking supplies and home improvement centers.

You can also create an shim using made of plastic or metal depending on the type of hinge you are using. To make a dowel, cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can dip the dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and place it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the desired position.

Before you begin cleaning the hinges, put down a cloth or paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. Once the area is protected then clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach hard-to-reach areas in crevices and difficult areas.(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Replacement-Doors-300x200.jpg)