Why We Are In Love With Fix Door Hinge (And You Should, Too!)
How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a loose door hinge is a simple task for the majority of homeowners. But, if the screw holes are stripped and won't hold screws you may need to use wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge.
Before you do that though scrub away any the surface rust. This will help keep the dowels in place and give them an adequate base to hold onto.
Removal of the Hinges
Most hinges on doors are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to take the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges, however, you must know what to do.
If the hinges are painted you'll need to take off the paint before attempting to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could flake off and scratch your door when you try 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 fully submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.
After the pins are loosening then you can remove the hinges from the door and frame. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended that you employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this task. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to take out metal screws and assist you in getting the task completed much quicker.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with a oil. A simple lubricant will help you accelerate the process and remove the pins and screws more easily. This kind of lubricant is able to be found at most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.
The number of hinges needed will also depend on the kind of door you have, and how it's set up. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might require just two or three hinges.
Understanding the different kinds of hinges can help you decide which one is the best for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of the door, while interior hinges will have to be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will get looser and eventually begin to hang crookedly or sag. This can cause problems however, it's usually simple to solve. Retightening the screw will typically solve the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it could be difficult to fix. However, there is a trick to get the holes back in place that utilizes a wood dowel.
Begin by drilling the old hole with a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. Install the screw again and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, add another dowel to the gap. Repeat the procedure. Be sure to shut the door slowly so that you can check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.
You could also use a wood plug in place of the dowel. This is also a viable option, but may take some time to set up. Simply whittle a piece of wood that is the right size for a snug fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a tool for woodworking You can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
After you've reinstalled your new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it does not touch the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. door hinge repair near me will aid in tightening the screw after installing the hinge.
After you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. Apply a thin coating and allow it to soak into the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to make a few minor repairs. The first step is to check that the screws securing the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with a screwdriver or power drill. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws as this could create gaps at the trim joints or worse, strip the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating, you can reattach the plates by applying wood glue to the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide a solid base for the screws, preventing the plates from moving as you insert them. Let the glue dry before reattaching your hinge.
Another common cause of loose hinges is that the screws are damaged or missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Make sure the drill bit is exactly the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Close the door once you have reattached your hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be about the thickness of one nickel all the way around, or less if there's a gap that was caused by a previous door that was not properly hang. If the hinges were installed correctly, this shouldn't be an issue.
If the hinges seem loose, you could add an extra thick hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and then pounding it with a hammer in order to make it more secure or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and help keep them in position. Regularly lubricating your hinges will 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 attracts dust particles. These particles can get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. As a result the hinge can become stiff and creaky and its appearance may deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections will maintain the quality and function of hinges on doors.
Examine the hinges for the accumulation of rust. If the rust has become so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, clean any loose rust with a wire brush and steel wool. Then, apply a rust remover from a commercial store or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution sit on the hinges for several minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
Retightening screws can help restore hinge functionality if you don't want to spend money or time on replacing hinges. If you've stripped the screw holes, however, it may be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods of various sizes and lengths. They are available at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.
A shim can also be made from a piece of plastic or metal, depending on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or other sturdy material to the size you want. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the cut hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in place.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, lay down a paper or cloth towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After you have protected the area then clean the hinges using an easy sponge or cloth that has been dipped in a mild cleaner to remove 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 tight spaces and crevices.