How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

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

Before you do that though scrub away any surface rust. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid base to hold onto.

Take off the Hinges

Many standard upvc door hinges replacement hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the other or take the entire door off in the event of need. Anyone who is patient can take the Replacement double glazing hinges off, however, you must know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off it prior to trying to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will flake off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off.

Once the pins are removed, take the hinges and frame from the composite door hinge replacement. You can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver was created to grab screws made of steel and will make the project run much more quickly.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with grease. A simple lubricant will help the process go by more quickly and help you remove the pins and screws. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges you need will also depend on the kind of door you have and the way it's installed. Heavy doors and solid-core bi-fold doors hinges will need more hinges, while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might require just two or three.

It is also crucial to know the various types of hinges in order to determine which ones will be the most effective for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight and interior hinges need to be able to support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes a door hinge will become looser over time and begin to hang out of alignment or slide. This could be a problem however, it's usually simple to fix. Retightening the screw will typically resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be difficult to do. However, there is a trick to make these holes back to their original size that utilizes a wood dowel.

Start by drilling out the hole from the previous one using a drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole with 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 snug fit. Reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired degree of tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, insert a second dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Be sure to close the door slowly in order to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.

Another option is to just use a wood plug instead of dowel. This will work as well, but may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood that is the right size for a snug fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking, you can use toothpicks or wooden matchsticks.

Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of the screw after you have put it back in place. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edge of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screws before installing hinges.

Once you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to lubricate it using a dry lubricant to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a thin coat and allow it to take about 15 minutes to fully get into the barrel of the hinge.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, you can try a few easy fixes. Make sure the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door frame and frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten your screws so tight that they begin to create gaps at the trim joints, or worse cause threads to be stripped.

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

The screws could also be smashed or gone. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with larger ones. Be sure to use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.

After you've reattached your hinge shut the door and examine 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 door that was not properly hang. If the hinges were installed correctly, this should not be a problem.

If you find that the hinges are still loose, try putting the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create some extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin, then pound it down with a powerful hammer to tighten it or use the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate the hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to lessen friction and help them hold their position. Lubricating your hinges periodically will help keep them from becoming stiff and squeaky and can also prolong their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The continuous movement of hinges creates upvc friction hinges, which attracts dust particles. These particles can get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of replacement upvc door hinges hinges if they're not regularly cleaned and lubricated. As a result, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky, and its appearance can deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges that are attached to doors.

Check the hinges for the accumulation of rust. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will need to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, 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. Allow the rust-removing solution to be on the hinges for several minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

If you don't wish to spend the cost and time to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. It is possible to attach an shim of wood or a dowel to the hinge when the screws have been degraded. Wooden dowels come in round rods of various sizes and lengths. They can be purchased on the internet, at woodworking supply shops and at home improvement stores.

You can also create a shim from a piece either plastic or metal, depending on the type hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. Then, dip a dowel into carpenter's adhesive and place it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in place.

Before you begin cleaning the hinges, place down a paper or cloth towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. Once the area is protected, proceed to clean the hinges using a soft cloth or sponge that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to remove dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to access hard-to-reach areas in crevices and narrow places.