The Fix Door Hinge Case Study You'll Never Forget
How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Fixing a door hinge that is loose can be a manageable task for the majority of homeowners. If the screws' holes have been smashed and will not hold screws, you might need to use dowels and wood glue to put back in the door hinge.
Remove any surface that has rust. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid base to hold onto.
Take off the Hinges
Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the other side or remove the entire door when needed. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges however, you must know what to do.
If This Internet page have been painted it is necessary to remove the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if do not remove the paint. Place the hinges into a stainless steel pot and fill it up with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. The hinges should rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to remove.
Once the pins are loosened then you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to grab screws made of metal and will help you get the job done much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is a good idea to spray them with oil. A simple lubricant will help the process move along quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. You can purchase this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges needed will also depend on the type of door you have, and how it's set up. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors that weigh less might only require two or three hinges.
It is also crucial to be aware of the various kinds of hinges so you can decide which one will work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight, while interior hinges will have to be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes a door hinge will loosen over time and start to hang in a crooked manner or slide. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually easy. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will resolve the problem. However in the event that the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult. A wood dowel could be used to tighten the holes again.
Begin by drilling the hole using a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Then, you can use a wood glue and a dowel made of wood to fill in the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length that is exactly the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. Install the screw again and tighten it to the desired degree of tightness. If the door continues to bind up, insert a second dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the perimeter clearances are correct.
You can also use a wooden plug instead of the dowel. It's also possible however it may take some time to put in. You can insert a piece of wood that has been whittled down to the right size. If you don't have a woodworking instrument or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.
Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edges of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will aid in tightening the screw when you are reinstalling the hinge.
After you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to coat it using a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coating and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could do a few simple repairs. Verify that the screws that hold the hinge plate to the door frame and the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using an electric drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, because this can create gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads.
If the problem is that the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door it is possible to reattach them 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 position. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.
Another reason that causes hinges that are loose is that the screws are damaged or gone. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. 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 jamb or hinge.
After you've reattached your hinge, close the door and look at the gap between the frame and the door. It should be around the thickness of a nickel all around or less if there's a gap that was 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 remain loose, try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create a little extra space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the problem hinge and then pounding it using a hammer to make it tighter or use the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to reduce friction and aid in holding their place. Lubricating your hinges frequently will help prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky and can also prolong their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
A hinge's continuous movement causes friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate over time 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 will preserve the quality and function of hinges that are attached to doors.
Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has formed on their surfaces. 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 need to replace them. If you can save the hinges, you should first clean off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution be on the hinges for a few minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
If you don't wish to spend the money and time replacing hinges, tightening the screws will restore the hinges' functionality. It may be necessary to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge when the screws have been degraded. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood in the form of rods that are available in varying lengths and diameters. They are available at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.
A shim could also be made from a piece of plastic or metal, based on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. You can then dip a dowel into carpenter's adhesive and insert it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in the position.
Before you start cleaning the hinges, place down a towel or a paper towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After securing the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth coated with a mild cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in tight spaces and crevices.