The Three Greatest Moments In Fix Door Hinge History
How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
The majority of homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. However, if the screw holes are stripped and can't hold screws, you might have to add dowels and wood glue before you can install the hinge.
Remove any surface that has rust. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid foundation to rest on.
Removing the Hinges
Many standard door hinges are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or take the entire door off the frame, if needed. Removing the hinges is fairly simple for anyone with a bit of patience, but you have to know how to do it correctly.
If the hinges are painted, you'll need to take off the paint before attempting to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if you don't remove the paint. Place the hinges into an stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.
Once the pins are loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended to employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this project. This type of screwdriver is specially designed to pick up metal screws and assist you in getting the task accomplished much faster.
Before double glazed door hinge repair attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with some grease. A simple lubricant will allow you speed up the process and make the removal of pins and screws more easily. This kind of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement shops.
You should also keep in mind that the number of hinges you'll need will vary depending on the kind of door and its setting. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will need more hinges, while hollow-core doors that weigh less might require just two or three.
It is also crucial to understand the different types of hinges to decide which one will work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are designed to hold the weight of a door, while interior hinges must be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time, the hinges of doors may lose its grip and then begin to sag or hang crookedly. This could be a problem, but it's usually easy to solve. Retightening the screw will typically solve the issue. However when the screw holes have been stripped out, this may be more difficult to do. Fortunately, there is a method to make the holes back in place that uses a wood dowel.
Start by drilling out the hole you had previously made using an appropriate drill bit similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length that is the same as the screw to ensure a snug fit. Install the screw again and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door continues to have the tendency to be bowed the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Be sure to close the door slowly so that you can examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.
Another option is to just make use of an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. This will work similarly, but it may take a bit longer to put in. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool You can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches.
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 when they are opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws after installing hinges.
After installing the hinge, apply lubrication to the hinge using an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will help to prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good options. Apply a thin coating and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you can make a few minor repairs. The first step is to check whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten the screws with a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, because this could create gaps at the trim joints or worse, strip out the threads.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting, you can reattach the plates by applying wood glue to the back of them and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create a solid base for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting as you drive them in. Allow the glue time 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. Make sure the drill bit is exactly the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Once you've reattached the hinge, close the door and examine the gap between the door and the frame. It should be around the thickness of a nickel all around or less if there's a gap created by a door that was not properly hang. This should not be a problem if the hinges are properly installed.
If you discover that the hinges are loose, try putting a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add some extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin, then pound it down with a heavy hammer in order to tighten it up or choose a new hinge. You can also lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and help them hold their place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
A hinge's continuous movement creates friction, which attracts dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and build up over time. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance could rapidly diminish. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the quality of a hinge on a door and ensure its proper operation.
Examine the hinges for rust accumulation. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll require replacement of the hinges. If you can save the hinges, first brush off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover be on the hinge for a few minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.
If you do not want to spend the money and time replacing hinges, tightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. If you have stripped the screw holes however, it might be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are square pieces of wood in the form of rods that are available in varying lengths and diameters. You can find them at home improvement centers or woodworking supply shops, or online.
A shim could be made of metal or plastic, depending on the kind of hinge you've got. 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 hole that you have stripped and let the glue hold the dowel in the right position.
Before you start cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After the area is secured then clean the hinges with a soft cloth or sponge coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to remove built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to access difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or tight areas.