The Top 5 Reasons People Win In The Fix Door Hinge Industry
How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Repairing a broken door hinge can be a manageable task for the majority of homeowners. If the screw holes have been smashed and will not hold screws, you could require wood glue and dowels in order to reinstall the hinge.
Clean up any surface corrosion. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to grip into.
Remove the Hinges
Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it simpler to move doors from one side of the frame to the other side or remove the entire door if necessary. The removal of the hinges is simple for anyone with patience, although you have to know how to do it properly.
If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off it before you attempt to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if you don't remove the paint. Place the hinges into a stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.
Once the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to grab screws made of metal and will help you get the job completed much quicker.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is recommended to spray them with some grease. metal door frame hinge repair will allow you to speed up the process and remove the pins and screws with ease. This type of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement shops.
The number of hinges needed will also differ based on the kind of door you have, and how it is set up. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will need more hinges, while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might only require two or three.
It is also important to understand the different types of hinges to determine which ones will work best in your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will have to be able to support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Over time, a door hinge can become loose and start to hang crooked or sag. This can cause problems but is usually easy to fix. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will solve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be more difficult to accomplish. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten the holes once more.
Start 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. The dowel should be cut to a length that is exactly the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door still has an tendency to get stuck the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Be sure to shut the door slowly to check the perimeter clearances after each adjustment.
Another option is to just utilize an old-fashioned wood plug instead of dowel. This will work equally well, but may take a little longer to set up. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the proper size to ensure a secure fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool, you can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will stop the screw from hitting the edges of the doors as they are opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws after replacing hinges.
Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to coat it with a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coat and give it around 15 minutes to fully reach the hinge barrel.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not yet ready to replace hinges, you could try a few simple fixes. The first step is to check that the screws holding the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws using a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws as this can cause gaps to appear 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 and jamb, you can fix the hinges by applying wood glue to the back of the plates, and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide a solid base for the screws, and prevent the plates from shifting when you insert them. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge.
The screws can also be smashed or gone. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Use a drill bit that is similar to the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into the jamb or hinge.
After you've reattached your hinge shut 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 an existing gap caused by a previous door that was not properly hang. If the hinges were put in place correctly, this should not be a problem.
If you discover that the hinges remain loose, try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create some extra space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and pounding it down with a hammer in order to make it tighter or using an entirely new hinge pin. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and hold them in their place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction generated by the constant movement of a hinge attracts dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not regularly cleaned and lubricated. The hinge will get stiff and creaky, and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can preserve the quality of a hinge on a door and ensure its proper operation.
Check the hinges for rust accumulation. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, begin by brushing away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or homemade solutions like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover remain on the hinge for a few minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.
If you do not want to spend the cost and time to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws will restore the hinges' functionality. If you've sanded the screw holes however, it could be necessary to attach an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods that vary in sizes and lengths. You can purchase them online, at woodworking supply stores and at home improvement stores.
A shim could also be made from metal or plastic, depending on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the desired size. You can then dip the dowel into a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the hole that you have stripped, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the desired position.
Before you start cleaning the hinges, put down a towel or a paper towel to shield floors and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After the area is secured, proceed to clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to remove the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. A small brush or toothbrush can be used to access hard-to-reach areas in crevices and narrow spots.