The Top Reasons Why People Succeed In The Fix Door Hinge Industry
How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can repair hinges that are loose. If, however, the holes for screws are smashed and can't hold screws, you may need to use wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.
Remove any surface corrosion. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and provide a solid foundation to hold onto.
Removing the Hinges
A variety of door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off if necessary. Anyone who is patient can take the hinges off, but you must be aware of what to do.
If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove it before you attempt to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if you don't remove the paint. Place the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.
Once the pins have been loosened, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to take out screws made of metal and will aid you in getting the job completed much quicker.
It is a good idea to spray lubricant onto the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will allow you speed up the process and make the removal of pins and screws with ease. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges you need will also differ based on what type of door you have, and how it is set up. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only need two or three.
Understanding the various types of hinges will help you decide which one is the best for your situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will have to be able to handle lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes a door hinge will become looser over time and begin to hang in a crooked manner or sag. It can be a big problem, but the fix is usually easy. Most of the time, a simple retightening of the screw will solve the problem. However, if the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be more difficult to do. A wood dowel can be used to tighten these holes again.
Start by drilling the old hole using a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length similar to the screw to ensure a tight fit. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, add another dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Be sure to close the door slowly so that you can verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.
RepairMyWindowsAndDoors could also use a wood plug in place of the dowel. It works just as well but might take a bit longer to put in. Simply whittle a plug of wood that is the right size for a snug fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool you could also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edge of the doors when they are opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screw prior to installing the hinge.
After installing the hinge, make sure to lubricate the hinge using dry lubricant. This will help prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent alternatives. Apply a thin coating and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not yet ready to replace hinges, you could try a few easy fixes. Check that the screws that secure the hinge plate in place to the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws to the point that they start to create gaps in the trim joints or, even more damagingly cause threads to be stripped.
If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting and you want to reattach the plates by putting wood glue to the back of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide an solid foundation for the screws, and prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them in. Let the glue dry before reattaching your hinge.
Another reason for hinges that are loose is that the screws are damaged or are missing. It is possible to fix this issue by replacing the screws with longer ones. 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 after you've reattached your hinge and examine the gap between the frame and the door. It should be about the thickness of a nickel all around, or less if there's a gap created by a previous door that was not properly hung. This shouldn't be a problem if hinges are correctly installed.
If you notice 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 can also take off the hinge pin, then pound it down with a hammer to tighten it or use a new hinge. You can also lubricate the hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and help them hold their position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life.
Cleaning the Hinges
The friction caused by the hinge's constant motion draws dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, the 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 may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can preserve the quality of a hinged door and ensure their proper operation.
Examine the hinges for signs of rust accumulation. 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 them. If you can save the hinges, first brush away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution remain 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 wish to spend time or money to replace hinges. It might be necessary, however, to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been shaved. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods which are available in different lengths and sizes. You can purchase them online, in woodworking supply stores and home improvement stores.
A shim could be made of plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or any other durable material to the size you want. Then, dip a dowel into carpenter's adhesive and then insert it into the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in place.
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 the area has been secured and dry, clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to remove built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and tight areas.