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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. If the screws' holes have been stripped and will not hold screws, you could require wood glue and dowels to put back in the hinge.
Before you do that though, brush away surface corrosion. This will aid in keeping the dowels in their place and provide a solid base to hold onto.
Removing 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 in the event of need. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges however, you must know what to do.
If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could flake off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. Put the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it up with water until the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off.
Once the pins have been loose, remove the Replacement hinges for upvc windows and frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver is designed to remove screws made of steel and will make the project run much more quickly.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is recommended to spray them with lubricant. A simple lubricant will help you to accelerate the process and also remove the screws and pins easier. This kind of lubricant can be found in most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.
The number of hinges needed will also depend on the type of door you have and the way it is set up. Heavier doors and solid-core upvc doors hinges will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight may only require two or three hinges.
Understanding the various types of hinges will help you determine which one is suitable for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are designed to withstand the weight of a door, but interior hinges need to be able to handle heavier loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes, a hinge on a door will loosen over time and start to hang crookedly or slide. This can be a major problem, but the fix is usually easy. A simple tightening can solve the issue. However, if the screw holes are ripped out, it can be more difficult to do. There is a trick to make these holes tight again using a wooden dowel.
Begin by drilling the hole using a drill close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a tight fit, the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to desired level of tightness. If the door continues to bind up, you can insert another dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Be sure to shut the door slowly so that you can examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.
You could also use a wood plug in place of the dowel. It will work just as well but might take a bit longer to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood that is the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't own a woodworking instrument You can use toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.
Once you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it won't touch the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws before replacing hinges.
Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to grease it using a dry lubricant to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. Apply a thin layer and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you are not ready to replace window hinges the hinges on your door, you can make a few repairs. Make sure the screws that attach the hinge plate to the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten the screws using a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws to the point that they start to create gaps in the trim joints, or even worse, strip the threads.
If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door it is possible to reattach them by gluing 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 foundation for the screws, and prevent the plates from shifting when you insert them. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge.
Another common cause of loose hinges is that the screws are stripped or gone. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Make sure you use a drill bit that is compatible with the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.
Close the bi-fold door hinges once you've reattached your hinge and check the gap between the frame and the door. It should be approximately the thickness of one nickel all around or less if there's an existing gap created by a door that was not properly hung. This should not be a problem if hinges are installed correctly.
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 add a little extra space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the problem hinge and pounding it down using a hammer to make it more secure or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to lessen friction and help them hold their position. Lubricating your hinges regularly can prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky and also prolong their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles can become stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not regularly cleaned and lubricated. As a result the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance could deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can help preserve the integrity of a door's hinges and ensure their proper function.
Examine the hinges for signs of rust accumulation. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge repair plate, you'll need to replace them. If you can save the hinges, clean any loose rust with a steel wool and wire brush. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to be on the hinges for a few 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 will restore the hinges' functionality. If you've stripped the screw holes however, it could be necessary to add an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods of various lengths and sizes. You can buy them online, in woodworking supply shops and home improvement stores.
A shim can be made of metal or plastic, depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, you need to cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the hole that you have stripped and let the glue hold the dowel in place.
Before you start cleaning the hinges, put down a paper or cloth towel to protect flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After securing the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth that has been dipped in mild cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in tight spaces and crevices.