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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge Fixing a door hinge that is loose can be a doable job for the majority of homeowners. But, if the screw holes are damaged and aren't able to hold screws, you may need to add wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge. Clean up any surface that has rust. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and give them an adequate base for them to rest on. Eliminating the Hinges Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the other or remove the entire door when needed. It is simple for anyone with patience, though you do need to know how do it right. If the hinges are painted, you'll need to take off the paint prior to trying to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if don't take off the paint. To break the seal put the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint, making it easier to remove. After the pins have been loosen and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the door and frame. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver is specially designed to pick up metal screws and will assist you in getting the task completed much quicker. It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process to go more quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. This kind of lubricant is able to be found in a variety of hardware stores as well as home improvement shops. The number of hinges you need will also vary depending on the type of door you have and how it's set up. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges while hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three. It is also crucial to know the various types of hinges so you can decide which one will work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will need to be able to support lighter loads. Reattaching the Hinges Sometimes, the hinges on doors get looser and eventually begin to hang out of alignment or slide. This can cause problems, but it's usually easy to repair. Most of the time, a simple retightening of the screw will fix the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it may be a challenge to complete. Fortunately, there is a trick to make the holes back in place that uses a wood dowel. Begin by drilling out the hole you had previously made using a drill bit that is close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8”). Then, use a wood glue as well as a wooden dowel to fill the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to desired level of tightness. If the door has the tendency to be bowed and close, then you can add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Be sure to shut the door slowly in order to verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment. Another option is to utilize the wood plug instead of a dowel. This is also a viable option however it may take some time to set up. Simply whittle a plug of wood that is the right size for a snug fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking tool You can also use toothpicks or wooden matches. Once you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it won't rub against the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will allow you to tighten the screw when you are reinstalling the hinge. After installing the hinge, apply lubrication to the hinge using an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will help prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. You should apply a thin coat and allow it to take about 15 minutes to fully get into the barrel of the hinge. Refinishing the Hinges If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to make a few minor repairs. The first step is to check that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten them using a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not too tighten the screws, because this can create gaps at the trim joints, or more seriously, tear out the threads. If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are breaking away from the jamb and door, you can reattach them by gluing wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will give a solid foundation for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into place. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge. The screws could also be stripped or missing. 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 to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge. Close the door after you have reattached your hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. It should be around the thickness of one nickel all the way around or less if there's an existing gap created by a door that hung improperly. If the hinges were installed properly, this shouldn't be a problem. If you find that the hinges are loose, try putting an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create a little extra space. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a powerful hammer to tighten it or use an entirely new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and hold them in position. Lubricating your hinges regularly can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life. Cleaning the Hinges The friction created by the hinge's constant motion draws dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, the particles become stuck in the moving parts of a hinge for doors and then build up over time. As window hinge repairs near me can become stiff and creaky and its appearance could deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the quality of hinge on a door and ensure its proper operation. Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has accumulated on their surfaces. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, you should first clean off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then, apply a commercial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover be on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust. If you don't want to spend cost and time to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws will restore the hinges' functionality. If you've sanded the screw holes however, it might be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood that are in the form of rods, which are available in varying lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online. You can also create an shim out of either plastic or metal, depending on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the cut hole and let the glue hold the dowel in place. Before you start cleaning the hinges, put down a cloth or paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After the area is secured and dry, clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to access difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or narrow places.