How
glass to glass hinges Fix Door hinge a Loose Door Hinge
Most homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. However, if the screw holes are damaged and can't hold screws, you might need to put in wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.
Before you do that, however you should clean off any the surface corrosion. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to hold onto.
Eliminating the Hinges
A lot of door hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the next or to take the entire door off the frame if need be. Removing the hinges is fairly easy for anyone with patience, but you need to know how to do it properly.
If the hinges are painted you'll need to get rid of the paint before attempting to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your
door hinge repairs if you don't remove the paint. To break the seal of the paint put the
casement windows hinges in a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest 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 loosened, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, but it is recommended to make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to grab metal screws and help you get the job done much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is a good idea to spray them with grease. A simple lubricant can help you to accelerate the process and also remove the pins and screws more easily. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.
The number of hinges you need will also vary depending on the type of door you have and how it is set up. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges, whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three.
Understanding the different types of hinges will help you decide which one is the best for your situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the weight of the door, while interior hinges will need to be able to handle lighter 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 issue, but the solution is usually easy. Retightening the screw will typically resolve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult to accomplish. However, there is a method to make these holes back to their original size using a wooden dowel.
Begin by drilling out the old hole using an appropriate drill bit close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then use a wood glue as well as a dowel made of wood to fill the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length that is similar to the screw to ensure a tight fit. Install the screw again and tighten it until you are satisfied with the degree of tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, insert a second dowel to the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the clearances around the perimeter are correct.
You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. It's also possible however it will take some time to set up. You can use the wood piece which has been cut to the right size. If you don't own an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.
Once you have reinstalled the new screw and countersink the screw, you can use a countersink tool to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it does not touch the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screw when installing the hinge.
After installing the hinge, make sure to lubricate the hinge using a dry lubricant. This will help prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a light coat and wait for about 15 minutes to fully reach the barrel of the hinge.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could make a few minor repairs. Make sure the screws that attach the hinge plate to both the door frame and the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws so much that they begin to create gaps in the trim joints or, even more damagingly cause threads to be stripped.
If the problem is the hinge plates are splitting, you can reattach the plates by putting wood glue on the back of them and inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels and toothpicks provide a solid foundation for the screws, which will stop the plates from shifting as you push them in. Allow the glue to dry before you can reattach your 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 once you have reattached your hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. It should be about the thickness of a nickel all the way 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 the hinges are correctly installed.
If you notice that the hinges are loose, try putting the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add a little extra space. You can also remove the hinge pin, then pound it down with a powerful hammer to tighten it or use an entirely new hinge. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce
friction hinges and help keep them in their place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also prolong their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
The
friction stay hinges created by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. These particles can get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not regularly cleaned and lubricated. The hinge will become stiff and creaky, and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will ensure the integrity and functionality of hinges on a door.
Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has formed on their surfaces. If the rust is so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, you should first clean away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then apply a commercial rust remover or homemade solution like lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution sit on the hinges for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.
If you do not want to spend money and time replacing your hinges, simply retightening the screws can restore the hinges' functionality. If you've stripped the screw holes however, it might be necessary to attach a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood come in round rods of various lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement centers as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.
You can also make an shim using either plastic or metal, depending on the type hinge you own. To make a dowel, cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in a carpenter's glue and insert it into the cut hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in place.
Before you begin cleaning the hinges, put down a cloth or paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After securing the area clean the hinges with a soft sponge or cloth dipped into mild cleaner to get rid of dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in crevices or tight areas.