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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge Fixing a door hinge that is loose can be a manageable task for the majority of homeowners. But, if the screw holes are damaged and can't hold screws, you may need to add wood glue and dowels before you can reinstall the hinge. Before you do that, however, brush away the surface corrosion. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid foundation to rest on. Take off the Hinges A lot of door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to another or to remove the entire door off of the frame, if needed. Anyone who is patient can take the hinges off, however, you must know what to do. If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to take off the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if do not remove the paint. Place the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. Allow the hinges to sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will 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 make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended that you make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to take out metal screws and assist you in getting the task completed much quicker. Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with grease. A simple lubricant can help the process go by more quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores. The number of hinges needed will also depend on the kind of door you have, and how it's installed. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors may only require two or three. It is also important to be aware of the various kinds of hinges to determine which ones be the most effective for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will need to be able to support lighter loads. Reattaching the Hinges Over time the hinges on doors can lose its grip and then begin to hang crooked or sag. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually easy. A simple retightening will usually resolve the issue. However in the event that the screw holes have been stripped out, this can be more difficult to accomplish. There is a trick to get these holes back to their original size that uses a wood dowel. Begin by drilling out the old hole using the drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8”). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel should be cut to the same length as the screw. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired tightness. If the door does not stop bind up, you can insert another dowel to the gap. Repeat the procedure. Make sure to close the door slowly to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment. Another option is to make use of an old-fashioned wood plug instead of dowel. This will work as well however it will take a bit longer to install. Simply whittle a plug of wood that is the proper size to ensure a secure fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a tool for woodworking You can also make use of toothpicks or wooden matches. After you've reinstalled your new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the head of the screw smaller so that it won't touch the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will make it easier to tighten the screws before replacing hinges. After installing the hinge again, you should lubricate the hinge with dry lubricant. This will prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good options. You should apply a thin coat and give it around 15 minutes to fully get into the hinge barrel. Refinishing the Hinges If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few simple fixes. The first step is to make sure that the screws holding the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws by using a drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws so tight that they start to cause gaps at the trim joints, or even worse cause threads to be stripped. If upvc window hinge repairs near me repairmywindowsanddoors is that the hinge plates are breaking away from the jamb and door, you can reattach them by gluing wood glue to the plate's back 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 moving as you insert them. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge. Another reason for loose hinges is that the screws are damaged or gone. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Make sure you use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge. Once you've reattached the hinge shut the door and check the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be the thickness of a penny all around or less if an older door was not hung correctly. This should not be a problem as long as the hinges are correctly installed. If you discover that the hinges are still loose, you can try adding a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create 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 the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to reduce friction and assist in keeping their position. Lubricating your hinges periodically can stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky and also prolong their lifespan. Cleaning the Hinges The friction created by the hinge's constant motion draws dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not maintained and cleaned regularly. In the end the hinge can become stiff and creaky, and its appearance can be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspections can maintain the quality of a hinged door and ensure their proper function. Check the hinges for corrosion. If the corrosion has reached the point of damaging the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, begin by brushing off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust be on the hinges for several minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust. If you don't wish to spend the time and money to replace hinges, tightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. If you have stripped the screws' holes, however, it may be necessary to add a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood in the form of rods that are available in various lengths and sizes. You can purchase them on the internet, at stores selling woodworking supplies and home improvement centers. You can also make a shim from a piece made of plastic or metal depending on the type hinge you are using. To make a dowel cut a piece made of wooden dowel or other sturdy material to the desired size. You can then dip the dowel into a glue for carpenters and then insert it into the stripped hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the right position. Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a piece of paper cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After you have protected the area then clean the hinges using a soft sponge or a cloth dipped into mild cleaner to eliminate dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can make use of a toothbrush or a small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices or tight areas.