jetrepair9

How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge The majority of homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. If the screw holes have been smashed and will not hold screws, you may require dowels and wood glue to put back in the hinge. Clean up any surface that has rust. hinged door repairs will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to grip into. Removal of the Hinges Many standard door hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the other or to remove the entire door off of the frame should it be needed. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges but you need to know what to do. If the hinges are painted, you will need to remove the paint before attempting to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if don't take off the paint. Place the hinges into an stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins. Once the pins are loosened, you can remove the hinges from the door and frame. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to take out metal screws and help you get the job completed much quicker. It is a good practice to spray some lubricant on the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant can help you to accelerate the process and also remove the pins and screws with ease. You can find this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores. It is important to keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary depending on the door's type and the settings. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges while hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three. Understanding the different types of hinges can help you determine which one is best for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will need to be able to handle lighter loads. Reattaching the Hinges Over time the hinges on doors can become loose and start to sag or hang crookedly. This can be a major issue, but the solution is usually easy. A simple retightening will usually resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it could be difficult to fix. However, there is a trick to get these holes back to their original size that uses a wood dowel. Start by drilling out the old hole using an appropriate drill bit close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8”). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length similar to the screw to ensure a snug fit. Reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired degree of tightness. If the door has a tendency to bind, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct. You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. It works similarly, but it may take a bit longer to install. You can insert a piece of wood that has been whittled down to the right size. If you don't own an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or wooden matchsticks. 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 allow you to tighten the screw after you are reinstalling the hinge. Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to grease it using a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can apply products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer 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. Make sure the screws that hold the hinge plate to the door frame and the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them with a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to tighten the screws so much that they begin to create gaps in the trim joints, or even worse remove the threads. If the issue is that the hinge plates are separating and you want to reattach the plates by applying wood glue on the back of them and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will provide a solid base for the screws and keep the plates from moving when you drive them into place. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge. The screws can also be damaged or missing. It is possible to fix this issue by replacing the screws with larger ones. Use a drill that is exactly the same size as the screw hole to prevent drilling into the hinge or jamb. After you've reattached your hinge, close the door and check the gap between the door and the frame. It should be approximately the thickness of a nickel all the way around, or less if there's a gap caused by a door that was not properly hung. This shouldn't be a problem as long as the hinges are properly installed. If you discover that the hinges are still loose, you can try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add a little extra space. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a hammer in order to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to lessen friction and help them hold their place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life. Cleaning the Hinges A hinge's continuous movement creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not maintained and cleaned regularly. As a result the hinge can become stiff and creaky and its appearance may deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections will maintain the functionality and quality of hinges on a door. Examine the hinges for signs of rust accumulation. If the rust has corroded to the point of damaging the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you'll require replacement of the hinges. If you can save the hinges, remove any loose rust by using wire brush and steel wool. Then apply a commercial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust remover to be on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion. If you don't want to spend the cost and time to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. It may be necessary to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been degraded. Dowels made of wood are square pieces made of wood in the shape of rods that are available in different sizes and lengths. They can be purchased online, in stores selling woodworking supplies and at home improvement stores. A shim may be made of plastic or metal, based on the kind of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or other sturdy material to the size you want. You can then dip a dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and place it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in place. Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After the area has been secured and dry, clean the hinges with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices or tight areas.