How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. If, however, the screw holes are damaged and can't hold screws, you might need to use dowels and wood glue before you can put back the hinge.

Clean up any surface that has rust. This will allow the dowels to remain in place and provide them a solid base to rest on.

Eliminating the Hinges

Many hinges for doors can be removed, making it simpler to move doors from one side of the frame to the opposite side or take the entire door off when needed. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges however, you must know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. You may scratch your composite door hinges if you don't take off the paint. Place the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint, making it easier to remove.

After the pins have been loosen, you can remove the hinges from the door and frame. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab metal screws and assist you in getting the task done much faster.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with some oil. A simple lubricant can make the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the screws and pins. You can purchase this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges needed will also depend on the kind of door you have and how it is set up. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges while lighter and hollow-cored doors may only require two or three hinges.

It is also important to be aware of the various kinds of hinges in order to determine which ones be the most effective for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the composite door hinge replacement's weight, while interior hinges will have to be able to support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, the hinges of doors may become loose and start to slide or hang crookedly. This can be a problem however, it's usually simple to solve. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will fix the problem. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it could be difficult to fix. A wood dowel could be used to tighten these holes again.

Begin by drilling out the hole you had previously made using an appropriate drill bit similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then use a wood glue and a wooden dowel to fill in the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length exactly the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, add another dowel into the gap. Repeat the process. Make sure to close the door slowly so that you can examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.

Another option is to just utilize a wood plug instead of dowel. It's also possible, but may take some time to set up. You can use the wood piece which has been cut to the proper size. If you don't own a woodworking instrument, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.

Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of the screw after you have reinstalled it. This will stop the screw from hitting the edges of the bi-fold doors hinges as they are opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws when installing hinges.

After reinstalling the hinge, apply lubrication to the hinge using a dry lubricant. This will prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are excellent options. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the barrel of the hinge for approximately 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're unsure whether to replace hinges, you could try a few simple fixes. The first step is to ensure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the door frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, because this could create gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip out the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are breaking they can be reattached to the plates by applying wood glue on the back of them and inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks give a solid foundation for the screws and keep the plates from moving when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.

Another reason that causes loose hinges is that screws are worn out or are missing. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with longer ones. Use a drill bit that is exactly the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.

After you've reattached your hinge shut the door and look at the gap between the composite door hinges and the frame. It should be around the thickness of one nickel all around, or less if there's a gap caused by a previous door that hung improperly. If the hinges were installed properly, this shouldn't be an issue.

If the hinges seem loose, you could add a stronger hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more room. You can also take off the hinge pin and then pound it down with a powerful hammer to tighten it up or choose the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to decrease friction and aid in holding their position. Periodically lubricating your hinges can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The continuous movement of hinges creates friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles can get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. As a result the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may deteriorate rapidly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can preserve the quality of hinged door and ensure their proper function.

Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated 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 them. If you are able to save the hinges, first brush away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust removal solution sit on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.

If you don't want to spend time and money to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. If you've stripped the screws' holes, however, it may be necessary to add a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods that vary in sizes and lengths. They are available at home improvement centers as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.

You can also create a shim from a piece made of plastic or metal depending on the kind of hinge you own. To make a dowel, you need to cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into carpenter's glue before inserting it into the stripped hole and let the glue hold the dowel in the desired position.

Before cleaning the hinges, put down a paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected, proceed to clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth that has been soaked in mild cleaner or vinegar to remove built-up dirt, grime and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and difficult places.