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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 wood glue and dowels to put back in the hinge. Clean up any surface corrosion. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid foundation to rest on. Take the Hinges off Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it simpler to move the door from one end of the frame to the opposite side or remove the entire door if necessary. Anyone with a bit of patience can take the hinges off, however, you must know what to do. If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove it before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will be smashed off and scratch your door when you attempt to lift it. To break the seal of the paint, place the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for approximately 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 regular screwdriver, but a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this job. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up metal screws and will aid you in getting the job accomplished much faster. It is a good idea to spray lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process go by more quickly and help you remove the screws and pins. You can find this type of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores. The number of hinges you need will also depend on what type of door you have, and how it's installed. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might only require two or three. Understanding the different kinds of hinges will help you determine which one is best for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges must be able to handle heavier loads. Reattaching the Hinges Sometimes, the hinges on doors become looser over time and begin to hang in a crooked manner or slide. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually quite simple. A simple retightening will usually resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it could be a challenge to complete. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten these holes again. Start by drilling the old hole with a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8”). Then, use a wood glue and a dowel made of wood to fill in the hole. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel should be cut at the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw and tighten it until you are satisfied with the level of tightness. If the door still has the tendency to be bowed the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Make sure to close the door slowly so that you can examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment. You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. This will work as well, but may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood that is the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood. Once you have reinstalled the new screw then use a countersink 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 much easier to tighten the screws after installing hinges. After reinstalling the hinge, apply lubrication to the hinge using an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will help to prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. You should apply a light coat and give it approximately 15 minutes to reach the barrel of the hinge. Refinishing the Hinges If you're not yet ready to replace your hinges, try a few easy fixes. Make sure the screws that attach the hinge plate to the door frame and the frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten the screws with a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws to the point that they start to create gaps in the trim joints, or worse cause threads to be stripped. If hinged door repairs is that the hinge plates are separating from the jamb and door, you can reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will serve as a solid base for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Allow the glue to dry before reattaching the hinge. Another reason for hinges that are loose is that screws are worn out or are missing. This can be fixed by replacing the screws with longer ones. Be sure to use a drill bit that is compatible with the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb. Once you've reattached the hinge shut the door and check 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 caused by a door that was not properly hang. If the hinges were installed correctly, this should not be a problem. If you find that the hinges remain loose, try adding the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create an extra inch of space. You could also try removing the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and then pounding it using a hammer to make it more secure or using a new hinge pin altogether. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to lessen friction and help them hold 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 A hinge's continuous movement creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles can become stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not regularly cleaned and lubricated. The hinge will get stiff and creaky, and its appearance could rapidly diminish. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections can maintain the quality of hinged door and ensure their proper operation. Check the hinges for corrosion. 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, first brush away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then, apply an industrial rust remover or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust sit on the hinges for several minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust. If you don't want to spend money and time replacing hinges, simply tightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. It may be necessary to add an shim of wood or a dowel to the hinge when the screws have been stripped. Wooden dowels come in round rods of various sizes and lengths. They can be purchased online, in woodworking supply stores and home improvement stores. A shim could also be made from a piece of plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a piece made of wooden dowel or another sturdy material to the desired size. Then, dip a dowel in carpenter's glue and place it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the position. Before you start cleaning the hinges, place down a towel or a paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After protecting the area then clean the hinges using a soft sponge or a cloth that has been dipped in mild cleaner to get rid of dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to access difficult-to-reach places in crevices and difficult areas.