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How to Fix www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk
Fixing a loose door hinge is a simple task for most homeowners. If the screws' holes are shattered and do not hold screws, you might need to use wood glue and dowels in order to reinstall the hinge.
Before you do this, however you should clean off any surface corrosion. This will allow the dowels to stay in place and give them a solid foundation to grip into.
Eliminating the Hinges
A lot of door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or take the entire door off of the frame if need be. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges but you must be aware of what to do.
If the hinges have been painted, you will need to remove the paint before attempting to remove the pins. You could scratch your door if do not remove the paint. To break the paint seal put the hinges into an stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off.
After the pins are loosening, you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but a magnetic screwdriver is recommended for this task. This type of screwdriver is designed to remove screws made of steel and make the task go much faster.
Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is a good idea to spray them with grease. A simple lubricant will allow you to move the process along faster and make the removal of screws and pins easier. You can find this type of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.
It is important to keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll need will differ based on the type of door and its configurations. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges whereas hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three.
It is also essential to understand the different types of hinges to determine which ones will best suit your needs. Exterior hinges are designed to support the weight of a door, but interior hinges must be able support lighter loads.
Reattaching the Hinges
Sometimes a door hinge will become looser over time and begin to hang crookedly or slide. This can be a major problem, but the fix is usually quite simple. Retightening the screw will typically resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be a challenge to complete. Fortunately, there is a trick to make these holes back to their original size that uses a wood dowel.
Start by drilling the hole using a drill close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel must be cut at the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to desired degree of tightness. If the door still has an tendency to get stuck, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the clearances around the perimeter are correct.
Another option is to use an old-fashioned wood plug instead of dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a bit longer to set up. Simply whittle a piece of wood to the right size for a snug fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool you could also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.
Use a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will prevent the screw from rubbing against the edges of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screws when installing hinges.
Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to lubricate it with a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.
Refinishing the Hinges
If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, try a few fixes. Verify that the screws that attach the hinge plate to both the door frame and the frame are in good condition. If they are loose, tighten the screws using a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws to the point that they begin to create gaps in the trim joints, or even worse, strip the threads.
If the problem is that the hinge plates are separating from the door and jamb and jamb, you can fix the hinges by applying wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The dowels or toothpicks serve as a solid base for the screws and prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into place. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.
The screws may also be smashed or gone. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Use a drill bit that is similar to the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into the jamb or hinge.
Close the door once you've reattached the hinge and examine the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if an old door was not properly hung. If the hinges were installed correctly, this should not be an issue.
If the hinges are still loose, you could add a stronger hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more space. You can also remove the hinge pin and then pound it down with a powerful hammer to tighten it up or choose an entirely new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral or jojoba oil to lessen friction and help them hold their place. Lubricating your hinges frequently will help prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also extend their lifespan.
Cleaning the Hinges
The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles can get stuck and build up in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges on doors.
Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated on their surfaces. If the corrosion has reached the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll require replacement of the hinges. If you're able to save the hinges, clean any loose rust with a wire brush and steel wool. Then apply an industrial rust remover or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust-removing solution be on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve the remaining rust.
The tightening of screws can restore hinge functionality if you don't want to spend time or money on replacing hinges. If you have stripped the screw holes however, it could be necessary to add an wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods of varying sizes and lengths. You can find them at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.
A shim can be made of plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. Then, dip a dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and place it in the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the desired position.
Before cleaning the hinges put down a paper towel or cloth to protect your flooring from spills. After protecting the area clean the hinges with an easy sponge or cloth that has been dipped in a mild cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices and narrow spots.