A door's movement is highly dependent on how perfectly the hinges are fitted to the door frame. If you notice squeaking sounds when opening and closing it, they are most probably because of an issue with the hinges. They not only hold the whole weight of the door but also make it capable of swinging open or shut.
Hinges may wear of in the doors that are used a lot within the household. Does your door also make sounds while opening, and do you want to know how to fix door hinges to resolve this issue? You have landed in the right place. This article will not only discuss the issues related to them but also list the methods to resolve these issues.
So, in this article, we will see how to fix the door hinges to make your doors' functionality smooth and fast.
4 Common Issues In Door Hinges
Many issues may arise in the door hardware including the door hinges. It is because they undergo wear and tear over time, which affects their functionality. Following are some of the issues related to the door hinges:
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Squeaky Door Hinges
How many times have you heard the squeaky sound of the door opening and covered your ears to avoid that annoying sound? Probably a lot of times. It happens when the door hinges are not properly lubricated. They get caught up in rust and dirt, which makes it difficult for them to move and creates squeaky sounds when used.
If you want to get rid of this issue, the best product to lubricate them is WD40. It not only eases the movements of the door hinges but also keeps them functional for a longer period. Each hinge pin can be brought out by hammering it gently to apply sufficient lubricant. Once it is applied, you can fit it back into the door.
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Misaligned Door Or Door Jambs
Another main reason why the door hinges wear out is because of the unleveled door jambs. The door is bound to lean if the jamb is equally levelled. This issue can be resolved with ease. Simply take down the entire door and realign it using the hinge shims. It is the easiest yet the cheapest way to fix the issue.
In most cases, when the door is installed, people put cardboard behind the hinges to align the jamb properly. With time, it is not good; rather, it compresses and causes the door to sag. Hinge shims are the best solution to this issue as they can cover up severe gaps by folding into a z pattern and producing a triple thick shim.
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Loose Hinges
It is the most common issue that occurs in the door hinges. When they are used for a longer period, they might get loose and sag. It is mostly because of the loose screws that can be tightened with the help of a screwdriver. If the screws used in the hinges are too short, make sure that you reinstall new longer screws that firmly attach the hinges to the frame.
If the door hinges get loose, they will not only misalign the door but will also damage it. Therefore, it is recommended to fix the issue as soon as you identify it. The use of long hinge screws, in this case, provides proper alignment to the door and helps it to swing the door around it smoothly. However, during the installation, make sure to keep the door firmly in place.
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Stuck Hinge Pin
This usually happens to doors that have not been used in a while. If you buy an old property, there is a high chance that most of the doors in the house have remained latched in for a long time. This causes the door hinges to rust and lose their ability to move with the door, which causes them to get stuck in one place.
If the hinge pins are stuck to the jambs, then the best way to pry them up is by tapping them with the help of 8D nails that are 2.5 inches long. The pin can be freed by positioning the nail just at its bottom and gently tapping its head with the hammer. Other tools like a hinge tweaker can be used in this case to eliminate jamming, rubbing and sticking.
Also read about, how to pick the best door hinges
How To Fix Door Hinges? 4 Steps.
If you are also facing the issues mentioned above and want to know how to fix common door hinge issues, then follow the below-listed steps to keep them up-to-date and functional:
Step 01: Tighten The Screw
Most of the time, the door hinges get loose, and therefore, they need to be tightened up with the help of a screwdriver. You can simply open the door in this case to access the door hinges and tighten all the screws.
Step 02: Replacing Stripped Screws
The next step in replacing door hinges or repairing them is to remove the screws that are stripped. They won't tighten up. Therefore, it is best to replace them and install new screws of the same size. The best way to install new ones is to first fill the holes with a wooden matchstick and then insert the new ones so that they fit perfectly.
Step 03: Hinge Adjustment
If the door is not smooth in its swinging, then it is because the door hinges are not aligned in the right position. In this case, loosen the screws, realign it and retighten the screws. Make sure to test the door multiple times to see if it is working smoothly or not.
Step 04: Fix Hinge Mortise
Another reason your door hinges are stuck is that their plates are not flush with the door frame. To correct this issue, remove the hinges and use a chisel to deepen the recess in which they sit to make proper adjustments. Then, make sure that the hinge sits flush with the surface. After the proper adjustments, fit the hinges back to the door frame.
Conclusion
So, if you are also tired of hearing your door squeaking and want to know how to fix door hinges, we hope this article help. It discusses the most common door hinge issues, such as looseness, sticking, and misalignment, along with possible solutions. It also includes a list of steps you can follow to resolve these issue.
FAQs
How to fix loose door hinges?
The loose door hinges are mostly because of the loose screws. The best way to solve this issue is to tighten them up by opening the door so that the door hinge is accessible. Then use a screwdriver to tighten up each screw and replace the ones that are stripped. This will make the working of door hinges smoother.
How to get the hinges off a door?
The hinges are firmly attached to the door with the help of screws. If you want to replace or repair them, you would need to get them off the door. The process is pretty simple. Use an appropriate screwdriver to gently loosen up those screws so that they don't damage the door or the door frame. After the removal, you can either reinstall a new one or repair it.
How to change a door hinge?
Changing the door hinge is straightforward. You just need to unscrew the old hinge from both the door and the door frame. Once they are removed, align and screw the new one in the same position. Before fully tightening the screws, make sure to test the door to see if it is functioning smoothly or not.