How To Fix A Squeaky Door Hinge

Most of the time a door hinge won't provide any trouble, but they are prone to making squeaking noises if they become dirty. Doors of different sizes and shapes use hinges for opening and closing. Hinges are an assembly of two opposing positioning plates joined together by a single hinge pin.

Hinges are manufactured with coupling barrels and holes drilled through them for attaching to the door jamb and the door. The two halves of the hinge are joined together by the hinge pin. The hinges are securely mounted, but the hinge barrels allow for the door to swing open and closed. The size and weight of the door will determine what the proper size and number of hinges should be.

For proper operation, a hinge is secured to the door jamb and the door using wood or metal screws, depending upon the type of door and jamb. Doors are correctly mounted to the door jamb when they are set squarely on their hinges.

After some years, a hinge may begin to make noise if it has become dirty or needs lubricating. If you want the hinge to quit squeaking, you should clean it and add a touch of lubricating oil.

Removing the hinge pin is easy. Just tap out the pin from below. Use a small hammer and screwdriver to do the job. A few firm taps will drive the pin upward and free the door from the jamb. If the hinge pin is obstinate, try injecting a few drops of penetrating oil. Besides loosening nuts and bolts, penetrating oil is useful for withdrawing sticky door hinge pins.

Once the pin is removed, you should clean it with soap and water. If it's really bad, use a scrub pad to remove the dirt. Then wash it completely clean. Examine the pin for signs of wear or damage, If it damaged, replace it.

Once cleaned, the pin can be lubricated with a light coat of machine oil. Sewing machine oil will work well here. Automotive oils and grease should not be used here, as they are meant for heavy duty applications.

A hygienic swab will work well for removing dirt and grime from inside the hinge's barrels. No further lubrication is required once the hinge pin and barrels have been cleaned and a light coat of oil is applied. Over lubricating the hinge won't make it work any better. It will just create an unnecessary mess.

Once the pin is back in place, tighten the fixing screws just enough to make sure the hinge is seated properly. Be careful to tighten the fixing screws, using a properly sized screwdriver. Be careful not to strip the door or door jamb's mounting holes of their threads. If the screw won't tighten down, you will have to repair the door.

For your final check, swing the door open and closed. It shouldn't squeak and it should latch securely when closed. You door should not make any further squeaking noises when opened or closed.

As you can see, fixing a door hinge isn't overly difficult, but there are a few basic rules to follow. Keep the door hinges clean and use the right tools and lubricants for the job when you must make repairs.

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By: Hunter May

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Hunter May is a freelance writer with years of home ownership, property management and home repair article writing experience. His articles are featured at PracticalRepairs.com and are focused on how anyone can make their own Practical Home Repairs. Looking for Home Repair Tips? Whatever your home repair problem is your can discover the best home repair tips at www.practicalrepairs.com