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How to Replace a Door Hinge

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Category: Home Improvement

Door hinges usually go unnoticed, until they start to squeak or stick from layers of paint or rust. A simple solution is to replace each of the hinges yourself, which is a lot easier than you think. All you need is a utility knife, some painter's tape, an electric wire brush, a screwdriver and shiny new hinges to get the job done.

Step 1: Utility Knife
Using a utility knife, score around the edges of the hinge. Be sure and get the top, bottom and side of the hinge, removing all the old layers of paint.

Step 2: Blue Tape
Place blue tape around the hinge to protect the paint. Then, using a wire brush, concentrate on exposing the screw heads. Once exposed, take your utility knife or a screwdriver and channel the slots on the screw heads. Remove the screws and repeat the process for each hinge.

Step 3: Hardware Store
Make sure to take an old hinge to the hardware store to match it up with a replacement hinge that will fit in the same slot. Otherwise, you will have to chisel the door for the new hinges to fit.

Step 4: Toothpicks
When installing your new hinges you may notice that the screw holes over time have become enlarged. Take two or three toothpicks and stick them into the screw holes. Then break them off so they are flush with the surface hole. This will lend more meat for the screws to bite into.

Step 5: You Can Leave the Door On
Replace the hinges one at a time so you never actually have to take the door down. Once the hinges are replaced, do a little preventative maintenance by lubricating your new hinges.

Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret

  • Utility Knife
  • Painter's Tape
  • Electric Wire Brush
  • Screwdriver
  • Hinges
  • Toothpicks

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wska

Do you think we could might be able to earn a degree in this at Phoenix University?

January 26 2012 at 4:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
grayfrier

I work at Lowe's I would realy like to contact Eric I have many Newbies that could benifet from his advice I would like to send them directly to his Site for how tos and information I have done many home projects but His insite seems to be so must better than my own pluse he is up to date on the latest how to's
M coustmers look to me for help and how to but I have been out of the loop for so long.
Eric if you read or see this please contact me Please My coustomers need your type advice this is not a hoxe or joke My name is John Brown I am a CSA at lowe's 2732 contact them they will tell you I am real.
I have already refurded people to your site and would like to send more I have been out of the loop to long and want to make sure they have up todate INFO to get the job they want done Done RightPlease contact me at john.f.brown@store.lowes.com and I will respond.
Please I request your Help because I am a followermost of all and what you do and say makes ferfect sence hope that is spelled right lease contact me Sir

December 03 2011 at 10:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Super Mom Deb

I just purchased a condo that has 2 closets. Both have louvered bifold doors that are beat up. I purchased 2 new doors at Lowes, however learned that they closet openings are only 35 inches instead of 36. So the stock doors won't wok. What/Is there a way for me to shave the edges of the stock doors that appear to have solid edges but hollow panels?

December 03 2011 at 9:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Super Mom Deb

How does an electrician cap off the disposal power line when removing the disposal?

December 03 2011 at 9:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jpflrf

How in the hell often do you bust a door hinge. Freaking idiots.

December 03 2011 at 8:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to jpflrf's comment
grayfrier

No not Idiots I have done it many times due to the age of the hinge it happens I have done refurbits for 25 years and have run into this time and agian you speak as a beginner look at it after 25 years you get use this happening and expect it.

December 03 2011 at 10:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wsa999

Now this is an outstanding subject, Huff.

December 03 2011 at 7:32 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Frank

This guy is a frickin' idiot - The easiest and fastest way to handle this issues is to take a hammer and lightly tap the hinge a few time, this normally cause the old paint to simply chip & flake off. I could've replaced all 3 hinges in the amount of time it took this jerk to put the wire brush onto his drill motor.

December 03 2011 at 7:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve

Dude...get a man's screwdriver (Klein)...then pick a project beyond that of a 3rd grader. You could have tapped the hinge pin up and lubed with graphite (or CRC 3-36 or similiar) and tapped back down. Squeak fixed without the time & expense of replacing the entire hinge set.

For small wallered out holes guber up wooden match sticks with hide glue and cram as many as you can in the hole. Let dry, cut off excess, re-install screws. Holds like it was new wood. Used that trick for many years.

December 03 2011 at 7:02 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gmgpjandon

In the 80's the best way was to buy a new house! See where that got us don't wou?

December 03 2011 at 6:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jonclong

The best way to fix stripped hinge screws is take a 1/4" drill bit and drill out the hole. Taper the end of a piece of 1/4 HARDWOOD dowl, smear a good wood glue on it (I use Tite-Bond exterior) and hammer it into the hole, flush with the door casing. Give it a few minutes to set up, drill new hinge holes and reinstall the hinge. Works for loose strike plates or any other loose screw (in wood). I taught my little sister this trick years ago and haven't had to go over to her house to fix a door since! Now, for those out there who will complain to me that the average homeowner doesn't have these items on hand, I'll answer that a door usually doesn't "go" immediately, and they only want to fix it once it doesn't work any more. There's plenty of time to get the parts if you don't procrastinate the repairs.

December 03 2011 at 6:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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