How To Fix Rusted Door Hinges

Troubleshooting a rusty hinge.

How to fix rusted door hinges.

A swivel or universal socket with a rubber band or piece of tape wrapped around the pivot is ideal for this. You will need a socket and ratchet with an extension. You can also adjust a door slightly to the left or the right by bending the hinge knuckles. Open the door and position yourself to access the lowest hinge in the door.

Lubricating a stiff rusty hinge can involve a lot of oil. If the hinge leaf is recessed only at the bottom or the top insert a shim behind only part of the hinge leaf. Dab a clean dry cloth into the salt lemon paste and rub it on the rusted areas of the hinges. Start at the bottom so that the door can stay hanging off at least by one hinge.

Fitting newer hinges onto an old door can involve some work. How to remove rust from door hinges step 1. Luckily the rust on my hinges was not too deep and i was able to get it all off between the soaking and the scrubbing. Remove the defective hinge.

The rubber band or tape stiffens the pivot and allows you to place the socket on the bolt head more easily. Rinse the hinges off with water then dry them really well with a towel and you re ready to reinstall. Place the hinge in a container. Use a hinge leaf as a template to make a cardboard shim that you can slip behind the leaf.

Step 2 place the center punch in the middle of the screw on the door and strike it with the hammer. Use a screwdriver to remove the hinge plates from the door. Remove as much rust as possible but expect rust to remain near the edges. The mildly acidic nature of the lemon juice will react with the rust and help remove it.

The salt will act as an abrasive which is also necessary to scour away the rust. Oil makes a mess so make sure you have rags handy to clean up the excess. Remove the door hinge.