Door Hardware and Hinges - How to Repair Them
Over time the door hardware and hinges may develop signs of wear. Most problems are easily fixable.
If a door rubs against the latch side, it's often because the bottom section of the jamb casing has moved or lost its nails and isn't nailed down securely. It is possible to fix this using shims.
Hinges
Door hinges are among the most frequently used hardware in your home. As time passes, they could become loose and begin to hang crookedly or sagging. This could make it difficult to open or close the door. This is a clear indication that your hinge screws require repair.
The good news is that most door hinge issues are simple to fix. You can use a few basic tools to get loose hinges back into place, tighten the screws and then coat them in lubricant to avoid further damage. If the issue is serious, you may have to replace the hinges.
If your hinges for your door appear loose tap them gently with an hammer that is small. This will help raise the pin barrel and remove it from the cup portion of the hinge. If the pin isn't loose, spray it with penetrating oil and tap again. If the hinge is sagging attached to an exterior door it can be fixed using a c clamp or a weight to keep the door in place while you re-attach the hinge.
A more serious issue is when the screw holes on the hinge strip are pushed are pushed out. This can cause the hinge to fall off or leave an opening between the door and jamb. The screw holes that are stripped can be a little more difficult to repair however it is doable with the right tools and patience.
There are a variety of different kinds of hinges. The most popular is the mortise hinge, that is a mortised edge of the door and jamb. It is made from steel and can be either ornate or basic. It is ideal for doors with heavy weights and exterior doors.
Another type of hinge is the flush hinge, which is a light option that is typically employed in residential applications. It is also mortised into the edge of the door and could be secured with an ornamental metal or wood trim piece. This type hinge is usually used on wooden gate entrances, barn & shed doors or garage doors.
Strike Plate
A strike plate is a metal plate that is placed on the jamb of a door and has holes in it for the latch bolts of a door. When the bolt is inserted into the hole it then works to hold the door and keep it closed. However, like other hardware parts the strike plate may become loose or misaligned.
When this happens it will typically cause the latch to not seat within the strike plate, and consequently not function. At this point, that shims can be used to assist the latch in sitting. It is possible that the strikeplate needs to be moved upwards or downwards. If this is the case then a sharp wood chipper should be used to remove a small amount wood from the jamb, allowing for the strike plate to be moved into place.
If the issue persists after adjusting the strikeplate either up or down, it could mean that the latch is hitting either the strikeplate above or below the hole. To test this, simply put a strip of lipstick or a similar mark on the latch and then close the door. By looking at the marks left by the lipstick, you can determine if the latch is touching strike plate above or below the hole. If the latch is above, then an extended bolt might be required. If it's below, then you'll have to take off the strike plate, and then expand it with an enlarger.
Another option is an extended lip strike plate. This is a simple DIY solution that can be put on all doors. It allows the latch to sit further into the strike plate, and therefore prevent the door from being kicked out. They are available in double glazed windows repairs various sizes and finishes to match existing hardware. Commercial locksmiths are able to install replacement, repair or replace strike plates in your business. They also provide other security services that will help you protect your home or business from burglars.
Sash
The sash is a part of the window that moves upwards and downwards. The sash is held in place by two weights one on each side. Each weight comes with a cord that pulls the sash upwards and down as required. If the cords break, you need to string them again. This is a fairly simple procedure.
You'll need to remove first the top sash and its cords. Then, you can remove the bottom sash and set it aside. The counterweights will hold it in position while you string new cords. Once the cords are in place, you can reinstall the sash and replace the stop bead at the bottom.
Most old sash frames use pegs to join the mortise and tenon joints; this requires a specific tool that has pin punch and hammer to remove them. You may need to disassemble a window even if the pegs have been replaced by glue in the newer frames for sash. Take out the beads that are parting and take out the upper sash and its cords or chains, and remove the sash hardware.
When you are ready to reassemble your sash, lubricate first the wheels of the pulleys. Clean the sash's components and frame and apply wood hardener, if required. Then, paint or stain the frames.
You can also re-paint or restain the window, particularly in the event of cracks or black spots on the wood. You can also add draughtproofing, which will ensure that air leaks are not leaking.
The beads that separate the sash will require reinstallation. They are usually sealed with paint, but some are fitted with screws or nails to hold them in place. Make sure that the sash Horns (the wood strips that are inserted between the overlapping frames) are in place before installing the sash. Attach the stop bead again and then angle it downwards. Then, you can work your way down the sash. If the sash is not falling smoothly Try pulling it up and down with your hand to see if you are able to locate the hitch. If you're unable to locate it, employ nail guns or short screws to reattach the stops.
Stiles
Stiles are the vertical pieces of wood that go on either side of the door. Rails are horizontal pieces that run along the bottom and top edges of doors. They are used to hold the panels. The panels provide the door with a look. They can be made of various materials and can have a flat profile or a raised profile.
The frame of the door is made up of stiles and rails, but it is also possible to build frames out of a single piece of wood. This type of construction can be used in commercial projects. It is known as a flush-door.
A framed door might be more difficult to manage than a flush-mounted door, but the final result is more appealing. It is a sturdy and durable construction that impedes noise transfer and offers greater design flexibility. For instance, the quantity of lites and panels can be adjusted to suit the design style of the project.
Stile and rail doors can be made out of wood, composite or even metal. Masonite Architectural has a variety of options including the Aspiro or Cendura lines of doors. No matter the material they are usually heavy and require special attention to ensure that they can be closed and opened smoothly. A lot of force can damage wood and compromise the strength of the structure.
It is essential to use the right tools when working on a stile and rail door. A router with a coping bit can assist in trimming the stiles to precisely fit the tenons of the rails. You will also need some other tools. This includes a pair of saw horses, some scrap wood and pipes clamps that are heavy-duty like pipe clamps. It is best to start with a test piece in order to determine the amount of pressure you can put on the joint.
To prevent the possibility of a lock conflict on doors with lites the dimensions of the center panel or mullion should be increased. It is also a good idea to increase the dimensions of the cross rail or the mid rail. This will increase the strength of the structure and keep the door from warping or cracking because of humidity or environmental conditions.