Garage door hinges play a crucial role in the door’s smooth operation, connecting each panel and allowing the door to open and close easily. Over time, these hinges can wear out or become damaged due to daily use, weather, or lack of maintenance. Replacing faulty hinges ensures the garage door works properly and remains safe. Read as our Overland Garage Door team in greater Chicago shares what you need to know about garage door hinge replacement.
Can Garage Door Hinges Be Replaced?
You can replace garage door hinges. This important task maintains a garage door’s functionality and safety, especially if the hinges are worn or damaged. However, understanding the complexities of garage door hinge replacement is essential to ensure it is done safely.
Are All Garage Door Hinges the Same Size?
Not all garage door hinges are the same size or type. Hinges vary based on their position on the door, the door’s weight, and the system’s specific requirements. Here are some key differences:
- Hinge numbers: Hinges have a number starting from one and up. The number indicates the hinge’s location on the door, with each number corresponding to a specific position.
- Size and offset: A hinge’s size and offset affect how the door panels align and move. Using the correct hinge ensures proper alignment and smooth operation.
- Thickness (gauge): The gauge refers to the thickness of the metal. Residential garage doors usually use 14-gauge hinges, while commercial doors may require thicker hinges for added strength.
- Hinge types: Center hinges without rollers connect the panels, and end hinges hold the rollers that guide the door along the tracks.
Using the wrong hinge size or type can lead to misalignment, increased wear on other components, and potential safety hazards.
How To Replace a Garage Door Hinge
Replacing garage door hinges involves several steps. While it may seem manageable, do not underestimate the risks. Garage doors are heavy, and their components are under significant tension. Mishandling these parts can lead to serious injury or further damage to the door. The following steps should only be completed by trained professionals and should not be attempted by just anyone.
Safety Precautions
Before starting any work on your garage door, a garage door professional will prioritize safety with the following precautions:
- Disconnect the power: Unplug the garage door opener to prevent accidental activation.
- Keep the door closed: Working with the door closed reduces tension on the hinges and springs.
- Use protective gear: Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect against sharp edges and debris.
- Avoid tension components: Don’t touch the springs or cables; they are under high tension and can cause serious injury.
Taking these precautions will reduce the professional’s risk of injury while ensuring their work goes smoothly.
Necessary Tools
Garage door experts will use the following tools and materials:
- Wrench or socket set (usually seven-sixteenth of an inch)
- Screwdriver
- Replacement garage door hinges (matching size and type)
- Replacement rollers (if replacing end hinges)
- Clamps or locking pliers
- Ladder or sturdy step stool
- Lubricant (silicone-based garage door lubricant)
All these tools will make the job easier and ensure the task can be completed without interruptions.
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand the basics, let’s walk through the process a garage door professional will take to safely replace your garage door hinges.
1. Identify the Damaged Hinges
A garage door professional will start by inspecting your garage door to locate the hinges that need replacement. They will note the hinge numbers and whether they are center hinges or end hinges with rollers, and will identify the right hinge type for proper replacement.
2. Acquire the Correct Replacement Hinges
Once they have identified the damaged hinges, they will find replacements that match the specifications of the existing ones. Using mismatched hinges can lead to operational problems and risks.
3. Prepare the Work Area
Our experts will properly prepare their work area by closing the garage door, unplugging the garage door opener to prevent accidental activation, and securing the door by placing clamps or locking pliers on the tracks just below the bottom roller to prevent unwanted movement while working.
4. Remove the Old Hinge
Our garage door professionals will use a wrench or socket set to loosen and remove the bolts or screws holding the hinge in place. After removing the fasteners, they will carefully detach the hinge from the door. If replacing an end hinge with a roller, they will gently slide it out of the track during removal.
5. Install the New Hinge
To install the new hinge, garage door professionals will align it on the door panel, ensuring all the holes match those from the previous hinge. They will insert bolts or screws through these aligned holes into the door panel, tightening them securely but not so much that the threads are stripped.
6. Check Alignment and Tightness
After installation, the garage door experts will verify that the new hinge is in alignment with adjacent hinges and that all bolts or screws are properly tightened. Misalignment could cause functional problems or prematurely wear down other components in the garage door system.
7. Remove Clamps and Test Manually
The professionals will then remove any clamps or locking pliers from the tracks after installation. Manually lift and lower the garage door to see if it moves smoothly without unusual noise or resistance.
8. Reconnect the Garage Door Opener
After checking the door manually, our team will plug the garage door opener back in and test it using a remote control or wall switch to confirm that everything functions correctly after installation.
9. Lubricate Moving Parts
Finally, the professionals will apply a silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts, including hinges, rollers, and tracks. Lubrication reduces friction between components, creating smoother operation and prolonging the life span of the various parts.
Let Our Team Help You
The team of experienced professionals at Overhead Garage Door can handle garage door hinge replacements safely and efficiently. If you’re experiencing problems with your garage door hinges or any other components, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer 24/7 emergency repair services throughout Chicagoland and Southeast Wisconsin to address urgent problems promptly.
Joys of suburban life by Sergiy Galyonkin is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0