How to remove a plastic front door from its hinges.

In this article we will learn how to remove a plastic front door from its hinges. In what cases may dismantling be necessary and according to what algorithm should repair work be carried out? We will also consider auxiliary issues - installing new hinges, eliminating squeaks, replacing a rubber seal or handle.

Dismantling a plastic door

The need to dismantle the plastic door

The need to dismantle a plastic door rarely arises, since most problems can be fixed without removing the door from its hinges. However, in some cases it is still impossible to do without dismantling:

The fastenings are broken. Hinges usually have a short or medium shelf life (up to 10 years), and to replace them you will have to completely dismantle the PVC structure.
Door frame defects. The door frame also deteriorates over time, and if it is replaced, the door structure will also have to be removed.
Carrying out repairs. To protect the PVC structure from damage and defects during repairs, it is recommended to remove it.

Note! Dismantling may also be necessary in case of moving furniture (during repairs or changes in the interior of the room).

What to do with rusted hinges?

Prolonged use of the door can lead to the formation of rust on the hinge mechanisms. In such cases, it is important to remove the fabric from the hinges without sudden movements.

Do not use a hammer or other tools to try to break the rust layer on the fastening elements. Such manipulations will only worsen the situation.

The solution will be a special aerosol that can remove plaque within 6-12 hours after application. As soon as the mechanisms are cleaned, they begin to work with them according to the dismantling instructions.

Rules for dismantling a plastic door

It is recommended to dismantle a PVC door only if one of the hinges is cracked or damaged. It is recommended to lubricate the working hinges at least once a year, but it is not necessary to remove the door for this (lubricant can be applied directly to the installed hinges). It is recommended to carry out dismantling work during daylight hours or in good lighting (otherwise you can easily lose fittings).

Features of door designs

What to look for when choosing hinges

When choosing hinges for plastic doors, consider the following points:

what is the design of the frame and sash profiles,
is there an amplifier in the profile,
what is the thickness of the profile walls,
the size and weight of the sashes,
how the doors will open.

If you take all these points into account, the selected hinges will last a long time and ensure excellent door performance. Basically, of course, they are very strong and reliable; the material used is Teflon. However, there are also low-quality fittings with defects. Then the question may arise about removing the plastic door to replace the hinges.

The door design is designed in such a way that it does not technically cause great difficulties in replacing a failed hinge. You can use the following tools: pliers or side cutters, a puncher and a hammer. It would be good to study the instructions in advance, which will describe the installation of hinges on doors. Then, after removing the door, you can immediately begin replacing the hinge without wasting time, knowing the sequence of actions.

Features of door designs

Door designs have the following features:

To attach PVC doors to the door frame, hinges are used, and most often screw-in or box-type hinge fittings are used.
The number of hinge structures is usually 2-3 pieces, depending on the configuration and purpose of the door. If the door goes to the street or to the balcony, then three hinges are usually installed, in other cases - two.
The weight of the door structure can reach up to 10-15 kg, so it is recommended to carry out repair work together with an assistant.

How to remove a plastic entrance door

Now let's find out how to remove a PVC door from its hinges:

On modern door designs, a protective frame is installed on the hinges. If you have this particular design, then the box must be removed using a screwdriver and pliers.
Now pay attention to the topmost loop. Press it down from above with pliers, and from below, pull the steel pin-pin and pull it out. Do the same steps for the middle loop.
Raise the sash a little (by 5-10 centimeters), and then tilt it in your direction and pull out the bottom pin. To tilt, you can use a flat object, sliding it under the door as a wedge.
Rotate the door structure (the rotating lever should come into action). After this, carefully lift the door up - it should come out of the hinges freely.

How to put a PVC door in place

To install the PVC structure in place, all work is carried out in the reverse order:

Place the door leaf so that it fits into the hinges. Make sure to keep the sash level (otherwise there will be distortions). It is recommended to orientate yourself first of all along the lower loop.
Adjust the position of the door leaf so that the hinges fit on the support rods. Close the door slightly to expose where the doors are attached (do not hold the handle or lock).
Install the top, middle and bottom pins, and you need to lift them until they click. Using a hex wrench, adjust the position of the doors and install protective caps.

Adjusting PVC door awnings

The location of the door leaf can be adjusted in two directions - horizontal and vertical:

Adjustment in the horizontal direction is carried out using a metal loop template. To adjust, you need to tighten or loosen the nut in the template using a hexagon.
Adjustment in the vertical position is carried out using screws under the protective caps. These screws need to be tightened or loosened using a Phillips screwdriver.

Types of loops

There are several types of hinge fittings:

Card. It consists of two sheets with holes, to the edges of which cylindrical holes are attached. For installation, the sheets are attached to the door and door frame using screws, and a pin is inserted into the holes. Card accessories are almost out of use and are rarely used in practice.
Screw-in. It consists of two metal blocks that are vertically fastened to each other with a loop connection. The blocks include a thick threaded screw that is screwed into the door structure. Screw-in fittings are a popular option that is used very often in practice.
Boxed (invisible). In this case, all the fittings are hidden inside an insulated box. Card or screw-in fittings are used as the base, and the box improves the aesthetic appearance and strength of the PVC structure.

Hinge care

In order for door hinges to serve well for a long time, it is necessary to properly care for them. To maintain, you need to wash the doors (especially around the hinges) at least once a month to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on them. After cleaning and washing, the door must be wiped dry with a dry cloth. At least once a year it is necessary to lubricate the hinges with machine oil, lithol or WD-40 lubricant.

Eliminating door squeaks

Eliminating squeaks

First you need to determine the source of the squeak. If a creaking noise appears when the door is opened, then the problem is in the hinges, and lubrication will help in this case. Optimal algorithm of actions:

For lubrication, machine oil, lithol or WD-40 lubricant will do. You can buy these compounds at any car store; it will cost you 200-300 rubles.
If you take liquid lubricant, do not forget to also grab a syringe - with its help you can significantly improve the quality of application of the composition. For lithol, buy gloves
Fill the syringe with a small amount of liquid and carefully apply it to the hinges (be sure to drop it into the cracks between the rotary cylinders). If you are using lithol, put on gloves, take a little of the mixture on your fingers and apply it to the hinges.
After this, gently open and close the PVC door 5-10 times - this will allow the lubricant to spread over the entire surface of the hinges. After this, the squeak should disappear.

Note! If the creaking does not disappear, then there is a high probability that the hinge has broken (cracks or chips have appeared in it). The algorithm for replacing accessories will be discussed below.

How to change hinges on plastic doors

The exact replacement method depends on the category and type of hinge fastening, but it is best to use the following approach:

Remove the plastic door according to the algorithm above (remove the fastening pins, lift the door from below and pull it out of the grooves).
Inspect the hinge structure on the door and door frame. Usually the hinges are attached to them using screws or bolts - unscrew them with a screwdriver.
Go to the store with the hinge unscrewed, ask the seller to sell you a similar spare part. Place the hinge structures in their places, screw them in place, and install the door back.

Note! It is not recommended to buy door hinge elements in online stores - there is a risk that they will sell you a spare part of a different configuration, and the hinge cannot be screwed back in.

Individualities

They are distinguished by a rather complicated system. It is important to understand the principle of the device, which will allow you to remove it without any problems. The device is represented by the following components:

Iron tab. This component is often called the door part.
The frame part, which has integrated pins needed for fastening.
Distance sleeve. It is placed between the iron tab and the frame part.

Such components are able to ensure proper fit of the frame, while maintaining smooth opening and closing. If necessary, you can adjust the hinges in the required direction, ensuring the most correct functioning of the lock or lock.

Possible product options for plastic structures, which differ in their own color

Adjustment can be done using 2 methods. One of them is horizontal. It is made using a hinge template. The second adjustment method is vertical. It involves the introduction of adjusting screws, which are located under the decorative caps of the products.

At times, fasteners need lubrication. This will extend the service life, ensure reliability and strength. Based on the type of fastening, they are divided into cost-effective and applied options. Among the most necessary ones, costly options are distinguished. They are also considered more ordinary when withdrawn. You should be aware that at first you should pay special attention to cost-effective models. This will allow you to purchase a good-quality system that will be easy to remove and disassemble. To do this, you need to find out a little more about cost models. They are used for installing balcony doors.

The functionality of the doors themselves also depends on the properties of the products being installed. Distortions very often occur, for which the hinges are primarily to blame, because due to the low level of production they have very weak features and simply cannot withstand the weight.

A modern hinge is classified according to GOST; they all differ in installation variations, which affect the weight of the door leaf and the direction in which it opens. Various areas of implementation are likely. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the properties that the manufacturer usually shows when selling the product.

How to disassemble a plastic door

Troubleshooting Video
In practice, there is often a need not to completely dismantle a plastic door, but to replace its individual elements. Most often, replacement of the rubber seal or handle is required - each option will be discussed in detail below.

Replacing the seal

The seal is a hollow tubular rubber-based material that ensures a tight fit between the door and the frame. It is attached to special grooves on the box, and the shelf life of the seal is on average 3-5 years. After this period, the rubber may weaken, so the fit of the door to the frame will not be tight, which will lead to air leakage. Replacing the seal is done as follows:

Buy a new seal from a hardware store. It is also recommended to purchase a special sealant there to increase the reliability of the seal.
Carefully remove the old seal from the grooves. Take measurements and cut the material to the required length (the sealant is cut at the corners).
Treat the grooves with sealant and insert the rubber seal. The corners of the sealing rubber can be lubricated with glue to make the structure more durable.

Replacing the handle

If your handle is broken, you need to remove the old handle and install a new one:

There is a decorative trim on top of the handle - turn it 90 degrees to expose the attachment point. Choose a screwdriver for your screw.
Unscrew the screws at the top and bottom, carefully pull out the handle along with the fixing rod. Install a new handle, tighten the screws, check the quality of fastening.

If your handle is jammed, you need to press the tongue on the end of the door - at the same time you need to turn the handle to eliminate the defect. If after a few days the wedge recurs, then most likely the handle lock has failed. In this case, it is recommended to buy a new handle and put it in place of the old one (we indicated the replacement algorithm above).

Main types of hinge fittings

Plastic door blocks are attached to the frame using various types of hinges, which have their own technical characteristics.

The main types of fittings include:

Card. This fitting differs from standard conventional fasteners only in its external design. When removing, it is enough to unscrew the screws, which are clearly visible and distinguishable.
Mortise. They are rarely found on door blocks made of plastic; when dismantling, the fasteners are completely unscrewed; simply pulling them off the pin is not possible.
Screw-in. One of the more common options on a balcony door, the structure of the fastener is similar to the card type.
Invisible fastener. An aesthetically attractive door block, labor-intensive to remove; all fasteners are hidden in a special box, so complete dismantling of the door leaf will be required.

The type of hinges is quite easy to determine by visual inspection and then proceed with dismantling.

Recommendations

In conclusion, we note that dismantling the door structure must be carried out carefully.
If you are dismantling for the first time, be sure to carry out all work in the presence of a friend. The fact is that a beginner may incorrectly calculate the weight of the door, so during work he may accidentally knock it over. This is fraught with various problems - deformation of the door surface, breaking through glass, damage to the handle and others. If possible, ask a more experienced friend to help you with the repair. Removing doors from hinges Video