How to Remove a Stuck Door Hinge Pin?

How to Remove a Stuck Door Hinge Pin?

Removing a door from its jamb might seem like a simple task; all you need is to pull the hinge pin and lift off the door slightly to do the job.

However, the reality might be a bit different if you recently painted the door hinges, are living in an old house, or shifted to a property that was vacant for a long time.  In each situation, there is a chance that your door hardware is worn out and needs immediate attention.

Know that a door hinge is essential to support door weight and plays an important role in maintaining proper door functioning. When a hinge becomes stuck, it is mostly because of the pin inside the hinge joint. To explain in detail, when homeowners paint the door hinge, they often leave paint layers over the pin. The layers accumulate and create resistance in removing the hinge. 

Rust build-up is another reason you may face this problem. The rust around the steel pin locks it in place, making it hard to remove.  But that does not mean you cannot remove the stuck door hinge pin. By unscrewing a hinge pin from its jamb, you can release it in the first place, but you need to follow some steps to do it.  

If you want to learn how you can easily remove a stuck door hinge pin to replace the door, we have you covered. The blog includes all the steps you can follow to remove a stuck door hinge pin. 

How to Remove Stuck Door Hinge Pin

As mentioned above, removing a stuck door hinge pin from a hinge is easier than done, especially if it has been latched for quite a long time. Moreover, the difficulty depends on the general condition and age of the door’s hinge.

Take a look at the steps to release a stuck door hinge pin. 

Gather the Right Tools

Before you start nudging a stuck door hinge pin, you must ensure that you have all the right tools. You will need a wedge, hammer, nail set, nail punch, and a screwdriver to pry the pin when it is partway out. It is better not to use a regular nail to nudge out the pin as it often gets bent.  If you are lucky enough to own one, we recommend using Pin Popper Hinge Pin Removal Tool.

Keep Door in a Stationary Position with a Support

This might sound something of less significance, but keep a door in a stationary position so that you do not need to hold it yourself.

Plus, keep in mind that you are going to destabilize the door. That means you need something that can support and keep the door from toppling over when you unpin it. The easy way to do it is to slide a book or any other hard object under the door. It will provide your door with a sturdy surface to stand.

Cut Away the Paint Layers

Once you set the door in a fixed position, it is time to start the primary process. Begin with cutting away the layers of paint on the top of the door hinge. You can use a sharp knife to slide its blade carefully through the layers of paint stuck in the thin space, which is usually a tiny crevice between the hinge plate and pin. 

Tap the Pinhead Out

The next step is to force the pinhead out with the help of a Pin Popper or hammer and nail punch. You need to ram the hinge pin upward gently.  You can also use a screwdriver’s flat end to knock it out with the hammer. Tap the pin with gradually increasing force until the head of the pin lodges upward. To make the process faster, try to use smaller moves instead of one hard blow.  Remember that being brash and quick with the tapping speed may damage the pin.

Spray a Lubricating Spray

Spray the hinge pin with silicone lubricant. Also, spray it over all the moving parts of the door hinge plate, including its surrounding area. Wait for at least 15 minutes after spraying to let liquid penetrate through the hinge and its surrounding parts.

You can close the door to lighten the weight on the hinge. Then, start tapping the bottom of the pin with a screwdriver and hammer to help the pin pop out easily.

Remove the Door

Once you take out the stuck door hinge pin or other pieces, you can remove the door. Do not try to do this task alone as doors are heavy and can easily topple over and damage things.

Use Hinge Pin Remover

If you find carrying out the given steps difficult, you can simplify the task by using a hinge pin remover. It is a pin popper and specifically designed to ease door hinge pin removal. The high-quality hand tool is durable, easy-to-use, and the right option for people who are not skilled at replacing doors. It comprises nickel plates and a robust plastic structure to minimize the damage. The wedge of this tool forces the head of the hinge pin up while a steel pin moves it through the plate.