Whether you’re just replacing one squeaky door hinge or installing an entirely new door, removing a door hinge pin is a pretty common DIY project. Luckily, it’s also pretty simple. These four easy tips help bring your home back to its original squeak-free glory.
Should I Buy a Door Hinge Pin Remover?
Many stores sell specific door hinge pin remover tools that you can purchase for about $12. But, you likely have most of the tools needed for this DIY in your toolbox already.
That being said, if you’re replacing all the interior doors in your house or expect to in the future, purchasing the pin remover tool may save you quite a bit of time down the road.
If you still choose to remove a door hinge pin with standard tools, follow the steps below.
Use a door wedge (or a book!) under the door to stabilize it in place. This way, you don’t have to focus on holding the door while trying to remove the pin.
You can also close and latch the door if that angle makes the hinges more accessible.
Remove Any Paint Layers
If there is anything that may get in the way of the pin coming loose, like layers of paint, try to remove it. Use a utility knife to cut away paint at the small place between the hinge plate and the pin so you can access the pin easily.
Loosen the Pin
Place your screwdriver at the bottom of the pin, with the metal head touching the pin. Gently tap the hammer into the screwdriver to loosen the pin from the hinge.
Tap the Pin Out
Once you have a few centimeters of pin to work with, place the flat edge of the nail punch at the edge of the pin.
Take your hammer and gently tap the pin upward out of the hinge to remove the hinge pin. Work slowly, as going too fast and hard may damage the pin or the door.
What if the Pin Is Still Stuck?
Extra tricky door pins might require a bit more elbow grease to remove the hinge pin. Try out these methods if the above steps don’t work.
Try Lubricant
If the pin doesn’t loosen, you can use some lubricant to help. Spray the lubricant into the hinge and open and close the door a few times to distribute it. Wait up to 30 minutes before trying to loosen again with the steps above.
Remove Hinge Completely
If the lubricant didn’t help, you might need to remove and replace the hinge completely instead. Unscrew the hinge from the door (usually, there are three screws per side), making sure it’s completely supported to avoid damaging any other hinges.
If the other pins come loose, you do not need to remove those hinges, too—you can follow the steps above for removing the pins to take the door off. Always save the middle hinge for last to get the most stability.
DIY Pin Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
If you’re just removing a pin to fix one hinge, you’ll save a lot of money by doing it yourself. A door hinge alone costs between $2.15 to $30 on average, and you’ll likely have most of the materials needed for the project.
But if you’re in the process of replacing multiple hinges and doors throughout your home, you may consider hiring a local handyperson to do the work for you. This will usually cost between $45 and $85 dollars per hour. If your door is severely damaged or you want to change up the look of your home, you may want to consider the cost of an entirely new door.
Additional Questions
Do all door hinges have a removable pin?
Most standard doors have removable pins. This is especially true for interior doors designed for use inside a residential building. Non-removable pins are usually reserved for exterior doors or locking doors where a pin may be visible and thus easily removed by an intruder.
How do non-removable hinge pins work?
These hinges are stuck in place, and you cannot remove them by following the steps above. Instead, someone would need to cut the barrel off the hinge to remove the door. These are really only needed for commercial buildings or doors that swing outwards.
Taylor Sansano is a full-time freelance writer specializing in helping readers make better decisions — whether that's deciding what type of wood to use when building a deck or how to choose the best company for their needs.
Taylor Sansano is a full-time freelance writer specializing in helping readers make better decisions — whether that's deciding what type of wood to use when building a deck or how to choose the best company for their needs.
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