The hinges on your garage door keep your panel together and help it operate smoothly. Over time, your garage door hinges and brackets may become worn out and require replacement. If you’re interested in DIY garage door repair, hinges aren’t too difficult to replace. But like most repairs, you do need to exercise a certain level of caution. 

When doing any type of garage door repair on your own, being informed on the process first is a big part of ensuring the fix is safe and functional. You might be thinking: Even hinges – really? Yes! Here’s a comprehensive guide to garage door hinges and how to replace them yourself.

The Specs on Garage Door Hinges: What, How & Why

The hinges on your garage door are the pieces of hardware that connect the separate garage door panels. A typical sectional garage door is made of 4-5 panels. The hinges hold these panels together in a way that allows the garage door to fold as it runs up and down the tracks.

Garage door hinges are most often made of steel, though you can find ones made of aluminum. They come in a variety of sizes, strengths and styles, and can be found at most hardware stores for a few dollars apiece.

These simple parts play a big role in your garage door’s function. The hinges allow the garage door to fold, but they’re also the main piece of hardware keeping the overhead door aligned in the tracks. If you hinges are worn, stripped or broken, your garage door will become difficult to use and may even break.

Signs Your Garage Door’s Hinges May Need Replaced

How do you know your door’s hinges need help? There are a few telltale signs:

• Squeaking or grinding noises when opening or closing the door
• Difficulty opening or closing the door
• A sagging or misaligned door
• Loose or missing screws
• Rust or corrosion on the hinges

Watch out for these related visual signs as well:

• Are the gaps between your garage door panels uneven? If the panels appear unparallel but the garage door isn’t off track, you’ve likely got a problem with a hinge or two.
• Do the hinges themselves look crooked? There is often an imprint where the hinge has sat in the correct position. If you can see borders because the hinge has shifted, its screws are likely stripped and/or the panel is corroded.

Fixing Garage Door Hinges Yourself? A Few Preliminary Cautions:

If it’s become clear it’s time to replace one or more of the hinges on your garage door, there are a few things to consider before you grab a wrench and get going on the repair:

• Your garage door hinges are numbered with a single digit (typically #1, #2, #3, etc.) and should only be replaced with a matching hinge. Do not use different hinges, as these could lead to a damaged garage door. 
• Hinges are also rated in gauges, with a higher gauge meaning a thicker and stronger metal. Most hinges only cost a few dollars, with stronger hinges only a dollar or two more. 
• Hinges can be replaced with the door open, closed, or partially raised. If the door is open, make sure to secure the tracks by placing a heavy-duty clamp on both ends of the rail. 
• It is recommended to shut off your garage door opener to prevent accidental operation during the repair. 
• Only replace one hinge at a time.
• If you remove a hinge and find the panel underneath is corroded, you’ll need the garage door panel repaired or replaced first. Don’t re-install a hinge in stripped holes.

How to DIY Hinge Repair for Your Garage Door

To replace a hinge, you’ll need a few common tools and to buy the correct hinges at the hardware store before beginning the repair. Here are our tips for replacing your garage door’s hinges:

Supplies you’ll need:

• New garage door hinge
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Socket wrench
• Hammer
• Safety ladder (if needed)

How to:

1. Disconnect the garage door opener from the door.
2. Use a ladder to reach the broken hinge (if needed).
3. Use a drill or screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the hinge to the door and the door frame.
4. Remove the broken hinge from the door and the door frame.
5. Install the new hinge in the same location as the broken hinge.
6. Secure the new hinge to the door and the door frame with the screws that you removed in step 3.
7. Reconnect the garage door opener to the door.

Once you’ve replaced all the hinges, you’ll need to test your garage door and ensure it is properly aligned. Adjustments can be made to the hinges for better alignment but it is often difficult to perform on your own so be sure to bring a friend or call a garage door repair company for assistance.

Worried Your Home Repair Needs Help? Call SACS GARAGE DOOR REPAIR!

Whether you’re troubled by the results of your DIY hinge replacement, have other problems with your garage door, or simply don’t want to waste precious free time with these kind of chores – give us a call. We’re here for 24/7 emergency garage door service, or by appointment. Our technicians are friendly, experienced, certified, and insured. We’re a locally-owned garage door repair company invested in the safety and convenience of our Sacramento neighbors. Play it safe – call SACS.