Removing a door hinge pin makes it easy to take the door off for repairs, painting, replacement, or better access to a room. To remove a hinge pin, use a hammer and a nail or screwdriver to tap the hinge pin upward, then pull it out by hand or with pliers.
While this is simple with standard hinges, other types can make the process more challenging. This article will explain how to remove hinge pins from different types of hinges, including those with bottom caps, non-removable pins, and spring-loaded mechanisms. It will also cover how to remove a stuck hinge pin.
| Project difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Estimated time to complete: 10 to 30 minutes Project cost: None |
According to Scott Heller of Second Story Carpentry, removing a door hinge pin isn’t always easy, as the difficulty depends on the hinge type and its design.
He said, “For standard hinges, these typically have removable pins, and the process is straightforward. For non-removable hinges (NRP) that are designed for security, these have set screws or caps that prevent pin removal. These are common on exterior doors and require loosening the set screw (usually on the inside) before pin removal.
“For spring-loaded hinges, these are tensioned for self-closing purposes, often used on garage or fire doors. Removing the pin here requires careful handling to avoid sudden spring release.”
Basic Steps to Remove a Door Hinge Pin
A standard hinge pin is a simple metal rod that holds the two hinge plates together, allowing the door to swing open and close. It typically has a rounded or flat head at the top to keep it in place and a slightly tapered or open bottom, making it easy to remove when needed.
To remove a hinge pin from a standard hinge, use a hammer and either a screwdriver or a nail, depending on the size of the pin’s bottom end.
Step 1: Position the Tool
Place the flathead screwdriver or nail underneath the hinge pin’s bottom end, making sure it is centered and properly aligned. If using a screwdriver, position the tip so that it makes full contact with the pin without slipping. For a nail, insert the pointed end into the small gap at the bottom of the hinge.
Holding the tool at a slight upward angle can help provide better leverage when you start tapping. Ensuring proper alignment will make it easier to loosen the pin without damaging the hinge or surrounding surfaces.
Step 2: Tap the Tool with Hammer
Hold your hammer firmly and gently tap the screwdriver’s handle or the nail’s head to push the hinge pin upward. Start with light taps to avoid damaging the hinge or the surrounding door frame. If the pin does not move right away, gradually increase the force while keeping the tool steady.
For stubborn pins, try wiggling the screwdriver or nail slightly between taps to help break any paint, rust, or debris holding the pin in place. Continue tapping until the pin lifts enough for you to grab and remove it easily.
Step 3: Remove the Pin
Once you loosen the pin and it lifts from the hinge, try pulling it out by hand. If it feels slippery or difficult to grip, use a pair of pliers for better control. Grip the pin firmly with the pliers and gently wiggle it while pulling upward to ease it out of the hinge. If the pin remains stuck, continue tapping the bottom lightly with a hammer while applying upward pressure with the pliers.
| Pro Tip: Avoid overpowering the pin removal process. Scott warns, “Excessive hammering can damage the door, frame, or hinge. Using controlled taps with proper tools is key.” |
Read more: How to Take a Door off Its Hinges
How to Remove a Hinge Pin with a Bottom Cap
Removing a hinge pin with a bottom cap requires a slightly different approach than a standard hinge pin. Since the cap prevents the pin from being tapped out from below, you will need to first remove the cap before extracting the pin.
You will need a screwdriver, a hammer, and a thin nail. Begin by gently tapping the cap from below with a hammer until it loosens and comes off. Once you remove the cap, insert a thin nail or punch into the hole at the bottom of the hinge and tap it upward with a hammer until the pin slides out.
Another way to remove the bottom cap is by using a vice grip instead of a screwdriver. Simply clamp the vice grip securely onto the cap, then tap the grip with a hammer until the cap loosens and comes off.
This method provides extra leverage and can be especially useful if the cap is stuck or difficult to remove. Once the cap is off, you can tap out the hinge pin, as described earlier.
| Pro Tip: Always use lubrication when needed. Scott explains, “Penetrating oil can be extremely helpful for loosening rusted or painted-over hinge pins.” |
How to Remove a Door Hinge Pin with Non-Removable Pins
Door hinges with non-removable pins (NRP) provide extra security by preventing the door from being removed from the outside. Unlike standard hinges with removable pins, NRP hinges have a locking mechanism or set screw that secures the pin in place when the door is closed. This design ensures that intruders cannot remove the hinge pin to take the door off its frame.
Builders and homeowners commonly use NRP hinges for exterior doors with exposed hinges. If a door has regular hinges on the outside, someone could easily remove the pin and open the door. You can remove the pin only from the inside when the door is fully open. Some designs use a small screw to secure the pin, allowing for removal only when needed.
Step 1: Locate the Set Screw
Most non-removable pin (NRP) hinges have a small set screw that manufacturers position on the hinge barrel. This screw acts as a locking mechanism and prevents anyone from removing the hinge pin while the door is closed.
You can typically find the set screw on the side of the hinge facing the interior of the door. To access it, you must fully open the door. If you cannot immediately see the screw, check for a small hole or indentation where the manufacturer may have recessed it.
Step 2: Remove the Set Screw
Using the appropriate screwdriver, such as a Phillips, flathead, or hex key, depending on the screw type, carefully turn the set screw counterclockwise to loosen and remove it from the hinge barrel. Be sure to keep the screw you removed in a safe place in case you need to reinstall the hinge later.
Step 3: Tap Out the Hinge Pin
After removing the set screw, check if the hinge pin is loose and try tapping it out. Place a nail or similar thin, sturdy tool against the bottom of the hinge pin. Then, use a hammer to gently tap the punch upward to push the pin out of the hinge barrel. Apply steady but controlled force to avoid damaging the hinge or door.
| Pro Tip: Never remove all hinge pins at once on a heavy door. Scott cautions, “This can cause the door to fall suddenly. Always start with the bottom pin first, then the middle, and lastly, the top pin for better control.” |
How to Remove a Self-Closing or Spring-Loaded Door Hinge Pin
Manufacturers design spring-loaded door hinges to automatically close a door after it’s opened. Inside the hinge, a spring stores energy when the door swings open and releases it to pull the door shut. This makes them perfect for doors that need to close on their own, like fire doors, garage entry doors, and certain home or office doors.
When removing a spring-loaded door hinge pin, Scott Heller warns that failing to secure the tension can cause the hinge to snap unexpectedly, potentially leading to injury. He recommends carefully releasing the tension before attempting to remove the hinge pin. To remove the hinge pin of spring-loaded door hinges, please find below the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Locate the Tension Adjustment Hole
Before removing the hinge pin, you need to find the tension adjustment hole on the spring-loaded hinge. Manufacturers typically place this hole on the side of the hinge barrel, and you can use it to control the tension of the spring inside. It may be small, so look closely, especially if the hinge has been painted over.
Identifying this hole is crucial because it allows you to safely release the tension that has built up before attempting to remove the pin. Without doing this, the spring could snap back forcefully, making removal difficult and potentially dangerous.
Step 2: Release the Spring Tension
Once you have located the tension adjustment hole, insert an Allen key that fits snugly into it. Slowly turn the key counterclockwise to release the built-up tension inside the hinge. As you turn, you may feel resistance at first, but continue rotating until the tension is fully released. Take your time and ensure that you have fully released all the tension before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Loosening the Hinge Pin
After releasing the spring tension, position a punch tool or a flathead screwdriver at the bottom of the hinge pin. This will help you push the pin upward and out of the hinge. Make sure you properly align the tool to avoid slipping, which could scratch the hinge or door.
Once you place the tool in position, gently tap it with a hammer to loosen the pin. Start with light taps and gradually increase force if needed. If the pin doesn’t move easily, continue tapping while slightly wiggling the pin to free it from the hinge.
Step 4: Remove the Hinge Pin
Once you loosen the hinge pin, try pulling it out by hand. If it moves easily, simply lift it straight out of the hinge barrel. If the pin still won’t move, use a pair of pliers to get a better grip and gently wiggle it free.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could scratch or damage the hinge. If the pin remains stubborn, tap it lightly again with a hammer while pulling with the pliers.
| Pro Tip: “For spring-loaded hinges, insert an Allen key in the tension hole to hold the spring tension in place before attempting to remove the pin.” – Scott Heller |
How to Remove a Stuck Door Hinge Pin
A door hinge pin can get stuck due to rust, paint buildup, dirt, or pressure from misalignment. Rust and grime can cause it to seize, while layers of paint may glue it in place. If something misaligns the door or hinge, extra pressure can make removal difficult.
To remove a stuck door hinge pin, start by cutting away any paint around it using a sharp knife. Then, scrape off any remaining paint or dirt with a utility knife or putty knife, especially around the pinhead and seam.
Try pulling the pin out with pliers or tapping it gently with a hammer. If the pin still won’t move, spray penetrating oil around it and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen rust or dirt. Tap it again with a hammer to help break it free.
If that does not work, use a hinge pin removal tool for better leverage. Place the tool under the pinhead and apply steady pressure to pry it out. These steps should help you remove the pin without damaging the hinge or door.
Pro’s Recommendation
Scott Heller recommends a careful approach when removing a stuck hinge pin. He advises starting with a few firm but controlled taps using a hammer, nail punch, or flathead screwdriver to loosen the pin.
If it remains stuck, he suggests applying a penetrating oil like WD-40 and letting it sit for 10–15 minutes to break up rust or debris. If tapping from below doesn’t work, Heller recommends using locking pliers to grip the pin’s head, then twisting gently while pulling upward to free it.
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Read more:
- How to Hang a Door
- How to Install a Prehung Exterior Door
- How to Hang an Exterior Door in an Existing Frame
- How to Install a Prehung Interior Door
Main Photo Credit: Lost_in_the_Midwest / Adobe Stock
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