How do you remove a door hinge pin with non removable pins?

Removing a door hinge pin can be tricky, especially if it has non-removable pins. Hinge pins are designed to keep the hinge barrel in place and allow the door to swing open and close properly. However, there may come a time when you need to remove the door from the hinge, such as when moving to a new home or replacing the door. While removable pin hinges allow you to just pop out the pins, non-removable pins require some maneuvering to get the pins out of the barrel. Fortunately, there are a few methods you can use to remove non-removable hinge pins yourself without damaging the hardware.

Why Remove a Non Removable Hinge Pin?

Here are some of the main reasons you may need to remove a non-removable hinge pin:

• Removing the door – If you need to take the door off the hinges to move it or replace it, the pins will need to come out first.
• Refinishing or painting – To properly refinish or paint a door, you’ll need to remove it from the jamb, which requires extracting the pins.
• Repairing loose hinges – Over time, hinges can become loose. Removing the pins allows you to tighten the screws or replace the hinges.
• Hardware replacement – Updating old or worn hardware will require fully detaching the door from the frame.
• Door rehanging – You may need to remove the pins to rehang a door properly so it operates smoothly.

Removing non-removable pins takes more time and effort than removable ones. But with the right techniques and tools, you can pull out the pins without issue and move forward with your project.

Tools Needed

To remove non-removable hinge pins, you’ll need the following basic tools:

• Hammer – Used for tapping pins out.
• Punch – A nail set or center punch helps drive pins out.
• Lubricant – Such as WD-40 or another penetrating oil to help loosen pins.
• Pliers – Standard locking pliers or vice grips hold pins as you work them out.
• Block of wood – A block protects the door from damage while tapping pins.
• Rags – For cleaning up oil as you work.
• Safety glasses – Protect eyes from flying pins or debris.

You likely already have most, if not all, of these standard tools available. specialty tools are not necessary for DIY hinge pin removal in most cases. Focus on using lubricant and careful tapping to get the pins moving.

How to Remove a Non Removable Pin

With the right tools on hand, follow these steps to successfully remove non-removable hinge pins:

1. Remove hinge screws – Use a screwdriver to detach the hinges from the door jamb. Leave hinges attached to the door.
2. Lubricate the pins – Spray penetrating oil or WD-40 liberally along the exposed parts of the pins and let it soak in for 5-10 minutes.
3. Position door horizontally – Lay the door flat to access one pin at a time without gravity fighting you.
4. Clamp pliers on pin – Lock pliers or vice grips tightly on the pin as close to the barrel as possible.
5. Tap pin with hammer – Use firm hammer taps on the pliers to gently drive the pin outward.
6. Rock pin back and forth – Alternate tapping and rocking the pin out of the barrel. The oil will help loosen it.
7. Withdraw pin fully – Once any seized spots are freed, use the pliers to pull the pin completely from the barrel.
8. Repeat steps – Move to the other pin and continue lubricating, tapping and pulling until it releases.
9. Reattach door – Screw the hinges back into the jamb and test that the door operates properly.

Be patient and persistent in using penetrating oil and sharp hammer taps to free stuck pins. Rocking the pins while pulling creates the leverage needed to get them moving.

Tips for Removing Pins

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind for removing non-removable hinge pins successfully:

• Always detach hinges from the jamb first – Keeping hinges attached to the door gives you better control over the process.
• Work on one pin at a time – Focusing on one pin reduces the chance of warping the door or damaging the hardware.
• Use wood block to protect door – Lay a wood block beneath the pin being worked to prevent dents and dings.
• Apply lubricant liberally – Don’t skimp on the WD-40 or penetrating oil to help loosen seized pins.
• Tap gently but firmly – Sharp hammer strikes are needed to overcome friction. But take care not to bend or damage pins.
• Pull with steady pressure – Keep pliers tightly clamped and use constant force to extract pins fully.
• Replace damaged pins – Any pins bent or broken in the process will need replacement before reinstalling the door.
• Refit door and test – Confirm proper fit and smooth swinging action once pins are removed and door is reattached.

With care, patience and the proper technique, even stubborn non-removable pins can be extracted without damage. Follow these tips for best results removing door hinge pins.

Alternative Methods

In some cases, traditional tapping and pulling may not get a seized non-removable pin free. Here are two alternative methods to try when pins refuse to budge:

Method 1 – Drill Out the Pin

If gentle tapping isn’t working, drilling may be required:

1. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the pin – The goal is to drill into and grip the pin, not widen the hole.
2. Drill into pin at low speed – Use care not to damage the barrel threads or hole.
3. Insert bolts into holes – Thread bolts into drilled holes to provide grips for pliers.
4. Lock pliers onto bolts – Get a tight clamp on bolts to support pulling force.
5. Steadily draw out pins – Pull bolts with constant pressure to draw pins from barrel.

Drilling into seized pins gives you the purchase needed to forcibly extract them when other methods fail.

Method 2 – Cut Off the Pin

For badly stuck pins, carefully cutting off the exposed end may be the only way to remove the door:

1. Use a hacksaw to cut pin flush – Insert blade between door and jamb to saw off protruding pin.
2. Drill through remaining pin – Use a bit wide enough to accommodate a hammerhead.
3. Force hammerhead into drilled hole – Drive it in to wedge into remaining pin fragment.
4. Pull hammer to draw out pin – Firmly pull hammer to leverage pinned fragment from barrel.
5. Replace pins – Install new pins before rehanging door.

Sawing off the exposed pin end allows the embedded section to be drawn back out of the way.

Use these forceful methods only when gentler tactics are ineffective. They come with added risk of damage.

Preventing Stuck Pins

To avoid dealing with stuck non-removable pins in the future:

• Use a removable pin hinge – Upgrade to hinges designed for easy pin removal.
• Keep pins lubricated – Apply WD-40 or similar lubricant periodically.
• Close door fully when painting – Prevent paint seizing pins in place.
• Replace worn hinges – Old, sagging hinges can bend and seize pins.
• Tighten loose hinge screws – Stop movement that can bend or seize pins.
• Check pins for friction – Regularly test pins for stiffness.

With proper, regular maintenance, you can prevent non-removable pins from ever becoming stuck.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY hinge pin removal is possible in most cases, it’s best to call a professional if:

• Pins are heavily rusted or painted into hinges
• Hinge barrel holes are damaged or worn out of round
• Pins are bent, broken or missing
• Door no longer operates properly after reinstallation
• Hinges need full replacement due to wear or damage

A skilled technician has specialized tools and experience freeing stuck pins and correcting underlying hardware issues. They can assess if replacement hinges or new pins are needed.

Conclusion

Removing stuck non-removable hinge pins takes finesse and diligence, but can typically be accomplished with common tools and the proper technique. Adequate lubrication, controlled taps with a hammer, and smooth steady pressure are key to coaxing out pinned hinges without damage. In difficult cases, drilling or cutting pins may become necessary. Whenever possible, take preventative steps like regular lubrication and hinge tightening to keep non-removable pins operating smoothly and avoid stuck pins. But with the right approach, you can remove the most stubborn non-removable hinge pin yourself.