Oven door off hinge

[pfd]

Hi,

I was attempting to wrestle my Whirlpool stove/oven out of its cubby hole and I inadvertantly lifted up on one side of the oven door. The hinge on that side slipped up and out of where it was and now I can't figure out how to get it back in properly. The other hinge is still in place (so one side "works", the other is just resting/dangling depending on if I leave the door "closed" or try to open it). The hinge is spring loaded by a heavy spring (strong enough to keep the door closed). The part of the hinge that inserts into the frame of the range and holds the door against the oven is a slim piece of metal that has two slots, the top one with a curve in it, that is intended to slide into a slot in the side of the range and over two bolts. I cannot seem to coax (gently or otherwise) the hinge into the right position (it gets part way in, but the curved slot can't slide down over the bolt). I also cannot seem to coax the hinge into the "open" position (which would allow me to insert it into the slot and wiggle it over the bolts) without risking fingers/eyes/whatever because the spring that is holding the hinge closed is quite strong. Attempting to pry the hinge open, the only thing to pry against is the door itself, which makes nasty little noises (and I'm getting nowhere anyway). Trying to pull the hinge into the open position with plyers is a no-go. Maybe if I had vise grips I could budge it, but I sort of doubt that.

It's a 1997 model range, smooth top with Accubake oven.

Does anybody have any suggestions on how to reunite the door hinge with its slot and take its rightful place on the bolts (without harming me, the door or the range)?

thanks,

Pete

[DIY Guy]

I'm not sure I can help you but the way to remove most doors is to tilt them out around 45 to 60 degrees and then lift striaght up.

To restore it, it makes sense to yuse the same positioning. However, how to get the hinge arm out, and to stay there while you put the door on?

I can't say for sure for your case, but I'd pry it out and wedge the shaft of a screwdriver between it and the oven so it cannot close again. Then I'd use locking pliers to hold it in position while I put the door back on.

Another possibility is to open the hinge all the way to the full open position. It may lock in that open position and then you can put the door on.

Finally, you may be having trouble sliding the door back on because it is supposed to slide over both hinges at the same time. If you aren't pulling it part way off the the other hinge, it may be twisted into position that won't allow the hinge to reunite with the door.

Good Luck.