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How To Get More Value With Your Fix Door Hinge
How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a loose door hinge is a simple task for most homeowners. However, if the screw holes are damaged and aren't able to hold screws, you might need to add dowels and wood glue before you can install the hinge.

Brush away any surface that has rust. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid foundation to grip into.

Removing the Hinges

A lot of door hinges are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the next or take the entire door off the frame should it be needed. Anyone who is patient can take the hinges off, but you need to know what to do.

If the hinges are painted, you will need to remove the paint before attempting to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may be smashed off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges into an stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are completely submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to get rid of the pins.

Once the pins are loosened, you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended that you use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver was designed to grab screws made of metal and can make the work run much more quickly.

Before you attempt to remove the hinges, it is a good idea to spray them with a oil. A simple lubricant will allow you accelerate the process and remove the pins and screws more easily. You can find this type of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges needed will also vary depending on the type of door you have and how it's installed. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might require just two or three.

Understanding the various types of hinges can help you decide which one is the best for your particular situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of a door, while interior hinges must be able support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes, the hinges on doors become looser over time and begin to hang crookedly or sag. This can be a major problem, but the fix is usually quite simple. Retightening the screw will typically resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it may be difficult to do. There is a trick to make the holes back in place that uses a wood dowel.


Start by drilling the old hole with a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Then use wood glue and dowels made of wood to fill the hole. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired tightness. If the door continues to bind up, you can insert another dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure that the perimeter clearances are in order.

Another option is to utilize a wood plug instead of a dowel. It will work similarly, but it may take a bit longer to install. You can use a piece of wood which has been cut to the right size. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made from wood.

After you've reinstalled your new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it won't rub against the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will allow you to tighten the screw prior to you are reinstalling the hinge.

After you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to coat it using a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. Apply a thin layer and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you are not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to make a few minor repairs. The first step is to make sure that the screws securing the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten the screws using a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, as this can cause gaps to form at the trim joints or worse, strip the threads.

If the problem is that the hinge plates are separated from the door and jamb, you can reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will provide a solid base for the screws and help keep the plates from moving when you drive them into position. Let the glue dry before reattaching your hinge.

The screws could also be stripped or missing. This issue can be resolved by replacing the screws. Make sure you use a drill bit that is compatible with the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.

Close the door once you've reattached your hinge and measure the gap between the frame and the door. It should be approximately the thickness of one nickel all around, or less if there's a gap created by a previous door that was not properly hung. This shouldn't be a problem if hinges are correctly installed.

If you notice that the hinges remain loose, try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to add some extra space. You can also remove the hinge pin and pound it down with a hammer to tighten it or use a new hinge. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to reduce friction and keep them in their place. Regularly lubricating your hinges will aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

A hinge's continuous movement creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles may get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges, if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. As a result the hinge can become stiff and creaky and its appearance could get worse. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection will preserve the functionality and quality of hinges on doors.

Examine window hinges repair for signs of corrosion. If the corrosion has reached the point of damaging the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, first brush off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the solution that removes rust remain on the hinges for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

The tightening of screws can restore hinge functionality If you don't wish to spend time or money on replacing hinges. If you've sanded the screws' holes however, it could be necessary to add the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods that vary in sizes and lengths. They can be purchased online, in woodworking supply shops and home improvement centers.

A shim could be made of a piece of plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, you need to cut a dowel from wood to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel in carpenter's glue before inserting it into the stripped hole, allowing the glue to hold the dowel in the right position.

Before you start cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. Once the area is protected, proceed to clean the hinges using a soft cloth or sponge coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to access hard-to-reach areas in crevices and narrow areas.

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