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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can fix a loose hinge. If the holes for screws have been smashed and will not hold screws, you may require dowels and wood glue in order to reinstall the door hinge.

Before you do this, however, brush away the surface rust. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid base to rest on.

Eliminating the Hinges

Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the other side or take the entire door off in the event of need. It is simple for anyone with a bit of patience, although you need to know how to do it correctly.


If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to remove it prior to trying to remove the pins. It is possible to scratch your door if you don't take off the paint. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. The hinges should remain in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint making it easier to take off.

Once Repair My Windows And Doors are loosened and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver is specifically designed to grab metal screws and aid you in getting the job done much faster.

It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can help the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. This type of lubricant can be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement stores.

You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll require will vary depending on the door's type and its setting. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges whereas lighter and hollow-cored doors may only require two or three hinges.

Understanding the different kinds of hinges will help you determine which one is suitable for your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the door's weight and interior hinges need to be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, the hinges of doors may lose its grip and then begin to sag or hang crookedly. It can be a big issue, but the solution is usually quite simple. A simple retightening will usually solve the problem. However, if the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult to accomplish. A dowel made of wood can be used to tighten the holes once more.

Begin by drilling out the hole from the previous one using an appropriate drill bit similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length exactly the same as the screw to ensure a tight fit. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to desired degree of tightness. If the door continues to have the tendency to be bowed, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct.

Another option is to just make use of the wood plug instead of dowel. It will work similarly, but it may take a little longer to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood to the proper size to ensure a secure fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking tool you could also use toothpicks or wooden matches.

Make use of a countersink to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have put it back in place. This will stop the screw from rubbing against the edge of the doors as they are opened and closed. This will aid in tightening the screw after installing the hinge.

Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to lubricate it with a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to penetrate the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, try a few simple fixes. Make sure the screws that secure the hinge plate to both the door frame and the frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with a screwdriver or power drill. Be careful not to tighten your screws so tight that they cause gaps at the trim joints or, even more damagingly, strip the threads.

If you're experiencing issues because the hinge plates are separated from the door and jamb it is possible to reattach them by gluing wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks and dowels provide an solid foundation for the screws, preventing the plates from moving as you drive them in. Allow the glue to dry before you can reattach your hinge.

The screws could also be damaged or missing. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.

Once you've reattached the hinge close the door and look at the gap between the frame and the door. It should be about the thickness of a nickel all the way around, or less if there's a gap that was caused by a previous door that was not properly hung. This shouldn't be a problem if the hinges are properly installed.

If the hinges are still loose, you can add an extra thick hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more space. You can also try removing the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and pounding it with a hammer in order to make it tighter or using a new hinge pin altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and keep them in place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction caused by the hinge's constant motion draws dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and build up over time. As a result the hinge can become stiff and creaky and its appearance may be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can preserve the quality of door's hinges and ensure their proper operation.

Check the hinges for rust accumulation. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll have to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, first brush away loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or homemade solutions like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust removal solution be on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

If you do not want to spend the cost and time to replace hinges, simply tightening the screws can make the hinges functional again. It may be necessary to add an shim of wood or a dowel to the hinge in the event that the screws have been degraded. Dowels made of wood are available in round rods of varying sizes and lengths. You can find them at home improvement stores as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.

A shim may be made of plastic or metal, based on the kind of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wood dowel or any other durable material to the size you want. You can dip the dowel into the adhesive of a carpenter and then insert it into the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in the position.

Before cleaning the hinges put down a piece of paper cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After securing the area clean the hinges with an easy sponge or cloth coated with a mild cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to reach hard-to-reach areas in crevices and narrow spots.

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