How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

The majority of homeowners can fix hinges that are loose. However, if the holes for screws are smashed and can't hold screws, you might need to put in wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.

Before you do this, however scrub away any the surface rust. This will allow the dowels to remain in place and provide them a solid base to hold onto.

Take the Hinges off

Many standard door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move a door from one side of the frame to the opposite side or remove the entire door in the event of need. Anyone who is patient can remove the hinges, but you must be aware of what to do.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to take off the paint prior to trying to remove the pins. If you do not, the paint may peel off and scratch your door when you try to lift it. Place the hinges in a stainless steel pot and fill it up with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins.

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

It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process to go more quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. You can find this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges you need will also differ based on the type of door you have and how it's set up. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will need more hinges, while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might require just two or three hinges.

Understanding the different kinds of hinges will help you determine which one is suitable for your situation. Exterior hinges are designed to hold the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges must be able support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, a door hinge can loosen and begin to hang crooked or sag. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually easy. A simple retightening will usually solve the problem. However in the event that the screw holes have been stripped out, this may be more difficult. Fortunately, there is a method to make these holes tight again that uses a wood dowel.

Start by drilling the old hole using a drill close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a snug fit, the dowel should be cut to the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired level of tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, insert a second dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Be sure to close the door slowly so that you can verify the clearances at the perimeter after each adjustment.

You can also use a wooden plug in place of the dowel. It works similarly, but it may take a little longer to put in. Simply whittle a plug of wood that is the proper size to ensure a secure fit, and then insert it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool you could also use toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

After you have reinstalled the new screw and countersink the screw, you can use a countersink tool to make the hole for the screw's head smaller, so that it doesn't touch the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws before replacing hinges.


After reinstalling the hinge, lubricate the hinge with dry lubricant. This will help to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer of it and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not ready to replace the hinges on your door, you are able to do a few simple repairs. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is to ensure whether the screws that secure the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they are loose, tighten them with a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to tighten the screws to the point that they start to create gaps in the trim joints, or worse remove the threads.

If the problem is that the hinge plates are breaking away from the jamb and door and jamb, you can fix them by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will serve as a solid base for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into place. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.

Another common cause of hinges that are loose is that screws are worn out or gone. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with longer ones. Make sure you use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.

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

If you discover that the hinges remain loose, you can try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create a little extra space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and pounding it with a hammer in order to make it tighter or use an entirely new hinge pin. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and hold them in place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and can also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction caused by the constant movement of a hinge draws dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and then build up over time. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the integrity of a hinged door and ensure their proper operation.

Examine the hinges for the accumulation of rust. If the corrosion has reached the point of destroying surface of the barrel or screw holes, you will need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, begin by brushing off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust removal solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to be on the hinges for several minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

The tightening of screws can restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend money or time to replace hinges. If you've stripped the screw holes however, it might be necessary to attach a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Wooden dowels come in round rods of various sizes and lengths. They can be purchased online, at woodworking supply shops and home improvement stores.

A shim may be made of plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut a piece of wooden dowel or other sturdy material to the desired size. You can dip the dowel in carpenter's glue and then insert it into the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in the desired position.

Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a paper cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected then clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. A small or toothbrush can be used to access difficult-to-reach spots in crevices or narrow areas.