How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Fixing a door hinge that is loose is a simple task for most homeowners. But, if the screw holes are stripped and can't hold screws, you might have to use wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge.

Before you do that though you should clean off any surface corrosion. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid base to grip into.

Removing the Hinges

A variety of door hinges can be removed, making it easier to move doors from one side of the frame to the opposite side or remove the entire door in the event of need. Removing the hinges is fairly easy for anyone with patience, though you do need to know how to do it properly.

If the hinges have been painted, you'll need to take off the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if do not remove the paint. Place the hinges into the stainless steel pot and fill it with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Allow the hinges to sit in the pan for around 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to get rid of the pins.

After the pins are loosening then you can remove the hinges from the frame and door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, however you should use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab metal screws and assist you in getting the task accomplished much faster.

It is a good practice to spray lubricant on the hinges prior to attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process to go more quickly and make it easier to remove the screws and pins. upvc door hinge repairs stratford can find this kind of lubricant in most hardware and home improvement stores.

The number of hinges you need will also differ based on the kind of door you have and the way it's installed. Heavier and solid-cored doors will require more hinges while hollow-cored doors that are lighter may only require two or three hinges.

It is also crucial to know the various types of hinges to determine which ones will work best in your situation. Exterior hinges are typically designed to support the weight of the door however, interior hinges will need to be able to handle lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges


Sometimes, the hinges on doors become looser over time and begin to hang out of alignment or sag. This can be a problem however, it's usually simple to solve. Retightening the screw will typically solve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it could be difficult to fix. There is a trick to get the holes back in place using a wooden dowel.

Begin by drilling the old hole with a drill bit close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a tight 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 is still unable to be bounded up, add another dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Make sure to close the door slowly to examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment.

You could also use a wood plug in place of the dowel. This will work just as well but might take a little longer to set up. 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 wooden tool you could also try using toothpicks or wooden matches.

Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller than the head of screw after you have reinstalled it. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edge of the doors as they are closed and opened. This will aid in tightening the screw when you are reinstalling the hinge.

Once you have reinstalled the hinge, make sure to coat it with a dry lubricant in order to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coating and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're not sure if you're ready to replace the hinges on your door, you could make a few minor repairs. The first step is to make sure that the screws holding the hinge plate to the door and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, because this can create gaps at the trim joints or more seriously, tear out the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are splitting and you want to reattach the plates by putting wood glue on the back of them and inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks in the holes. Dowels and toothpicks create an solid foundation for the screws, preventing the plates from shifting as you push them in. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the hinge.

Another reason for hinges that are loose is that the screws are damaged or are missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Use a drill that is similar to the size of the screw hole to prevent drilling into the jamb or hinge.

After you've reattached your hinge, close the door and examine the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny all around or less if the old door was not hung correctly. If the hinges were put in place correctly, this shouldn't be a problem.

If the hinges still seem loose, try adding a stronger hinge between the hinge plate's surface and the mounting surface. This will allow the hinges more space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and then pounding it using a hammer to make it more secure or using the hinge pin from a different angle altogether. You can also lubricate your hinges using mineral oil or jojoba in order to reduce friction and hold them in position. Lubricating your hinges frequently will prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and can also prolong their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction generated by the hinge's constant motion draws dust particles. These particles can become stuck and accumulate over time in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will become stiff and creaky and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can preserve the quality of hinged door and ensure their proper operation.

Check the hinges for corrosion. If the rust is so bad that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace them. If you are able to save the hinges, first brush away loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then, apply an industrial rust remover or homemade solution like lemon juice on the hinge. Allow the rust remover to remain on the hinge for a few minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

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

A shim could be made of a piece of plastic or metal, depending on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, you need to cut a wooden dowel 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, place down a towel or a paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from accidental spills and drips. After you have protected the area, clean the hinges using an easy sponge or cloth dipped into a mild cleaner to remove dirt and grime. You can also remove tarnish, dirt, and grime. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices or tight areas.