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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge Fixing a loose door hinge is a simple task for most homeowners. But, if the holes for screws are smashed and won't hold screws you might need to use wood glue and dowels before you can put back the hinge. Clean up any surface that has rust. This will help the dowels stay in place and give them a solid base to grip into. Remove the Hinges A variety of door hinges can be removed, making it simpler to move the door from one end of the frame to the other side or remove the entire door when needed. The removal of the hinges is simple for anyone with patience, although you have to know how to do it right. 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 attempt to lift it. To break the seal of the paint put the hinges in a stainless steel pan and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges rest in the pan for 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to get rid of the pins. Once the pins are removed, take the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, however it is recommended to use a magnetic screwdriver for this job. This type of screwdriver was created to remove screws made of steel and make the task go much faster. Before you attempt to remove the hinges it is a good idea to spray them with oil. A simple lubricant can help the process move along quickly and make it easier to remove the screws and pins. You can purchase this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores. The number of hinges you need will also differ based on what type of door you have and how it's set up. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors might only require two or three hinges. Understanding the various types of hinges can help you determine which one is best for your needs. Exterior hinges are generally designed to support the door's weight, while interior hinges will need to be able to handle lighter loads. Reattaching the Hinges Sometimes, the hinges on doors loosen over time and start to hang crookedly or slide. It could be a huge issue, but the solution is usually easy. In most cases an easy tightening of the screw will resolve the problem. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it may be difficult to do. A wood dowel could be used to tighten the holes once more. Begin by drilling out the old hole using the drill bit that is close to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8”). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel should be cut to the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired level of tightness. If the door still has a tendency to bind the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the process. 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 an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a little longer to put in. Simply whittle a plug of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have a wooden tool You can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches. After you've reinstalled your new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it does not rub against the edge of the door when it's open and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws after installing hinges. After installing the hinge, make sure to lubricate the hinge using an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will help prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. You can use products such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. You should apply a thin coat and allow it to take approximately 15 minutes to reach the hinge barrel. Refinishing the Hinges If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few simple fixes. Verify that the screws that attach the hinge plate in place to the door frame and frame are in good condition. If they are loose, tighten them with a power drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws as this could cause gaps to appear at the trim joints, or more seriously, tear out the threads. If the problem is that the hinge plates are breaking away from the door and jamb and jamb, you can fix 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 serve as a solid base for the screws and to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into place. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge. Another common cause of hinges that are loose is that the screws are damaged or gone. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for 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, close the door and examine the gap between the door and the frame. It should be approximately the thickness of one nickel all around, or less if there's a gap caused by a previous door that was not properly hung. If the hinges were put in place correctly, this should not be a problem. If you notice that the hinges remain loose, try putting the thicker shim of the hinge between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give an extra inch of space. You could also try taking the hinge pin from the troublesome hinge and then pounding it using a hammer to make it tighter or using a new hinge pin altogether. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to decrease friction and assist in keeping their place. Lubricating your hinges periodically can stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky and also prolong their lifespan. Cleaning the Hinges The constant movement of a hinge causes friction, which attracts dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and then build up over time. As a result the hinge can become stiff and creaky and its appearance could get worse. Repair My Windows And Doors , lubrication and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges that are attached to doors. Examine the hinges for rust accumulation. If the rust has corroded to the point of damaging the surface of the barrel or screw holes, you'll require replacement of the hinges. If you can save the hinges, remove any loose rust with a wire brush and steel wool. Apply a commercial rust-removing product or homemade solutions like lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust remover be on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion. Retightening screws can restore hinge function If you don't wish to spend time or money on replacing hinges. If you have stripped the screws however, it could be necessary to add a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood come in round rods of varying sizes and lengths. They are available at home improvement centers as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or online. A shim could also be made from metal or plastic, depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a piece made of wooden dowel or another sturdy material to the desired size. 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 desired position. Before you begin cleaning the hinges, place down a paper or cloth towel to shield floors and other surfaces from drips and spills that could happen. After protecting the area, clean the hinges using an easy sponge or cloth coated with a mild cleaner to remove dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. A toothbrush or small brush can be used to reach hard-to-reach areas in crevices and difficult places.