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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can fix a loose hinge. But, if the holes for screws are smashed and can't hold screws, you might have to put in dowels and wood glue before you can put back the hinge.

Before you do that, however you should clean off any surface rust. This will help to keep the dowels in place and give them a solid foundation for them to grip onto.

Remove the Hinges

Many standard door hinges can be removed, which makes it easier to move the door from one end of the frame to the other side or remove the entire door when needed. Anyone who is patient can take the hinges off, however, you must know what to do.

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

After the pins have been loose, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. You can use a screwdriver to get the job done, however it is recommended that you make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver is designed to grab screws made of steel and will make the project speed up.

It is a good idea to spray lubricant onto the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process go by more quickly and aid in the removal of the screws and pins. This type of lubricant can be found at most hardware stores as well as home improvement shops.

It is important to keep in mind that the number of door hinges you'll require will vary depending on the kind of door and its settings. Heavier doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors that weigh less might only require two or three.

It is also essential to understand the different types of hinges in order to determine which ones will work best in your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the weight of a door, while hinges for interior use must be able to support heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, the hinges of doors may lose its grip and then begin to hang crooked or sag. This can be a problem however, it's usually simple to fix. A simple tightening can solve the problem. If upvc door hinge repairs farnborough RepairMyWindowsAndDoors have been stripped out, it may be difficult to fix. A wood dowel can be used to tighten these holes once more.

Begin by drilling the old hole with a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Fill in the hole using wood glue and a wooden stick. The dowel should be cut to a length the same as the screw to ensure a secure fit. Reinstall the screw and tighten it to the desired tightness. If the door continues to have a tendency to bind, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the perimeter clearances are correct.

You could also use a wood plug in place of the dowel. It's also possible however it will take a bit longer to install. You can use the wood piece that has been whittled down to the right size. If you don't own a woodworking instrument, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.

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

After you have reinstalled the hinge, be sure to grease it with a dry lubricant to help keep it from getting stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great alternatives. Apply a thin layer of it 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 are able to make a few minor repairs. Verify that the screws that hold the hinge plate to both the door frame and frame are tight. If they're loose, tighten them using a screwdriver or power drill. Be cautious not to over tighten the screws, because this can create gaps at the trim joints or worse, strip the threads.


If the problem is that the hinge plates are separating from the jamb and door, 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. The toothpicks or dowels will give a solid foundation for the screws and keep the plates from moving when you drive them into place. Let the glue dry before reattaching the hinge.

The screws may also be stripped or missing. You can fix this problem by replacing the screws with larger ones. Make sure the drill bit is the same size as the screw hole to avoid drilling into the hinge or jamb.

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

If the hinges seem loose, you could add an extra thick hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges more room. You can also take off the hinge pin and pound it down with a heavy hammer to tighten it, or install the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate the hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to decrease friction and help them hold their place. Lubricating your hinges regularly can aid in keeping them from becoming stiff or squeaky and will also prolong their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The constant movement of a hinge causes friction, which attracts dust particles. These particles can become 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 can be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspections can maintain the quality of a door's hinges and ensure their proper operation.

Inspect the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated on their surfaces. If the rust has become so severe 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 are able to save the hinges, first brush off loose rust using steel wool and wire brushes. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust removal solution sit on the hinge for several minutes to dissolve and penetrate any remaining corrosion.

The tightening of screws can restore hinge functionality in the event that you don't want to spend money or time to replace hinges. It might be necessary, however, to add dowel or shim made of wood to the hinge when the screws have been shaved. Wooden dowels are round pieces made of wood in the shape of rods that are available in varying lengths and sizes. They are available at home improvement centers as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or on the internet.

A shim could be made of plastic or metal, based on the type of hinge you've got. To make a dowel, cut an unfinished dowel into the desired length. You can dip the dowel into carpenter's adhesive and place it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel securely in the desired position.

Before cleaning the hinges put down a cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. Once the area is protected then clean the hinges using an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth dipped in a mild cleaner or vinegar to get rid of the build-up of dirt, grime and tarnish. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in crevices and tight areas.

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