Crowder User

How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can repair a loose hinge. If, however, the screw holes are stripped and won't hold screws you might need to use dowels and wood glue before you can put back the hinge.

Remove any surface rust. This will help to keep the dowels in their place and provide an adequate base to hold onto.

Take the Hinges off

A lot of door hinges are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to the other or take the entire door off the frame if need be. Anyone with a bit of patience can remove the hinges, however, you must know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted it is necessary to remove the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint will flake off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. To break the paint seal, place the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water should soften the paint and make it easier to remove the pins.

Once the pins are loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the door. It is possible to use a regular screwdriver, but you should use a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver was created to grab screws made of metal and make the task speed up.

It is a good idea to spray some lubricant on the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant can help you to speed up the process and make the removal of pins and screws more easily. 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 the kind of door you have, and how it is set up. Solid-cored and heavier doors will require more hinges while lighter and hollow-cored doors may only require two or three hinges.

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

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes, a hinge on a door will loosen over time and start to hang in a crooked manner or slide. It can be a big issue, but the solution is usually quite simple. In most cases it's a simple tightening of the screw will resolve the problem. However, if the screw holes are stripped out, this may be more difficult to accomplish. A wood dowel could be used to tighten the holes again.

Start by drilling the old hole using 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. The dowel should be cut to a length that is exactly the same as the screw to ensure a snug fit. Then, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired level of tightness. If the door continues to bind up, insert a second dowel into the gap. Repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to ensure the perimeter clearances are correct.

You could also use a wood plug in place of the dowel. This is also a viable option, but may take some time to set up. You can insert a piece of wood that has been whittled to the proper size. If you don't have a woodworking tool, you can also try using toothpicks or wooden matches as well.

Make use of a countersink in order to make the hole smaller for the head of screw after you have installed it. This will prevent the screw from hitting the edge of the doors when they are closed and opened. This will make it easier to tighten the screws after reinstalling hinges.

After installing the hinge, make sure to lubricate the hinge using an oil-based lubricant that is dry. This will help to prevent it from getting stuck in the future. Products like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are good alternatives. Apply a thin coating and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for about 15 minutes.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, you can try a few fixes. Verify that the screws that hold the hinge plate in place to the door frame as well as the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them with an electric drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so much that they create gaps in the trim joints, or even worse remove the threads.

If the problem is that the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door, you can reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will provide a solid base for the screws and help prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before attaching the hinge.

The screws may also be damaged or missing. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Be sure to use a drill bit that is compatible with the size of the screw hole in order to avoid drilling into other parts of the jamb or hinge.

After you've reattached your hinge shut the door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. It should be about the thickness of one nickel all around or less if there's a gap created by a previous door that hung improperly. This should not be a problem if the hinges are correctly installed.

If the hinges seem loose, try adding an extra thick hinge between the surface of the hinge plate and the mounting surface. This will give the hinges a little more room. You can also try removing the hinge pin from the problematic hinge and pounding it using a hammer to make it more secure or using an entirely new hinge pin. It is also possible to lubricate the hinges with mineral or jojoba oil to decrease friction and assist in keeping their place. Periodically lubricating your hinges can help keep them from becoming stiff or squeaky, and will also extend their life.

Cleaning the Hinges

The friction created by the constant movement of a hinge draws dust particles. If there is no regular cleaning or lubrication, these particles get stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and accumulate over time. The hinge will get stiff and creaky and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection will preserve the quality and function of hinges that are attached to doors.

Examine the hinges for signs of corrosion. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying the surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will have to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, clean any loose rust using steel wool and wire brush. Then apply a rust remover from a commercial store or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Allow the rust-removing solution to remain on the hinges for a few minutes in order to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.


Retightening screws can help restore hinge function if you don't want to spend money or time on repairing hinges. If you've stripped the screws, however, it may be necessary to attach a wooden dowel or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood come 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.

tower-hamlets upvc door hinge replacement can also make an shim using metal or plastic depending on the type hinge you have. To make a dowel, you need to cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can then dip a dowel in carpenter's glue and then insert it into the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in place.

Before cleaning the hinges, lay down a cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After securing the area, clean the hinges using a soft sponge or a cloth coated with mild cleaner to get rid of dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. You can make use of a small or toothbrush brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in crevices or tight areas.

Member since: Tuesday, November 26, 2024

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