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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Repairing a broken door hinge is a simple task for the majority of homeowners. If the screws' holes are shattered and do not hold screws, you may need to use wood glue and dowels to fix the hinge.

Brush away any surface rust. This will aid in keeping the dowels in place and give them an adequate base for them to rest on.

Removal of the Hinges

Most hinges on doors are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the next or to take the entire door off of the frame, if needed. Anyone who is patient can take the hinges off, but you need to know what to do.

If the hinges have been painted you'll need to take off the paint before you attempt to remove the pins. If you don't, the paint could peel off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. Place the hinges into a stainless steel pot and fill it up with water to the point that the hinges are submerged. Allow the hinges to sit in the pan for approximately 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to get rid of the pins.

After the pins have been loosened, remove the hinges and frame from the door. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can make use of a screwdriver to get the job done, but it is recommended to make use of a magnetic screwdriver for this project. This type of screwdriver has been specifically designed to grab metal screws and help you get the job completed much quicker.

It is a good practice to spray lubricant on the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant can help you move the process along faster and also remove the pins and screws with ease. You can find this type of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.

You should also keep in mind that the number of hinges you will need will vary based on the door's type and its configurations. Heavy doors and solid-core doors will require more hinges while lighter-weight and hollow-core doors might require just two or three hinges.

Understanding the different kinds of hinges can help you decide which one is the best for your situation. The hinges on the exterior are designed to support the door's weight however, interior hinges will have to be able to handle heavier loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Sometimes a door hinge will become looser over time and begin to hang in a crooked manner or sag. It can be a big issue, but the solution is usually simple. Most of the time an easy tightening of the screw will fix the problem. However, if the screw holes are stripped out, it can be more difficult. A wood dowel could be used to tighten these holes again.

Start by drilling out the hole from the previous one using a drill bit that is similar to the size of the new screw (typically 3/8"). Then, you can use a wood glue and dowels made of wood to fill the hole. The dowel should be cut to a length that is similar to the screw to ensure a secure fit. Install the screw again and tighten it to the desired degree of tightness. If the door has a tendency to bind, then add another dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the clearances around the perimeter are correct.

Another option is to utilize an old-fashioned wood plug instead of a dowel. It works just as well but might take a bit longer to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood that is the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have an instrument for woodworking or toothpicks, you can make use of toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.

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

Once you've reinstalled your hinge, make sure to grease it with a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin layer 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, try a few easy fixes. The first step is to check that the screws securing the hinge plate to the frame and door are tight. If they're loose, tighten them with a power drill or screwdriver. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, because this can create gaps at the trim joints or worse, strip out the threads.

If the issue is that the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door it is possible to reattach the hinges by applying wood glue to the plate's back and then inserting toothpicks or wooden dowels into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will provide a solid base for the screws and prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into position. Allow the glue time to dry before reattaching the hinge.


Another reason for hinges that are loose is that the screws are damaged or gone. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Be sure to use a drill bit that matches the size of the screw hole to avoid drilling into other parts of the hinge or jamb.

After you've reattached your hinge, close the door and examine the gap between the frame and the door. The gap should be about the thickness of a penny or less if an older door was not hung correctly. This shouldn't be a problem as long as the hinges are properly installed.

If you discover that the hinges remain loose, you can try adding a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface to give an extra inch of space. You can also remove the hinge pin, then pound it down with a hammer to tighten it, or install the hinge of a different type. You can also lubricate your hinges with mineral or Jojoba oil to reduce friction and help them hold their place. Lubricating your hinges frequently will prevent them from becoming stiff and squeaky and also extend their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which attracts dust particles. Without periodic cleaning and lubrication, these particles become stuck in the moving parts of a door hinge and build up over time. The hinge will become stiff and creaky, and its appearance may rapidly deteriorate. Regular cleaning, lubrication and inspection can preserve the quality of door's hinges and ensure their proper function.

Check the hinges to see how much rust has accumulated on their surface. If the rust has corroded to the point of destroying surface of the hinge barrel or screw holes, you will need to replace the hinges. If you can save the hinges, first brush off any loose rust with steel wool and wire brushes. Apply a commercial rust-removing solution or a homemade solution such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust removal solution be on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining rust.

If you don't wish to spend cost and time to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws will make the hinges functional again. If you've stripped the screw holes however, it could be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood come in round rods of various lengths and sizes. You can find them at home improvement centers as well as woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.

You can also make an shim out of made of plastic or metal depending on the kind of hinge you own. To make a dowel, cut a piece made of wooden dowel or any other durable material to the size you want. You can then dip a dowel in carpenter's glue and then insert it into the hole. The glue will secure the dowel in the position.

Before cleaning the hinges, put down a paper cloth or towel to protect your flooring from spills. After protecting the area then clean the hinges using a soft sponge or a cloth dipped into mild cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach difficult-to-reach places in crevices or tight areas.

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