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How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

Most homeowners can repair a loose hinge. However, if the screw holes are damaged and won't hold screws you may need to add wood glue and dowels before you can install the hinge.

Before you do that, however, brush away surface rust. This will help the dowels remain in place and provide them a solid foundation to rest on.

Take off the Hinges

Most hinges on doors are removable, which makes it easier to move the door from one side to another or to take the entire door off the frame if need be. It is simple for anyone with a little patience, although you need to know how to do it correctly.

If the hinges are painted, you will need to remove the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. You may scratch your door if you do not remove the paint. Place the hinges in an stainless steel pot and fill it up with water to the point that the hinges are completely submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat of the water will soften the paint making it easier to remove.

After the pins are loosening and the pins are loose, you can take off the hinges from the door and frame. You can employ a screwdriver for the job done, however it is recommended to employ a magnetic screwdriver to complete this project. This type of screwdriver has been specially designed to pick up metal screws and help you get the job done much faster.

upvc door hinge replacement aylesbury RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is a good practice to spray lubricant onto the hinges prior to trying to remove them. A simple lubricant will help the process move along quickly and aid in the removal of the pins and screws. You can find this kind of lubricant at most hardware and home improvement stores.


You should also keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary based on the door's type and its setting. Doors with solid cores and heavy weights will require more hinges while hollow-cored and lighter doors might only need two or three.

It is also crucial to understand the different types of hinges in order to decide which one will best suit your needs. The hinges on the exterior are designed to withstand the weight of a door, whereas interior hinges must be able support lighter loads.

Reattaching the Hinges

Over time, the hinges of doors may lose its grip and then begin to sag or hang crookedly. This can be a major issue, but the solution is usually simple. A simple tightening can resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been ripped out, it may be a challenge to complete. There is a trick to make the holes back in place that utilizes a wood dowel.

Begin by drilling the hole with a drill bit close to the new screw size (normally 3/8"). Then, use a wood glue as well as dowels made of wood to fill the hole. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel must be cut to the same length as the screw. Reinstall the screw, and tighten to desired tightness. If the door is still unable to be bounded up, you can insert another dowel to the gap. Repeat the process. Close the door slowly after each adjustment to make sure that the perimeter clearances are in order.

Another option is to just make use of a wood plug instead of a dowel. It's also possible, but may take some time to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood to the appropriate size for a comfortable fit, then tap it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking instrument, you can use toothpicks or matchsticks made of wood.

After you've reinstalled your new screw then use a countersink to make the hole for the screw's head smaller so that it won't be able to rub against the edge of the door when it is opened and closed. This will aid in tightening the screw prior to you are reinstalling the hinge.

Once you've reinstalled your hinge, be sure to lubricate it with a dry lubricant to ensure that it doesn't get stuck in the future. Products such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are great options. You should apply a light coat and give it around 15 minutes to fully get into the barrel of the hinge.

Refinishing the Hinges

If you're unsure whether to replace your hinges, try a few simple fixes. Check that the screws that hold the hinge plate to the door frame and the frame are in good condition. If they're loose, tighten them using the help of a screwdriver or a power drill. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so tight that they cause gaps at the trim joints, or worse, strip the threads.

If the problem is that the hinge plates are separating from the door and jamb it is possible to reattach them by gluing wood glue to the back of the plates, and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. The toothpicks or dowels will provide a solid base for the screws and help to prevent the plates from shifting when you drive them into the holes. Let the glue dry before you can reattach your hinge.

Another reason that causes loose hinges is that the screws are stripped or are missing. This problem can be fixed by replacing the screws. Make sure the drill bit is similar to the size of the screw hole to prevent drilling into the hinge or jamb.

After you've reattached your hinge shut the door and check 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 hung incorrectly. This shouldn't be a problem if the hinges are installed correctly.

If you notice that the hinges remain loose, try adding an extra thicker shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create 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 an entirely new hinge pin. You can also grease your hinges with mineral oil or jojoba to decrease friction and help keep them in position. Lubricating your hinges frequently will stop them from becoming stiff and squeaky, and also extend their lifespan.

Cleaning the Hinges

The constant movement of a hinge creates friction, which draws dust particles. These particles can get stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges if they're not cleaned and lubricated regularly. In the end, the hinge becomes stiff and creaky and its appearance may be damaged quickly. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can help preserve the quality of a hinged door and ensure their proper function.

Check the hinges for the accumulation of rust. 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're able to save the hinges, remove any loose rust using steel wool and wire brush. Then, apply an industrial rust remover or a homemade solution, such as lemon juice on the hinge. Let the rust removal solution sit on the hinge for several minutes to penetrate and dissolve any remaining corrosion.

If you don't want to spend cost and time to replace your hinges, simply retightening the screws can bring back the hinge's functionality. If you have stripped the screws' holes however, it might be necessary to attach the dowel of wood or shim to the hinge. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood in the form of rods that are available in different lengths and diameters. You can find them at home improvement stores, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online.

You can also create a shim from a piece made of plastic or metal depending on the type hinge you are using. To make a dowel cut a piece made of wooden dowel or other sturdy material to the size you want. Then, dip a dowel in carpenter's glue and place it in the hole. The glue will hold the dowel firmly in the position.

Before cleaning the hinges put down a piece of paper cloth or towel to shield your flooring from spills. After you have protected the area then clean the hinges using an easy sponge or cloth coated with mild cleaner to eliminate dirt and grime. Also, tarnish and rust can be removed. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to get into difficult-to-reach areas in tight spaces and crevices.

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