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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. However, if the screw holes are stripped and won't hold screws you might need to add dowels and wood glue before you can install the hinge. Brush away any surface rust. This will allow the dowels to remain in place and provide them a solid base to grip into. Take off the Hinges Many standard door hinges are able to be removed, making it easier to move the door from one side to the next or take the entire door off the frame should it be needed. Anyone with a little patience can remove the hinges, however, you must know what to do. If the hinges are painted you'll need to get rid of the paint prior to attempting to remove the pins. If door hinges repair don't, the paint will flake off and scratch the door when you attempt to lift it. To break the paint seal put the hinges in a stainless steel dish and fill the pan with water until the hinges are fully submerged. Let the hinges sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. The heat from the water will soften the paint and make it easier to take off the pins. Once the pins are loose, remove the hinges and the frame from the door. It is possible to use a standard screwdriver, but you should use a magnetic screwdriver for this task. This type of screwdriver is designed to pick up screws made of steel and make the task run much more quickly. It is a good practice to spray lubricant onto the hinges before attempting to remove them. A simple lubricant can make the process to go more quickly and make it easier to remove the screws and pins. You can find this kind of lubricant at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores. Keep in mind that the number of door hinges you will need will vary depending on the kind of door and the configurations. Doors with a heavier core and solid-core will require more hinges, while hollow-core doors with a lighter weight might require just two or three hinges. It is also crucial to know the various types of hinges so you can decide which one will be the most effective for your particular situation. Exterior hinges are designed to support the weight of a door, while interior hinges must be able support lighter loads. Reattaching the Hinges Over time the hinges on doors can loosen and begin to sag or hang crookedly. This could be a problem however, it's usually simple to solve. A simple retightening will usually resolve the issue. If the screw holes have been stripped out, it can be a challenge to complete. A wood dowel could be used to tighten these holes again. Begin by drilling the hole using a drill close to the size of the new screw (normally 3/8”). Fill in the hole with wood glue and a wooden stick. To ensure a secure fit, the dowel must be cut at the same length as the screw. After that, reinstall the screw and tighten it until the desired tightness. If the door still has the tendency to be bowed the door, then add a second dowel to the gap and repeat the procedure. Make sure to close the door slowly so that you can examine the clearances around the perimeter after each adjustment. You could also use a wood plug instead of the dowel. It will work equally well, but may take a bit longer to put in. Simply whittle a chunk of wood to the proper size to ensure a secure fit, then press it into the hole. If you don't have a woodworking tool you could also use toothpicks or wooden matches. After you have reinstalled the new screw, use a countersink bit to make the hole for the screw's head smaller, so that it doesn't rub against the edge of the door when it's opened and closed. This will make it much easier to tighten the screws when replacing hinges. After installing the hinge, make sure to lubricate the hinge using dry lubricant. This will help to prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. You can use products like PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench. Apply a thin coating and allow it to soak into the hinge barrel for around 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 do a few simple repairs. Verify that the screws that attach the hinge plate in place to the door frame as well as the frame are tight. If they are loose, tighten them by using a drill or screwdriver. Be cautious not to tighten the screws so much that they create gaps at the trim joints, or worse remove the threads. If the problem is that the hinge plates are separated from the jamb and door, you can reattach them by applying wood glue to the back of the plates and then inserting wooden dowels or toothpicks into the holes. Dowels or toothpicks will give a solid foundation for the screws and keep the plates from moving when you drive them into position. Allow the glue time to dry before you can reattach your hinge. Another reason that causes loose hinges is that the screws are damaged or are missing. This can be corrected by replacing the screws. Make sure you 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. Once you've reattached the hinge close the door and examine the gap between the frame and the door. It should be around the thickness of a nickel all around, or less if there's a gap created by a previous door that was not properly hung. If the hinges were put in place correctly, this shouldn't be an issue. If you notice that the hinges are still loose, you can try adding a thicker hinge shim between the hinge plate and the mounting surface, to create an extra inch of space. You can also remove the hinge pin, then pound it down with a powerful hammer to tighten it, or install an entirely new hinge. It is also possible to 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 friction caused by a hinge's constant movement draws dust particles. These particles can become stuck and accumulate in the moving parts of door hinges if they are not cleaned and lubricated regularly. The hinge will get stiff and creaky, and its appearance can rapidly change. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can preserve the quality of hinge on a door and ensure its proper function. Examine the hinges to determine how much rust has built up on their surface. If the rust is so severe that it has damaged the surface of the screw holes or the barrel of the hinge, you'll need to replace the hinges. If you are able to save the hinges, first brush off loose rust using steel wool and a wire brush. Then, apply a commercial rust remover or a homemade solution such as lemon juice to the hinge. Let the rust remover remain 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 on replacing hinges. It is possible, however, to add a wooden shim or dowel to the hinge when the screws have been stripped. Dowels made of wood are round pieces of wood in the form of rods, which are available in varying sizes and lengths. They are available at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online. A shim could also be made from a piece of metal or plastic, depending on the type of hinge you have. To make a dowel, cut a wooden dowel to the desired length. You can then dip the dowel into a carpenter's glue and insert it into the stripped hole and let the glue hold the dowel in place. Before you begin cleaning the hinges, place down a towel or a paper towel to shield flooring and other surfaces from spills and drips that may happen. After the area has been secured then clean the hinges with an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth coated with a mild cleaner or vinegar to remove dirt, grime, and tarnish. You can use a toothbrush or small brush to reach hard-to-reach spots in tight spaces and crevices.